Assignment 6: The Importance Of Social Responsibility

Assignment 6the Importance Of Social Repsonsibilibtybrainstorm The Var

Assignment 6the Importance Of Social Repsonsibilibtybrainstorm The Var

Brainstorm the various products and services offered in the United States. Come up with a list of three products or services, and answer the following questions for each:

  1. What is the name of your product / service?
  2. What organization/corporation/restaurant/etc produces this product / service?
  3. List examples of when / how this organization/corporation/restaurant was socially responsible.
  4. List examples of when / how this organization/corporation/restaurant was not socially responsible.

The suggested format of this assignment is as follows:

  • Name of product / service
  • a. Name of organization that produces the product / service
  • b. Examples of how / when this organization was socially responsible
  • c. Examples of how / when this organization was not socially responsible

Paper For Above instruction

Social responsibility in business encompasses a company's initiatives to assess and take responsibility for the social, environmental, and economic impacts of its operations. In the United States, many organizations have demonstrated varying degrees of social responsibility through their products and services. This paper explores three such products/services, identifying their producers and evaluating their socially responsible and irresponsible behaviors.

1. Apple Inc. - iPhone

a. Producer: Apple Inc.

b. Socially responsible actions: Apple has made efforts to improve labor conditions in its supply chain, promoting renewable energy use in its manufacturing facilities, and recycling programs for devices. For instance, Apple’s commitment to becoming 100% carbon neutral by 2030 demonstrates its environmental responsibility.

c. Instances of irresponsibility: Critics have highlighted labor violations, such as poor working conditions at supplier factories like Foxconn, and environmental concerns related to waste and hazardous materials from device disposal.

2. Amazon - E-commerce Platform

a. Producer: Amazon.com, Inc.

b. Socially responsible actions: Amazon has invested in renewable energy projects and initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint. Its support for community programs and donations during crises, like COVID-19, also reflect social responsibility.

c. Instances of irresponsibility: Criticisms include poor working conditions in warehouses, low wages, and alleged anti-competitive practices that may harm small businesses and consumers.

3. McDonald's - Fast Food Chain

a. Producer: McDonald’s Corporation

b. Socially responsible actions: McDonald's has introduced healthier menu options, sustainable sourcing for ingredients like fish and coffee, and waste reduction initiatives.

c. Instances of irresponsibility: The company has faced criticism over contributing to obesity concerns, environmental issues related to packaging waste, and labor practices in various regions.

In conclusion, while these companies have engaged in significant socially responsible actions, they also face challenges and criticisms that highlight the ongoing tension between profitability and social accountability. Recognizing these aspects promotes a more comprehensive understanding of corporate social responsibility in contemporary business practices.

References

  • Crane, A., Matten, D., & Spence, L. J. (2021). Corporate Social Responsibility: Concepts, Codes and Theories. In Business Ethics (pp. 225-251). Oxford University Press.
  • Friedman, M. (1970). The Social Responsibility of Business is to Increase its Profits. The New York Times.
  • Harrison, J. S., & Wicks, A. C. (2013). Stakeholder Theory, Value, and Firm Performance. Business Ethics Quarterly, 23(1), 97-124.
  • Joyner, B. E., & Payne, D. (2002). Evolution and Implementation: A Study of Values, Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility. Journal of Business Ethics, 41(4), 297-311.
  • Porter, M. E., & Kramer, M. R. (2006). Strategy & Society: The Link between Competitive Advantage and Corporate Social Responsibility. Harvard Business Review, 84(12), 78-92.
  • Sen, S., & Bhattacharya, C. B. (2001). Does Doing Good Always Lead to Doing Better? Consumer Reactions to Corporate Social Responsibility. Journal of Marketing, 65(4), 1-15.
  • Siegel, D. S., & Vitaliano, D. F. (2007). An Empirical Analysis of the Strategic Use of Corporate Social Responsibility. Journal of Economics & Management Strategy, 16(3), 773-792.
  • Waddock, S., & Graves, S. B. (1997). The Corporate Social Performance–Financial Performance Link. Strategic Management Journal, 18(4), 303-319.
  • World Resources Institute. (2022). Corporate Accountability and the Environment. Retrieved from https://www.wri.org
  • Yaziji, M., & Doh, J. P. (2009). NGOs and Corporations: Conflict and Collaboration. Cambridge University Press.

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