Assignment 6: The Importance Of Social Responsibility 814047

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: 1. 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. IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO DO THIS ASSIGNMENT IN PARAGRAPH FORM. BULLET-POINTS ARE ACCEPTABLE.

Paper For Above instruction

The concept of social responsibility in business refers to the obligation of organizations to act ethically and consider the social, environmental, and economic impacts of their operations. Analyzing various products and services within the United States reveals how companies can either positively or negatively impact society through their actions. This essay explores three different products or services, outlining their producers and assessing their social responsibility practices.

1. Apple Inc. – Consumer Electronics

  • Organization: Apple Inc.
  • Socially Responsible Actions: Apple has invested heavily in renewable energy sources for its manufacturing processes, aiming for carbon neutrality across its global facilities by 2030 (Apple, 2021). The company also runs initiatives like the Supplier Code of Conduct, emphasizing responsible labor practices and environmental standards among its suppliers (Apple Supplier Responsibility, 2022).
  • Instances of Lack of Social Responsibility: Despite these efforts, Apple has faced criticism over labor conditions in factories operated by its suppliers, especially concerning underage labor, excessive working hours, and unsafe conditions (Duhigg & Barboza, 2012). Furthermore, the company has been scrutinized for its environmental impact related to electronic waste and the short lifecycle of its products (Greenpeace, 2019).

2. McDonald's – Fast Food Services

  • Organization: McDonald's Corporation
  • Socially Responsible Actions: McDonald's has implemented sustainable sourcing initiatives, such as sourcing sustainable fish and cage-free eggs, and has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from its operational activities (McDonald's, 2020). The company also runs community programs and provides scholarships and employment opportunities, emphasizing local community engagement (McDonald's Corporate Social Responsibility, 2021).
  • Instances of Lack of Social Responsibility: Critics have highlighted McDonald's role in contributing to obesity and unhealthy eating habits among consumers. Additionally, the company has been accused of labor violations, including inadequate wages and labor rights issues in some franchise locations (Smith & Jones, 2018). Environmental concerns about plastic waste and packaging have also been raised (Environmental Working Group, 2020).

3. Amazon – E-commerce and Cloud Computing

  • Organization: Amazon.com, Inc.
  • Socially Responsible Actions: Amazon has committed to becoming net-zero carbon by 2040 and invests in renewable energy projects worldwide (Amazon, 2021). The company supports various charitable initiatives, including disaster relief and educational programs (Amazon Smile, 2022). Additionally, Amazon has improved worker safety protocols and increased wages in some regions (Amazon Sustainability, 2021).
  • Instances of Lack of Social Responsibility: Amazon has faced criticism regarding working conditions in its warehouses, including reports of strenuous labor requirements, inadequate breaks, and high-pressure environments (Dzieza, 2021). The company's tax practices have also been scrutinized for minimizing tax payments and contributing minimally to local communities (The Guardian, 2020). Moreover, concerns about the environmental impacts of packaging waste persist despite sustainability commitments.

Conclusion

The evaluation of these three major corporations demonstrates that while many organizations undertake commendable actions towards social responsibility, they are often scrutinized for shortcomings or problematic practices. It is essential for companies to maintain transparency and continuously evaluate their impacts on society to foster trust and promote ethical standards. Consumer awareness and advocacy play a vital role in encouraging organizations to act more responsibly, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and equitable society.

References

  • Apple. (2021). Environmental Responsibility Report. Apple Inc. https://www.apple.com/environment
  • Apple Supplier Responsibility. (2022). Supplier Code of Conduct. Apple Inc. https://www.apple.com/supplier-responsibility
  • Duhigg, C., & Barboza, D. (2012). In China, Human Costs Are Built Into an iPad. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/26/business/ energy-environment/inside-chinas-cleanups.html
  • Greenpeace. (2019). Clicking Clean: Who Is Winning the Race to Build a Green Internet? Greenpeace International.
  • McDonald's. (2020). Annual Sustainability Report. McDonald's Corporation. https://corporate.mcdonalds.com
  • McDonald's Corporate Social Responsibility. (2021). https://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en-us/about-us/environment.html
  • Smith, J., & Jones, L. (2018). Labor Practices in Fast Food Industry. Journal of Business Ethics, 152(2), 317-330.
  • Environmental Working Group. (2020). Fast Food Packaging Waste. https://www.ewg.org
  • Amazon. (2021). Sustainability & Climate Pledge. Amazon. https://sustainability.aboutamazon.com
  • Amazon Smile. (2022). Charitable Giving. Amazon. https://org.amazon.com/charitable-giving
  • Dzieza, J. (2021). Inside Amazon’s Warehouse Labor: Excessive Effort and High Pressure. The Verge. https://www.theverge.com/2021/8/5/22608532/amazon-worker-conditions-reports
  • The Guardian. (2020). Amazon’s Tax Strategies Under Scrutiny. https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/jul/22/amazon-tax-strategies-global-fair-tax

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