December 2, 2015

Task 1 The small local grocery story Q is more economically responsible than it is environmental or philanthropic. The economic model is a more traditional concept of business, very old school. A business is considered successful if they are providing good service and quality product showing a profit and providing jobs. Company Q is more concerned with what is best for the company, not necessarily what is best for their community, customers or stakeholders. The two stores they closed were in high crime rate areas and lost revenue and profits were low. The remaining stores are now offering a narrow choice of health conscious and organic foods; which are high margin items. Management declined to donate day old merchandise to a local food pantry because they feared loss of revenues due to fraud or theft by employees. Company Q is not creating a positive impact in their community, with their customer, employees or stakeholders through their lack of philanthropic actions. Ethically, Company Q has not done anything wrong by not giving to the food pantry or closing two of its stores, it just reflects poorly on them as a company. Company Q needs to improve their reputation by making changes to their social economic approach to social responsibility. This type of approach would focus not only on profits, but also focus on the benefits of the business to society. Company Q can make these improvements in three parts; customer fulfillment, public outreach and employee trust. The customers of Company Q have requested for several years to have healthy and organic products available for purchase. Company Q needs to expand these offerings and find businesses that will sell at a reasonable price. Company Q may need to buy from local organic farmers to keep costs low and more affordable for its customers. They could also survey their customers