More ethics than ordinarily meet the eye?

   When it comes to payroll, one of the most prevalent things to come mind is the matter of privacy; the ability to maintain security on behalf of the employee. This has been able to be addressed in a myriad of ways; direct deposit, mailing a check directly or handing it over in an envelope. Naturally, all the eyeballs that meet with the documentation on the way to the actual production of the paycheck need to adhere to a code of confidentiality, as well. Most countries behave consistent with such methods.
   As the following questions claim your attention please consider what your response could be based in both your own home country, as well as that of another country: Is it ethical to pay research subjects? Is it ethical for the vast majority of the employees to take a pay cut during difficult times if the management does not follow suit? Under what circumstances would you keep someone on the payroll if faced with ethical violations? Under what circumstances is prison labor ethical and does it matter whether there is compensation or not?
   For further discussion, consider the idea of ethical relativism. You are an eight-year-old child working a 16-hour day in a Third World country factory. There are no safety regulations; your safety is predicated on the concern of your coworkers. Does it make you feel any better to know that this is among the best options for this child; given that the parents cannot afford food, let alone school. Ordinarily, the other attractive options include either being a drug mule or a prostitute. So, does your company contribute to the eight-year-olds’ pay by allowing an alliance with this factory or not?