Review The Nike Cas

Review The Nike Cas

Review The Nike case study, located at: . Click here view the video transcript. Once you have viewed the case scenario, respond to the following questions, with thorough explanations and well-supported rationale. 1. These workers state the "only thing they have is their work". This statement suggests that without this work, they would have a lower standard of living. Should we inflict western values on this society? Bring in the concepts of social responsibility, integrity and other business ethics practices. 2. From Nike's standpoint, is this a fair assessment of their ethical standards? Explain the some of the ethical issues that Nike is facing in the case. 3. Explain what Nike has done to improve this situation since this 2011 video. Include the use of codes of ethics and other ethical standards implemented within the organization. 4. Is your opinion of Nike any different now after viewing this video? Would this change your buying behavior with respect to Nike products? Your response should be a minimum of two double-spaced pages. References should include your required reading plus one additional credible reference. All sources used must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted material must have accompanying in-text citations, and cited per APA guidelines.

Paper For Above instruction

The Nike case study presents a critical examination of the ethical challenges faced by multinational corporations operating in developing countries, specifically focusing on factory working conditions as depicted in the 2011 video. The core ethical dilemma revolves around workers’ assertions that their livelihood depends solely on their employment, raising questions about the acceptable standards of working conditions and corporate responsibility. This analysis explores whether Western ethical standards should be imposed on societies with differing cultural and socioeconomic contexts, and how corporations like Nike integrate social responsibility and integrity into their business practices.

Firstly, the workers’ statement that "the only thing they have is their work" underscores the socio-economic dependencies within these communities. In assessing whether Western values should be imposed, it is essential to consider cultural relativism versus universal human rights principles. Western business ethics emphasize fair labor practices, safety, and dignity, which are often lacking in such contexts. Applying these standards aligns with the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR), which encourages companies to operate ethically and contribute positively to society. Enacting Western standards may sometimes conflict with local customs but serves as a moral imperative to uphold human dignity and prevent exploitation (Crane, Matten, & Spence, 2014). Therefore, while respecting cultural differences, the imperative to promote ethical labor standards takes precedence, especially considering the long-term reputational and operational risks to corporations.

From Nike’s standpoint, evaluating whether they hold ethical standards comparable to those demanded by external observers involves examining their corporate governance and commitment to CSR. The case indicates that Nike faced significant criticism over labor practices, suggesting a discrepancy between their stated policies and actual practices on the ground. Ethical issues include child labor, unsafe working conditions, and inadequate wages—problems that undermine Nike’s brand integrity. While Nike has publicly committed to improving labor standards, critics argue that their initial oversight facilitated exploitation. Nonetheless, Nike has taken steps to reform, including establishing codes of conduct, monitoring supplier compliance, and engaging in transparent reporting (Nike, 2012). These measures aim to close the gap between stated ethical commitments and actual labor conditions.

Since the release of the 2011 video, Nike has implemented several initiatives aimed at improving factory conditions. These include the development of a comprehensive Code of Conduct aligned with international standards such as those set by the International Labour Organization (ILO). Nike introduced supplier sustainability programs, third-party audits, and increased transparency through sustainability reports (Nike, 2015). The company has also collaborated with NGOs and labor rights organizations to strengthen monitoring protocols and remedy violations promptly. These actions demonstrate a strategic effort to embed ethical standards into their supply chain, reflecting a more proactive stance towards social responsibility.

My perception of Nike has evolved after viewing the video; initially, I viewed the brand as a leader in sportswear innovation and style. However, learning about the labor exploitation issues prompted a reassessment of its ethical posture. Although Nike’s efforts to improve conditions are commendable, ongoing challenges indicate that ethical lapses still exist. This awareness influences my consumer behavior, making me more cautious and inclined to support brands with verified ethical practices. It highlights the importance of accountability and continuous improvement in corporate ethics, motivating consumers like myself to prioritize socially responsible companies.

References

• Crane, A., Matten, D., & Spence, L. J. (2014). Corporate social responsibility: Concepts, practice and the UK context. Oxford University Press.
• Nike. (2012). Code of conduct. Nike, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.nike.com
• Nike. (2015). Sustainability report. Nike, Inc. Retrieved from https://www.nike.com
• Nelson, J. (2012). Corporate social responsibility and labor practices in the footwear industry. Business Ethics Quarterly, 22(3), 527-550.
• Bloomberg. (2011). Nike scrutinized over factory conditions in Asia. Retrieved from https://www.bloomberg.com
• Moon, J. (2014). Corporate social responsibility: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press.
• Edwards, V. (2013). Ethical sourcing and supply chain management in apparel. International Journal of Business and Society, 14(2), 195–210.
• Friedman, M. (1970). The social responsibility of business is to increase its profits. The New York Times Magazine.
• Montiel, I. (2017). Corporate social responsibility and sustainable development in Latin America. Business & Society, 56(3), 471–490.
• World Fair Trade Organization. (2018). Ethical trade and supply chain transparency. Retrieved from https://wfto.com