Are marketers responsible for the use of harmful products in society Essay

Are marketers responsible for the use of harmful products in society - Essay Example Society suffers tremendously when such harmful products are easily available. These products become so integrated in the lifestyles of people that consumers almost get addicted to them oblivious to the fact that these products are harming them. Why are these products marketed? Do marketers make such products so attractive that consumers over look the repercussions of their use or is it that the consumers have an existing demand for them that is why they are being manufactured and marketed. Such products have to be marketed within ethical boundaries or else the society will suffer immeasurable harm (Gandolf). Organizations today are encouraged to focus on being socially responsible. This means that they have to consider the interests of the society by taking the responsibility for the effects the firm’s activities has on its customers, stakeholders, employees, the community, the environment and all things involved in every step of its operations. This extends beyond the legal framework within which the company is required to work and is basically going a step further not to harm the society and helping make the society a better place. They should have business ethics and ideally produce products that are beneficial for the society. Today firms have incorporated CSR as an integral part of their long term strategic goals. This extends into different steps the product goes through-from the manufacturing stage till it reaches the consumer (Vass 2007). This also means that all the products should be marketed within ethical bounds keeping the interest of the society first in mind. With firms being socially more responsible, they are contributing tremendously towards improving the society. (Vass 2007). Making consumers more aware of the products and giving them a clearer picture through marketing enables the consumer to make a better choice for himself and thus a better