On the ethics of multilevel marketing based on dietary supplements

Authors

  • Edgar Manuel Cambaza Universidade Aberta ISCED (UnISCED), Rua Carlos Pereira, Parcela nº 148/07, Estoril Expansão, Beira, Moçambique
  • Filipe Francisco Gerente Gustavo Universidade Aberta ISCED (UnISCED), Rua Carlos Pereira, Parcela nº 148/07, Estoril Expansão, Beira, Moçambique
  • Sebastião Job Cuata Universidade Aberta ISCED (UnISCED), Rua Carlos Pereira, Parcela nº 148/07, Estoril Expansão, Beira, Moçambique
  • Rajabo Victorino Jamal Universidade Aberta ISCED (UnISCED), Rua Carlos Pereira, Parcela nº 148/07, Estoril Expansão, Beira, Moçambique

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18540/revesvl7iss2pp20186

Keywords:

Multilevel marketing, dietary supplements, ethics.

Abstract

This article explores the ethical implications of multilevel marketing (MLM) in the dietary supplement sector, analyzing issues of transparency, fairness, and the exploitation of consumers and distributors. The objective is to assess MLM through the lens of bioethics, focusing on the principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, and justice. The methodology involves a systematic literature review using Atlas.ti software to categorize themes related to unfounded health claims, recruitment practices, and the exploitation of vulnerable groups. The main findings indicate that the current MLM model favors an elite, leaves most distributors at a financial disadvantage, and compromises consumer autonomy and health by selling products with unproven benefits. The conclusion highlights that as it currently operates, MLM does not meet fundamental ethical principles and requires significant adjustments. Recommendations include increased company transparency, stricter regulations, and ethical alternatives such as eliminating recruitment-based structures.

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Published

2024-11-08

How to Cite

Cambaza, E. M., Gustavo, F. F. G., Cuata, S. J., & Jamal, R. V. (2024). On the ethics of multilevel marketing based on dietary supplements. REVES - Revista Relações Sociais, 7(2), 20186. https://doi.org/10.18540/revesvl7iss2pp20186

Issue

Section

General Papers/Artigos