Executive Program Practical Connection Assignment 888714 ✓ Solved

Executive Program Practical Connection Assignmentcomponentprofic

The purpose of the project is to give you an opportunity to apply what has been learned about Business and Society (through course lectures, readings, research, and discussions) and expand research skills to analyze problems of an organization. Since professional acumen involves presenting to others, you are asked to participate in an individual presentation.

The aim of the project is to research and explore Business and Society concepts in-depth and evaluate current concepts within Business and Society within an organization. The target organization is Jiffy Lube.

Your presentation will consist of three parts: Part 1: Research the company’s background and concept assigned. Part 2: Refine the position. Part 3: Present the information. Include: 1. A comprehensive description of the Business and Society concept(s), which come from the chapter assigned. 2. Describe the history, theories, and examples behind the use of the assigned concept(s), as well as any positive or negative opinions or against the concept(s) for the target company. 3. What societal benefit(s) do you see with the use of this Business and Society concept? 4. Based on the topic, how does the targeted company manage finances, human resources, customer service, community, the environment, legal, economic, social, and cultural aspects? 5. Based on your topic, describe how customer service and ethics are linked? 6. Identify how corporate leaders manage the concept? 7. Identify at least one unsuccessful incident the company can improve upon. What could the leadership/company have done better? Provide a description of the incident’s background and how/why this Business and Society concept was applied unsuccessfully. 8. Be prepared to discuss how this organizational concept is applied in your own workplace – or could be applied.

Deliverables Written Component: Prepare a report to address all components of the assignment. This report should be no less than 5 pages and no more than 7 of content. You must have at least 5 references (At least 5 must be scholarly peer-reviewed articles). All outside sources should be referenced and must be properly cited both in text and on your reference page.

Presentation Component: Presentation should be presented using PowerPoint. Develop no more than 10 slides, including the title and reference page. Presentation must be at least 5 minutes in length, no more than 7 minutes.

Paper For Above Instructions

### Introduction

Ethical considerations in the global arena have become increasingly crucial as organizations navigate complex societal expectations and pressures. Within this context, Jiffy Lube, a major player in the automotive service sector, provides a compelling case study for examining the intersection of business practices, societal expectations, and ethical standards. This paper explores the ethical issues surrounding Jiffy Lube and its approach to Business and Society concepts, emphasizing the importance of corporate ethics in building sustainable business practices.

### Company Background

Founded in 1971, Jiffy Lube has grown to become one of the leading providers of automotive oil change services and related maintenance in North America. With over 2,000 locations and approximately 24 million customers served annually, Jiffy Lube holds a significant position in the fast-lube industry (Hanson, 2019). Despite its success, the company has faced numerous ethical challenges, particularly related to its marketing practices and employee conduct. Allegations of deceptive practices in marketing and service delivery have tarnished the brand’s reputation, leading to concerns about its commitment to ethical standards in business operations (Tire Review Staff, 2011).

### Ethical Concepts in Business

Integrating ethical principles into business operations is essential for fostering trust and long-term success. The concepts of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and ethical marketing provide essential frameworks for understanding how Jiffy Lube's operations align with societal expectations. CSR refers to the idea that companies have a responsibility to contribute positively to their communities and the environment while conducting business (Carroll, 1999). Ethical marketing goes beyond merely selling products; it involves transparency, integrity, and honoring consumer trust (Smith, 2010). Understanding these concepts is crucial for evaluating Jiffy Lube's approach to ethical challenges.

### Historical Context and Implementation

Over the years, Jiffy Lube has made strides toward aligning its practices with ethical standards, particularly in response to public scrutiny. Historically, the company has faced criticism for alleged service practices that did not meet standard ethical benchmarks. Reports indicated that some technicians provided unnecessary services, exploiting consumers’ lack of automotive knowledge (Hanson, 2019). To address these ethical shortcomings, Jiffy Lube has implemented training programs aimed at fostering an ethical culture among its employees. The company has also initiated regular assessments of its service practices to ensure compliance with both legal and ethical guidelines (Donnelly, 2013).

### Societal Benefits of Ethical Practices

The implementation of ethical business practices yields significant benefits, not only for the company but also for society. For Jiffy Lube, adopting CSR principles and ethical marketing strategies has enhanced its corporate image and strengthened customer loyalty. As consumers become more aware of corporate practices and their impact on society, companies that prioritize ethical behavior can differentiate themselves in a competitive marketplace (Porter & Kramer, 2006). In Jiffy Lube's case, demonstrating commitment to ethical practices can lead to greater trust among consumers and a stronger community presence.

### Management of Finances and Resources

In managing its resources, Jiffy Lube has adopted financial strategies that reflect its commitment to ethical standards. Effective financial management in the context of CSR includes reinvesting profits into employee training, enhancing customer service, and being environmentally responsible (Harrison et al., 2015). Aspects such as human resources, customer service, and community engagement are intertwined with the ethical management of Jiffy Lube’s finances. The establishment of clear ethical guidelines helps to align all of these aspects, ensuring that financial decisions reflect the company’s values (Hunt et al., 1984).

### Link Between Customer Service and Ethics

Customer service and ethics are inextricably linked, as ethical behavior in service delivery leads to enhanced customer satisfaction and loyalty. Jiffy Lube’s commitment to ethical customer service practices ensures that customers receive honest and transparent information about services offered. This approach not only builds trust but also mitigates the risk of negative publicity or legal consequences stemming from unethical practices (Donnelly, 2013). By prioritizing ethical customer interactions, Jiffy Lube can establish a strong foundation for sustained success.

### Leadership and Ethical Management

Corporate leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping the ethical landscape of an organization. At Jiffy Lube, leaders are responsible for establishing and maintaining a culture of ethics within the company. Effective leaders communicate ethical expectations clearly, provide training, and lead by example (Walumbwa et al., 2011). This leadership approach is critical for reinforcing ethical behavior and promoting the practical application of ethical concepts within the organization (Hunt et al., 1984).

### Unsuccessful Incident and Improvement Strategies

While Jiffy Lube has made significant progress in addressing ethical challenges, it has faced incidents that highlight areas for improvement. One notable incident involved allegations of a technician soliciting bribes for falsifying vehicle inspections, indicating a breakdown in ethical conduct (Tire Review Staff, 2011). Leadership could have better managed this situation by implementing stronger oversight mechanisms, conducting regular audits, and fostering an environment where employees feel empowered to report unethical behavior without fear of retaliation.

### Application of Concepts in the Workplace

The insights gained from evaluating Jiffy Lube’s ethical practices can be applied in various workplace settings. For instance, organizations can benefit from promoting ethical guidelines, providing training, and ensuring regular evaluations of business practices. Creating an environment conducive to ethical behavior is essential for fostering employee engagement and enhancing overall organizational performance.

### Conclusion

In conclusion, Jiffy Lube’s journey toward ethical business practices underscores the importance of integrating CSR and ethical concepts into organizational operations. As businesses face ongoing scrutiny in a globalized world, prioritizing ethics is critical for building trust, enhancing customer satisfaction, and ensuring long-term sustainability. By adhering to ethical standards, companies can not only thrive in competitive markets but also contribute positively to society.

References

  • Carroll, A. B. (1999). Corporate social responsibility. Business & Society, 38(3), 268-295.
  • Donnelly, L. (2013). Solving the sweatshop problem: A Game-Theoretical Analysis. Author Manuscript.
  • Hanson, D. (2019). Things you did not know about Jiffy Lube. Retrieved from [URL]
  • Harrison, J. S., Bosse, D. A., & Phillips, R. A. (2015). Managing for stakeholders, stakeholder utility functions, and competitive advantage. Strategic Management Journal, 36(1), 44-62.
  • Hunt, S. D., Chonko, L. B., & Wilcox, J. B. (1984). Ethical Problems of Marketing Researchers. Journal of Marketing Research, 21(3), 309-324.
  • Porter, M. E., & Kramer, M. R. (2006). Strategy and society: The link between competitive advantage and corporate social responsibility. Harvard Business Review, 84(12), 78-92.
  • Smith, N. C. (2010). Ethical marketing and theoretical foundations. Journal of Business Ethics, 26(4), 307-315.
  • Tire Review Staff. (2011). Jiffy Lube Tech Alleged to Seek Inspection Bribe. Retrieved from [URL]
  • Walumbwa, F. O., Wang, P., Wang, H., & Schaubroeck, J. (2011). Psychological processes linking authentic leadership to follower behaviors. Leadership Quarterly, 22(5), 1000-1010.

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