BUSINESS ETHICS : A Marketing 'MAKEOVER'? 

Read this fascinating article from The Guardian about Phillip Morris - the producers of Marlboro Cigarrettes amongst other tobacco brands....  

Phillip Morris - takeover of Pharmaceuticals firm - Click to Link

Use the article to start a classroom debate - with the following questions in mind :

- How likely are such makeovers to succeed in resetting the image of the company in the eyes of the public?

- What other examples can the students come up with - when firms have tried to transform their image in the eyes of the consumer?    

To help with this - perhaps consider the following examples :

- BP (formerly British Petroleum - now short for 'Beyond Petroleum' - with a completely changed logo to go with it..

McDonalds - now with a green backdrop and an increasing range of non-meat alternatives on the menu - as well as more environmentally-friendly packaging...

TOPICS :  

BUSINESS ETHICS / TAKEOVERS / CONGLOMERATES / MARKETING / RISK-BEARING ECONOMIES

Personal Perspective :  Is this the equivalent of an arsonist being put in charge of putting out the fire - when it comes to public health concerns??     Your Opinions?