...Ethical behavior and corporate social responsibility can offer significant benefits to a company. Ethical business conduct not only gives the company a great reputation but it also has a positive effect on its bottom line. One of the companies listed on the Ethisphere Institute's list of the World's Most Ethical Companies is Starbucks. Starbucks Corporation has 19,972 stores in 60 countries and is world’s largest coffeehouse chain, and is considered one of the world’s most famous and most liked consumer brands (Mocallejon, 2012). Over the last decade, the company has made the lists of Most Admired Companies in the U.S., 100 Best Companies to Work for, 100 Best Corporate Citizens, World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies, and World’s Most Ethical Companies. According to the company’s executives, their success is mainly attributed to their commitment to social responsibility and ethical conduct. Starbucks believes that striving to do the right thing with regards to their consumers, the environment and their employees is vital to the success of the company, and demonstrates its values in a number of ways (Starbucks, 2013). When it comes to being morally responsible towards consumers, Starbucks is committed to provide wellness to its customers by offering low-calorie quality products that do not contain unhealthy ingredients such as dyes, artificial flavors, and high fructose corn syrup. The company also strives to establish a human connection with consumers by ensuring that its shops...
Words: 1289 - Pages: 6
...is why we developed two training films to increase fire safety awareness amongst employees at all levels in garment factories. We teamed up with 18 other brands and employer associations in the sector, BGMEA and BKMEA, to spread this training. According to BGMEA, more than 1,250 factories and 100,000 workers received the training. Based on a study that we conducted in 2011, we raised the concern of lapsed fire-safety licenses with the Government of Bangladesh and engaged the Bangladeshi University of Engineering and Technology as well as a specialist to assess the electrical installation in four factories. These assessments were finalised in spring 2012 and their results were presented to concerned stakeholders at a seminar in Dhaka. The most common shortcomings in regards to electrical safety such as poor-quality materials, poor maintenance and lack of proper electrician training were discussed. During the seminar, a number of actions were proposed, including introducing stricter legislation and inspections. In order to set a good example, we have stipulated that all our supplier factories conduct electrical assessments in their factories, and have offered to share the costs with them. Together with the Fire Defence and Civil Department, we have also conducted five factory assessments on fire safety, involving the factories’ worker representatives. The assessments have shown that a continued increase in awareness about fire safety is needed and we hope that the continuation...
Words: 843 - Pages: 4
...Introduction For this assignment I chose three publicly traded companies with a strong understanding and implementation of ethical business practices in their day-to-day operations as well as future planning. Two of three have repeatedly made the list of the World’s Most Ethical Companies ("2011 World’s Most Ethical Companies | Ethisphere™ Institute," 2011) as well as Fortune Magazine’s list “100 Best Companies to Work for” ("100 Best Companies to Work For 2011: Full list - from FORTUNE," 2011). Summary of HR policies Starbucks, the Seattle based coffee giant, claims, that working at Starbucks is like working with friends. Besides their “Special Blend” package that is offered to all employees and contains assistance for diverse problems, ranging from adoption assistance to benefits for domestic partners (which includes same sex partnerships) to child and eldercare, Starbucks embraces diversity. Starbucks Coffee Company has earned a 100% rating for the 4th consecutive year on the Human Right’s Campaign’s (HRC) Corporate Equality Index ("Career Diversity," n.d.). As a National insurance provider, Aflac is reacting to a very diverse client market with the right mix of community involvement and its mix of diverse employees and agents. Aflac states on its website that combined with their product, their diverse employee base creates the environment to assist and guide their clients to some of their most challenging moments. To further develop and enforce the organization’s...
Words: 957 - Pages: 4
...Ford Motor Company Manages Ethics and Social Responsibility Ford Motor Company, one of the “Big Three” automakers, was established in Detroit, Michigan, on June 16, 1903. Ford is one of the world’s top automobile companies—its Ford Focus was the world’s bestselling automobile in 2013. Ford Motor Company was founded on strong core values, which has helped it to overcome many obstacles and lead to its success. Despite ethical issues in the past, Ford Motor Company has proven to be an ethical leader in the automobile industry. In 2013 it was selected by the Ethisphere Institute as one of the world’s most ethical companies. Ford has a strong set of values, norms, and artifacts which it strongly enforces companywide. Its mission statement is based off the simple phrase: “One Ford: one team, one plan, one goal.” One team to Ford means that Ford employees work together toward a leadership position in the automobile industry through quality and stakeholder satisfaction. Along with its mission statement, Ford has adopted the vision: “To become the world’s leading consumer company for automotive products and services.” Ford Motor Company is committed to protecting health and safety. The Company’s Health and Safety Commitment states, “Our most valuable asset is our people. Nothing is more important than their safety and well being. Our coworkers and families rely on this commitment. There can be no compromise.” Ford Motor Company complies with the legal health and safety requirements...
Words: 498 - Pages: 2
...Case Study Ethics has a different meaning to many different people and companies. A lot of companies pay lip service to the term ethics and make out to be Corporately Socially Responsible when it is a public relations stunt. A definition of ethics is “The values an individual uses to interpret whether any particular action or behaviour is considered acceptable or appropriate.” In this case we are dealing with the world renowned company Nike. Nike is one of the worlds must recognisable and popular sports brands with the ‘swoosh’ logo becoming a worldwide symbol. They are the “world’s leading supplier of athletic shoes” but this has not come without any controversy. By the end of this case study you can evaluate whether or not you think Nike is an ethical organisation. Nike’s use of sweatshops and child labour signalled global outbursts, with Activists even creating the “swooshtika”, a swastika made up for Nike “swoosh” logos. Their ethical background could have been said to be non existent and their reputation for profit maximisation at all costs was having a detrimental effect. Nike was being “targeted due to the fact that they were the world’s best selling brand and they in complete denial about any malpractice in which they took no responsibility for the operations that took place in sub contracted factories in third world countries.” Nike were trying to cut costs by setting up manufacturing factories in countries that labour costs would be minimal, so that they could increase...
Words: 837 - Pages: 4
...strategy is focused on providing the best consumer experience in the world. By investing heavily in education, Apple is also helping their workers learn new skills so that they can better understand their rights. With continuing efforts, you will see in this paper how Apple is trying to strengthen their programs to help suppliers protect their workers. Running Header: CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AND MARKETING STRATEGY Introduction Apple is a multinational company that is headquartered in Cupertino, California, that designs, develops and sells consumer electronics, computer software and personal computers. Their best-known hardware products are the Mac line of computers, iPod media player, the iPhone smartphone, and the iPad tablet. This company is the second largest company in the world in information technology only behind Samsung, and Nokia. From 2008-2012 Fortune magazines named Apple the most admired company in the U.S. in 2008 and the world, in 2008-2012. In 2013, Apple has surpassed Coca-Cola to become the world’s most valuable brand in the Omni Groups “Best...
Words: 1714 - Pages: 7
...strategy is focused on providing the best consumer experience in the world. By investing heavily in education, Apple is also helping their workers learn new skills so that they can better understand their rights. With continuing efforts, you will see in this paper how Apple is trying to strengthen their programs to help suppliers protect their workers. Running Header: CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITY AND MARKETING STRATEGY Introduction Apple is a multinational company that is headquartered in Cupertino, California, that designs, develops and sells consumer electronics, computer software and personal computers. Their best-known hardware products are the Mac line of computers, iPod media player, the iPhone smartphone, and the iPad tablet. This company is the second largest company in the world in information technology only behind Samsung, and Nokia. From 2008-2012 Fortune magazines named Apple the most admired company in the U.S. in 2008 and the world, in 2008-2012. In 2013, Apple has surpassed Coca-Cola to become the world’s most valuable brand in the Omni Groups “Best...
Words: 1714 - Pages: 7
...comprise integrity honesty, and equality, play a significant role in the administration of a flourishing business as this role of a business process allows for a characterization in the differences between incorrect and correct principled conduct. Furthermore, having strong ethical standards help an organization in gaining a competitive advantage (Johnson, 2008), and it ensures that the workforce is following the established rules and code of conduct by the leaders of her or his organization. To increase the importance of strong ethical significance, this paper will clarify the role of ethics, sustainability, and social responsibility in relative to an organizations strategy. Furthermore, consideration will be given to the assortment of shareholders that control a business stratagem. Lastly, classification will be given to at least one (or more) examples of a company that exemplifies social responsibility and sustainability in their daily functions. Ethics, Social Responsibility, and Sustainability Ethics, social responsibility, and sustainability are several factors that traditionally have an effect (either negative or positive) on the strategy of an organization’s. For example, a business’s ethical value can have an extensive influence on many levels an organization: ➢ Public Image and credibility: image is how a business is viewed by the entities or people within their environment. A lack of credibility and trust can place distrust in distributors, consumers...
Words: 1074 - Pages: 5
...Time Warner, Inc.: A Most Ethical Company Kelly Jenkins Business Ethics BUS ------- Professor Rebecca Walker September 24, 2012 Introduction There is a great deal of work that goes into a running a multi-million dollar business; there it is also a (huge) task to run this business in an ethical manner. A business must keep close examination of its employees and its board members to ensure that all aspects of the corporation’s conduct remain ethical. Time Warner, Inc. has been recognized by The Ethisphere Institute’s list of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for its outstanding ethics. This organization looks into various companies that go extra mile to display the utmost ethical behavior possible (Ethisphere, 2012). Time Warner, Inc. displays admirable ethics policies and outstanding corporate social responsibility endeavors. In addition, Time Warner, Inc. has displayed an abundant amount of corporate responsibility. Time Warner may be recognized on many different levels as one of the ethical and socially responsible companies, yet that does not go without the occasional scandal. Due to the continued professionalism and high ethical standards, Time Warner was able to overcome negative publicity and remains on the forefront of ethical behavior in 2012. Time Warner’s Ethics Policies Time Warner stated, “Our Standards of Business Conduct stress the importance of abiding by the law, being truthful, being transparent in our business dealings, putting the needs of our stockholders...
Words: 656 - Pages: 3
...BUS 309 Week 8 Assignment 2 The Worlds Most Ethical Companies Instructors, training on how to grade is within the Instructor Center. Assignment 2: The World’s Most Ethical Companies Due Week 8 and worth 300 points Review the Ethisphere Institute's list of the World's Most Ethical Companies, located at ethisphere.com/worlds-most-ethical/wme-honorees/. Research a sampling from the organizations from the list, and identify one (1) company that you believe treats its consumers, the environment, and employees in an exceptional and morally praiseworthy manner. Write a five (5) page paper in which you: 1.Determine at least two (2) ways in which the chosen company behaves in a morally responsible way toward each of the following: a.consumers b.the environment c.employees 2.Predict the effects that these morally conscious decisions would have on the company's bottom line. 3.Review the company's policies from a critical perspective, and list at least two (2) areas where the company could improve its treatment of consumers, the environment, or employees. Justify the response with specific examples. 4.Use at least three (3) quality references. (Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not quality as academic resources.) Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: * Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; references must follow APA or school-specific format...
Words: 410 - Pages: 2
...education, and religion or philosophy before making important decisions. These factors provide the framework from which we base our decisions and justify our actions. Unfortunately not everything in life is so cut and dry, there often exist many gray areas that can lead to ethical dilemmas, since what one person thinks is the right course of action might not always appeal to everyone else’s ethical sensibilities. For many the words “business” and “ethics” form an oxymoron. We are frequently inundated with reports of ethical misconduct in the business world—misappropriated finances, inflated earnings, labor misconduct, and environmental recklessness are just a few of the many egregious acts to which we have become familiar. In this reading, we will explore the importance of business ethics and closely study how it relates to corporate success. We will take a look at several stellar examples of companies that regularly exhibit high ethical standards. While you read, consider how your personal ethics come into play when you make business and personal decisions that affect others. Codes of Conduct The first step towards implementing ethical business practices is to clarify what types of behaviors a company wishes to promote and what activities are considered unacceptable or prohibited in the workplace environment. As part of this step, an organization should adopt a thorough, all encompassing code of conduct, also known in some circles as a code of ethics. A code of conduct outlines...
Words: 2750 - Pages: 11
...Ethical Values: Google is known as one of the best company with strong ethical value. It has created strong work ethics among the employees and business operation. Google made outstanding working environment by outstanding facilities like gym, massage parlors, cafeteria with variety of foods for different types of people, sleeping room and so on they also provide health care service, academic scholarship, childcare facility and many other meaningful facility. These facilities made the employees life joyous which tends to create integrated ethical value. Google as a company run almost each and every function considering the social and environmental impact. For example, companies green credentials includes cooling their power hungry data center, running free bus for employees and encouraging then to drive electric cars. Google also invest heavily in solar and wind power. Their ambition is to become world's first carbon neutral company in future. That’s why Google maintains strong ethical value to run their operation. Competitive Advantage: Google is the most dominant search engine with 65% of total search market. Google has its competitive advantages in different ways by creating the infrastructure that ensures a fast and efficient search engine .it has built its own infrastructure of storage system, server, bandwidth and hardware that are fastest search on web. Rapid speed of Google makes user coming back which is a competitive advantage over competitors. This company...
Words: 359 - Pages: 2
...Businesses can be found anywhere. Some company may use unethical methods in the production process or exploit the employee. They want to lower the production cost but do not take the safety issues into consideration so they use sloppy or harmful materials in the productions. As a result, the sloppy works would damage the reputation of the company and thus decrease sales and profit and lower productivity. Gaining profit is the paramount target of a company; sometimes they will neglect the business ethical problem and bring side-effects. So, to a large extent, I agreed that business that make nothing but money is a poor kind of business because that will cause lots of negative impacts. Then, I will explain my view with some examples. First of all , in 2011, a China factory of Disney best-selling car toys is blamed as a sweatshop as they force their staff to work excessive overtimes in a harsh working environment – harmful chemicals used and poor ventilation. When the consumers know that the toys which bring joy to their kids are manufactured in such a deplorable condition, they may not eager to buy toys from Disney and that mey affect the sales of those products. Also, the staffs that work in such a tense and harsh environment would decrease their productivity. Secondly, Chinese food industry is being suspected not only by foreigners but also the locals as there are many scandals. Many food factories add chemicals in the food causing the food poisoning problem and even cause...
Words: 611 - Pages: 3
...great people.” – Jeff Immelt, GE Chairman and CEO Internal and External factors play a great part in the four functions of management. These factors can impact these four functions in many ways. The company that we chose to write about is General Electric known as GE. We will explain how internal and external factors affect the four function of management, which are; planning, organizing, leading, and controlling (Bateman & Snell,2009). We will also explain how these factors, along with delegation, affect globalization, technology, innovation, diversity, and ethics. General Electric was founded in 1892 by Thomas Edison, Charles Coffin, Edwin Houston, and Elihu Thomson. These four men had an idea of bringing “good things to light.” GE is an advanced technology, services, and finance company taking on the world's toughest challenges they are dedicated to innovation in energy, health, transportation, and infrastructure (GE, 2011). The major planning for General Electric is their Marketing Plan. GE's marketing function is about delivering superior business impact and results. We rigorously focus on customers; measure and assign accountability; attract, develop, and retain best-in-class talent, and methodically align our work against evolving business strategies (GE, 2011). One of the most important aspects of planning is forecasting what will be needed in that year. GE is leaning toward solar power. They are in the planning stages but this will help out the environment as well as be...
Words: 1632 - Pages: 7
...Business Research Ethics Charlynse Hayes RES/351 05/19/2015 Dr. Maja Zelihic Business Research Ethics Target is one of the world’s largest Retail organizations, well next to Walmart but unlike them, Target has been named one of the world’s most ethical business on Forbes list this year. Target is a company that is committed to conducting business lawfully and ethically. Target expects their employees to act at all times with honesty and integrity. They expect their employees to have good judgement towards business decisions and to know the corporation’s policies and comply with them. Target as a whole sets reachable goals for their corporation which allows them to be considered an ethical business. All companies can have moments of downfall and that brings moments of when certain situations can be unethical. One particular incident that happened with Target was in 2013, when more than seventy million of Target’s customers were targeted by a credit card hacker, which lead to Target losing a lot of profit months afterwards. The hackers were able to hack into Target’s system and retrieve credit card information from the cardholder’s name all the way to the CVV number on the back. This allowed the hacker to sell this type of information on the black market and allow people all over the world to use those cardholder’s information and get away with it. The unethical part of this situation is Target not taking responsibility for their action in not...
Words: 756 - Pages: 4
