THE TOP 16 ETHICAL ISSUES IN MARKETING

The top 16 ethical issues & challenges in marketing. The marketing ethics affecting consumers & examples. Ethical marketing and how it affects consumer behaviour and spending.

Written by Mau, Global Head of Marketing Strategy at eDigital.

THE TOP 16 ETHICAL ISSUES IN MARKETING

Some of the world’s top marketing executives and business leaders are implementing ethical marketing policies to guide their communication, pricing, advertising, research and competitive strategies.

For example, when consumers purchase from a business, their expectations include wanting to be treated fairly by the sales teams and customer service reps and paying a fair price for the quality of the product/service.

Ethical marketing decisions and efforts should meet and suit the needs of customers, suppliers and business partners.

Recent global consumer preferences and trends show that consumers prefer ethical companies. As a result, marketing ethics are a selling point and a component of a well-established corporate image.

However ethical problems and challenges in marketing start from conflicts and disagreements and unethical behaviour such as price wars, selective advertising, unfair refund policies and deceptive marketing can negatively impact a company’s relationships with its customers.

Each party in a business transaction brings a set of expectations regarding how the business relationship and transaction should exist and be conducted. Each facet of marketing has ethical danger points as discussed below.

THE TOP 16 MOST COMMON ETHICAL CHALLENGES IN MARKETING

16. MARKETING “TRUE CRIME” ENTERTAINMENT

The rising popularity of murder-focused books, podcasts and YouTube channels has sparked an ongoing conversation about the ethics of  “True Crime” entertainment.

Some people are concerned about sensationalism and exploitation when marketing “True crime” novels, series and stories.

Should “True Crime” writers, creators and publishers also prioritise healing and restoration by giving back to survivors a portion of the money they earn by telling their stories?

The solution: consider emphasising alternative reading options that offer more positive or uplifting content and/or stories. If you sell books, you can offer incentives for exploration, for example: incentivise people to opt for books that enrich their lives in positive ways.

Popular this month: The top reasons why good people do bad things

15. MOCKS OF CELEBRITIES’ MESS-UPS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Mocking celebrities’ mistakes by publishing nasty comments on social media has become a way for some marketers to get the public’s attention.

Some argue that celebrities should not be ridiculed on social media as they can be already severely devastated and/or emotionally affected because of their mistakes and should be treated with privacy and respect.

While on the other side, some people may argue that they love these brands that mock celebrities because they simply do not give a f*ck.

Would this tactic be effective for building a positive brand reputation in the long term?

Tell us your opinion.

Some of the brands we have seen using the “Mock celebrities” tactic include Ryanair and others.

The solution: When discussing a prominent celebrity or industry leader, ensure that your contribution to the conversation is constructive and respectful. Avoid ridiculing individuals based on their mistakes, appearance, gender, age or ethnicity.

Trending this week > The world’s top 10 most popular TikTok celebrities

14. GREENWASHING

Greenwashing is when marketers overrepresent the extent to which their brands and their material sourcing, manufacture, delivery and marketing are environmentally friendly, sustainable or ethical.

For example, the potential to mislead can arise as a result of a business being unclear on what standards they use to assess the product as environmentally or socially responsible; or overstating green credentials that are not sufficiently reflected in their operations and practices.

This misrepresentation distorts relevant information that a current or prospective customer might require to make an informed buying decision.

The solution: you can take this “Green Marketing Challenge” developed by the United Nations and check how well you can identify which green claims are more likely to promote sustainability and empower sustainable consumption decisions.

Marketers are also reading: The best 25 sustainability hashtags on TikTok

13. MUSEUMS MARKETING: MARKETING OF STOLEN GOODS

“Return what was stolen from us”

That’s the demand from indigenous cultures to some of the world’s top museums.

As most museums are funded by the Government( basically taxpayers’ money), is it ethical for marketers working for museums to spend money marketing the binge-watching of stolen goods?

The solution: Inquire with your local museums about the provenance of their exhibited artifacts. If they are unable to provide a satisfactory answer, there is a possibility that the items may have been unlawfully acquired from other indigenous or ancestral communities.

12. CHILD EXPLOITATION IN ADVERTISING

The average parent may not be savvy or careful enough to protect their kids from model and talent agencies offering them quick cash to let their kids be part of creepy ad campaigns. You – the marketer – have to step in and ensure any image that uses minors’ talent is fully checked and approved by your marketing and legal teams before launching/publishing it.

Children of all ages must be the most protected humans from pervasive advertising and marketing practices.

The solution: Prior to launching a marketing campaign involving children, consult both your marketing and legal teams to determine if showcasing photos of children, particularly in association with controversial themes, is necessary or appropriate.

Note: Manipulation of children can be also seen in the gender marketing of children’s toys and clothes. While gender equality and expectations are evolving rapidly, some old-fashion marketers still think little girls only want Barbie dolls in pretty, pink dresses and little boys just want big, blue trucks. Gendered children’s toys/clothes marketing is a real issue for brands all over the world and its impact on children’s development has been widely documented.

Editor’s pick: The most popular emojis teens are using this year

11. INCOMPLETE PRODUCTS AND/OR SERVICES

Would you pay a premium price for a meal in a fine dining restaurant that does not offer you a clean table and cutlery so you can comfortably enjoy your celebrity chef’s culinary dish?

A similar situation is happening with already high-priced iPhones.

Claiming “environmental” benefits, iPhones no longer come with a charger and earphones.

But, the Brazilian government did not like it and in Sep 2022, banned Apple from selling iPhones without a battery charger, claiming that the company provides an incomplete product to consumers.

The solution: Ensure that the product or service you offer can be fully utilised and enjoyed by your customers.

Marketers are reading: How to write the best custmer service plan and template

10. UNETHICAL MARKET RESEARCH

Some ethical problems in market research are the invasion of privacy and stereotyping.

The latter occurs because any analysis of real populations needs to make approximations and place individuals into groups. However, if conducted irresponsibly, stereotyping can lead to a variety of ethically undesirable results.

The solution > Limit the collection of personal details from participants in your market research to maintain their anonymity. Additionally, when presenting insights and results from market research, be sure to include the diversity of responses from your sample, not just the similarities.

Marketers are also reading: The world’s top 20 market research companies

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9. UNETHICAL CUSTOMER SEGMENTATION

Selective marketing is used to discourage demand from so-called undesirable market sectors or disenfranchise them altogether.

Some of the most popular unethical market audience exclusion are biased attitudes towards gay, religious or ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and/or plus-size body markets.

In the screenshot below, an event organiser in Australia is assuming black/brown ppl may not be able to afford to pay the full price of a ticket for an event.

This can be seen as very rude not only by dark skin colour people but also by white skin colour people who are in economic hardship as they may feel left out of these types of discounts.

Another ethical issue relates to uneducated vulnerable audiences in emerging markets/developing countries, as the public there may not be sufficiently aware of skilled marketing ploys, dirty schemes and scams.

The solution: Allocate resources towards educating your team, partners, and customers about your products and services, as well as potential scams. Implement and enforce policies to prevent discrimination against vulnerable minorities or disadvantaged ethnic communities.

Marketers are using: The best Strategic Marketing Plan template.

8. FALSE OR EXAGGERATED REMARKS ABOUT A BRAND

In the 1940s and 1950s, tobacco used to be advertised as promoting health. Today, an advertiser who does not tell the truth, may offend consumers and break the law. However, the law permits puffery (a legal term). The difference between mere puffery and fraud is a slippery slope.

What is puffery?

Puffery refers to exaggerated or false praise. Puffery serves to “puff up” what is being described. In law, puffery is usually invoked as a defence argument: it identifies futile speech, typically of a seller, which does not give rise to legal liability.

The solution: The best way to avoid exaggerated remarks about your brand, product or service in marketing communications is to focus on providing accurate verifiable facts, truthful evidence and meaningful information about your products or services.

Most views today: The top poorest marketing campaign examples that went bad – really bad!

7. EROTIC, RELIGIOUS AND VIOLENT THEMES

Erotic suggestions in marketing campaigns and/or advertisements may be regarded as a form of harassment.

The Adidas contentious and viral ad featuring Addison Rae’s“Father son Holy Spirit” bikini inspired other popular celebrities to wear the controversial bikini such as Victoria de Angelis a popular Italian bassist of the rock band Måneskin.

The team behind the promotion of Victoria de Angelis and her rock band know how to sell music online and may have crafted a social media strategy that creates controversial viral content to earn the attention of prospective music fans who connect with rebellious themes.

The advertising of certain products may strongly offend some people while being of interest to others.

Examples include feminine hygiene products as well as hemorrhoid and constipation medication.

The advertising of condoms has become acceptable in the interests of AIDS prevention but is nevertheless seen by some religious groups as promoting promiscuity.

Violence themes in marketing or advertising are a massive issue, especially when used in children’s advertising and/or advertising likely to be seen by kids.

In 2015, the UK’s Advertising Standards Authority banned a double-page Miu Miu ad with actress Mia Goth (then 22) that ran in British Vogue. 

The solution: You should understand the demographics and preferences of your target audience to ensure that your advertising aligns with their values and beliefs. You can emphasise positive and uplifting messages in your advertising campaigns rather than relying on controversial or provocative themes. You can also select imagery that is neutral and non-controversial to avoid inadvertently conveying messages related these controversial themes.

Be mindful of cultural sensitivities and taboos when creating advertising content for diverse audiences.

You can conduct research or seek feedback from cultural experts to ensure that your marketing and/or advertising messaging is respectful and appropriate.

Only in comedy, using these themes can be a great strategy.

Some of the top 25 Australian Comedians are well-known for using controversial themes to bring laugh to their audiences and fans.

6. MARKETING PRODUCTS MADE AT EXPLOITATIVE FACTORIES

Look no further than the Dyson brand, which recently found itself toppled from its position as an innovation darling to being cast as an ethical villain following claims that the company was outsourcing to a supplier that allowed poor working conditions and exploitative practices in its Malaysian factories.

Dyson immediately terminated its contract, but not before the supplier, ATA IMS, had lost two-thirds of its value.

The solution: conduct due diligence which means research and vet potential suppliers to ensure they adhere to ethical labor practices. Look for certifications such as Fair Trade or ethical sourcing initiatives. Whenever possible, visit factories and production facilities to assess working conditions firsthand and ensure compliance with labor laws and ethical standards.

Join 5k+ marketers receiving the best marketing tips.

Employees and factory workers that have been exploited in some form or shape by their employers are using protest art to vocalise their struggles.

You are about to discover some of the world’s top 10 most popular protest art

5. NEGATIVE ADVERTISING TECHNIQUES

Through negative advertising techniques, the advertiser highlights the disadvantages of competitor products rather than the advantages of their own.

These methods are especially used in politics.

The solution: To create ethical ads and promotions, train your teams to focus on finding valid solutions for their prospects, even if it means not making a sale or even if it means recommending a competing product. There’s little worse than destroying your brand’s reputation by pushing a product that doesn’t fit the end user’s needs or desires.

You can learn how to do competitive analysis in marketing.

4. UNSOLICITED MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS

Direct marketing is the most controversial of advertising channels, particularly when approaches are unsolicited.

Yes, I know what you are thinking: those annoying flyers and catalogues filling up your mailbox.

TV commercials, pop-up banner ads and direct mail are common examples. Email spam and telemarketing push the borders of bad marketing practices and legality more strongly.

The solution: Ensure transparency by informing potential customers about the source of their email or phone numbers and provide a clear option for unsubscribing from future messages.

Marketers are also reading: This year’s best email marketing tips.

3. MISLEADING MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS

Deceptive marketing is not specific to one target market, and can sometimes go unnoticed by the public.

There are several ways in which deceptive marketing can be presented to consumers; one of these methods is accomplished through the use of humour.

Humour provides an escape or relief from some kind of human constraint, and some advertisers take advantage of this by deceptively advertising a product that can potentially alleviate that constraint through humour.

The solution: Communicate honestly and transparently with your audience, just as you would expect to be treated. Focus on addressing their needs rather than resorting to deception. If your product aligns with their needs, sales will naturally follow. If not, be willing to adapt your product or persuade your audience to reconsider their preferences.

Most shared article this month: Australia’s worst misleading advertising examples

2. ANTI-COMPETITIVE PRACTICES

2.1. BAIT AND SWITCH

Bait and switch is a form of fraud where customers are “baited” by advertising for a product or service at a low price; a second later, the customers discover that the advertised product – with the awesome price – is not available and are “switched” to a costlier produ.ct.

The solution: Establish a protocol to regularly verify the availability of advertised products. Implement automated alerts for your marketing team, agencies, and publishing partners to promptly identify when popular products become unavailable.

2.2. PLANNED OBSOLESCENCE 

Planned obsolescence is a policy of designing a product with a limited useful life, so it will become unfashionable or no longer functional after a certain period of time and put the consumer under pressure to purchase again.

Apple is known for making their iPhones harder to update to the latest technologies. For example, millions of people are still using the iPhone 6 and iPhone 7 but it has become impossible to update to the latest IOS software.

The solution: Maintain comprehensive records of all communications to ensure customers are informed about the product life cycle, including the expected optimal performance duration of your brand.

2.3. PYRAMID SCHEMES

A pyramid scheme is a non-sustainable business model that involves promising participants payment or services, primarily for enrolling other people into the scheme, rather than supplying any real investment or sale of products or services to the public.

A pyramid scheme relies on getting the initial investor or “captain” to enrol others for a fee to them who in turn will also enrol others in order to get paid.

Note: Affiliate programs that reward your customers for bringing new customers to your business is a legit marketing activity.

The solution: Keep your team and customers informed about emerging unethical and harmful pyramid schemes in your industry and emphasise the importance of never participating in or promoting such schemes or programs.

Marketers are sharing this article: This year’s top 10 social media marketing trends.

1. UNETHICAL PRICING

1.1 BID-RIGGING (also known as Collusive tendering)

Bid-rigging, also referred to as collusive tendering, occurs when two or more competitors agree they will not compete genuinely with each other for tenders, allowing one of the cartel members to ‘win’ the tender. Participants in a bid-rigging cartel may take turns to be the ‘winner’ by agreeing about the way they submit tenders, including some competitors agreeing not to tender.

The solution: When competing for tenders, allow your competitors to submit their bids, maintain transparency, and refrain from engaging in price-fixing activities. If you’re issuing a contract, monitor for any indications that top suppliers are not participating in the tender process, and inquire about any reasons why they may have chosen not to bid.

1.2 PREDATORY PRICING 

With well-managed economies of scale and optimal supply chains, you may be able to offer a price no one can offer. However, predatory pricing is the practice of selling a product or service at a low price, with only the intention to drive competitors out of the market or create barriers to entry for potential new competitors.

Numerous articles available online have highlighted the predatory pricing strategies and practices employed by the e-commerce behemoth: Amazon.

The solution: Make sure your business can justify competitive pricing for its products or services in the market. It’s advisable to demonstrate (if necessary) the operational efficiencies that enable your company to offer such competitive prices.

Pricing is a key component of a well-crafted business plan.

Marketers are using this best business plan template.

MARKETING ETHICS MEANING

Marketing ethics, regardless of the product offered or the market targeted, sets the guidelines for which good marketing is practised.

MARKETING ETHICS AND SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

To market ethically and effectively one should be reminded that all marketing decisions and efforts are necessary to meet and suit the needs of customers, suppliers, and business partners.

The mindset of many companies is that they are concerned for the population and the environment in which they do business. They feel that they have a social responsibility to people, places and things in their sphere of influence.

ROLE OF ETHICS IN MARKETING

Using ethics as a marketing tactic

Large companies fear the damage to their image associated with press revelations of unethical marketing practices.

Marketers have been quick to perceive the market’s preference for ethical companies, often moving faster to take advantage of this shift in consumer preference for ethical companies.

This results in the propagation of ethics itself as a selling point or a component of a corporate image.

Popular read: What is corporate social responsibility?

MARKETING ETHICS EXAMPLES

HAIRSTYLES

Is it ethical to tell women they are desirable just because of having straight hair?

MARKETING ETHICS IN CONSUMER BEHAVIOUR

OTHER UN-ETHICAL MARKETING TACTICS

• Doxxing a popular competitor’s employee or public figure on social media with the objective of shaming, embarrassing,  ridiculing or just simply taking competitive advantage.
• Swatting a competitor’s event to make the event a failure.

KEY TERMS

• Doxxing. When the private information of someone gets published with the objective of shaming, embarrassing, ridiculing or taking a competitive advantage.
• Propagation: The dissemination of something to a larger area or greater number.
• Puffery: A legal term that refers to promotional statements and claims that express subjective rather than objective views, which no “reasonable person” would take literally. An example would be “Red Bull gives you wings“.
• Swatting. When someone anonymously calls an emergency number to report a fake emergency that sounds serious enough to elicit a response from a SWAT (special weapons and tactics) team.

Trending this week: The top reasons why good people do – sometimes – bad things.

Conclusion

Done right, ethical marketing brings long-term value and loyalty.

There’s a positive correlation between ethical marketing, the quality of consumer/brand relationships, and how consumers perceive product quality; together, they contribute to brand loyalty.

eDigital can help you conceptualise, plan, develop, run and optimise successful digital marketing campaigns that generate leads and sales for your brand.

Our digital marketing services include:

• Strategic planning for social media and other digital marketing channels.
• Online advertising management and optimisation (Search, Display, social media ads and re-marketing).
• Training: social media marketing training and digital marketing training.
• SEO strategy and execution. Including content development (articles, stories, eye-catching and SEO-optimised visuals).
• Celebrity and influencer marketing campaign strategy.
• Brand development. Logo creation, brand personality development and design of marketing materials.
• Consumer contests/competitions/giveaways.
• Email marketing. Dip sequence design and deployment.
• Conversion rate optimisation. It is also called “path to purchase” optimisation.

Contact us today and start boosting your leads and sales.

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THE TOP 16 ETHICAL ISSUES IN MARKETING

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