...Upon evaluation, it is painfully apparent that social responsibility has not been the driving force in Company Q’s business practices. Whether this is due to managerial neglect, malice, or just plain ignorance, the end result remains the same: the eventual economic demise of a company that was given every opportunity to succeed. Instead of responding with a knee-jerk reaction to negative feedback and responding slowly to market demands, Company Q must reevaluate how it conducts business. A continuous loss of profit was cited as the reason for the closure of stores in higher risk areas. Whether this loss of profit was attributed to theft or low sales was not given. Once Company Q determined these stores were operating in the red, so to speak, its immediate reaction was to close those sites and focus its efforts, and money, elsewhere. Instead of abandoning its stakeholders in high crime communities, Company Q should start asking questions and collecting data. Why, for example, were the stores not profitable? Could this possibly be the result of not offering the products demanded by that specific market? Company Q has the social responsibility to determine if it has done everything possible to turn these stores around. Relevant feedback is essential to any business and if Company Q fails to identify why these stores cannot turn a profit and if it fails to correct these deficiencies, that is exactly what it has done- fail. It has failed the stakeholders and investors financially...
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...EST1 Task#310.2.1-05 Businesses in today's society have multiple areas that they need to pay attention to in order to be successful. Of course profits are important, without them a business will not be successful, but there are other areas that need attention as well. One such area is social responsibility. Social responsibility can be defined as, "The obligation of an organization's management towards the welfare and interests of the society in which it operates." (BusinessDictionary.com, 2015). Social responsibility is a gray area, what one person views as a necessary social responsibility another person may not think of as very important. However, there are some social responsibilities that should be considered universal, such as, treating employees fairly and not harming the communities in which they operate to name a couple. Company Q has overall not done very well in the area of social responsibility. Company Q does not really seem to consider their social responsibility based on the description of the company's actions. Company Q, like any business has various stakeholders. A stakeholder is, "A party that has an interest in an enterprise or project. The primary stakeholders in a typical corporation are its investors, employees, customers and suppliers. However, modern theory goes beyond this conventional notion to embrace additional stakeholders such as the community, government and trade associations." (Investopedia, 2003) For Company Q, the stakeholders...
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...EST1 - Task 310.2.1-05 The attitude of Company Q towards social responsibility seems to be decreased by the pressure of profit loss. They closed 2 stores recently due to the fact that they were continually losing money. This not only creates a problem for the employee's that worked there, but also for the customers who frequented the stores. By improving their ethical makeup they could not only improve their profits, but it would also help the relationship with their employees and customers grow. There are a few things that Company Q could work on and change to create a better enviroment for the community. They decided to close 2 different stores in higher crime areas stating they were losing money. Instead of closing the stores they could implement new procedures to increase security. Installing cameras or hiring security guards to stand outside the store or patrol inside would show their customers that they are concerned for the safety of those shopping there. Company Q could also could work with other business owners and city government to makes changes to the area surrounding the store. These changes could include a well lit store front, friendly employees, and a well organized store. Company Q would have to make enough improvements to show their customers they care. This could have increased sales and possibly saved the company from closing the two stores. When asked about donating their day old food to the local food bank, the company refused and chose...
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...Western Governors University EST1: Task 310.2.1-05 Corporate social responsibility is when a company takes responsibility for the effects the company has on society and the environment. Company Q's current attitude toward social responsibility is pretty negative. They will have to work hard to create a higher level of social responsibility, which is not only beneficial for society but for them as well. Some of the irresponsible social decisions they have made are as follows. The company closed two of their stores that happened to be located in higher-crime-rate areas in the city. They closed the stores because they were losing money on a consistent basis. It does not seem like the company thought out the closing of the stores thoroughly. With some changes they could have kept themselves from losing money while still serving that area and employing workers from that area. Company Q decided to throw their day-old products away instead of donating them to a local food bank. They decided to throw the food out even after the food bank had inquired about the company donating the food. The company's reason for not donating the food was due to the worry of losing money from possible theft of the food by employees saying they were donating the food when they were actually were not. This was a concern even though they had never actually donated food previously and had this theft situation actually occur. Another socially irresponsible decision that Company Q has made is in...
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...Task 310.2.1-05 Company Q is a small, locally owned, yet popular grocery store chain. It has recently come under scrutiny for some of its business practices. They are quickly losing their good reputation and not thinking of the community and only thinking of lining their pockets. This is not what Company Q wants to be known for. They have recently closed two of its chain stores, denied giving the local food bank day old food products, and raised the prices on their more healthier, organic food. In this paper, I will discuss the ways that Company Q can fix these three problems and essentially fix the public’s perception of them being socially irresponsible. Company Q has closed two of its stores that were located in a part of the city that is known for its higher than normal crime rate. The owners say that they closed these sites because they were both constantly losing money. Company Q did not take into consideration that when they closed these stores they took away jobs from their employees. They also took away money from the community that could have been used to make it better. Instead of being scared of losing money because of theft, Company Q could have taken extra security measures that would prevent the thefts from happening. The first thing they could have done was install extra security cameras and hired guards that would help keep an eye out and ensure that the thefts stop. This will also ensure the safety of their patrons and make the patrons feel...
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...Evaluation In evaluating Company Q for social responsibility, I have found that the company has not made a commitment to being completely socially responsible. The definition of Corporate Social Responsibility according to Lord Holme and Richard Watts (2000), “is the continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the local community and society at large”. The company has made some attempts at social responsible behavior by listening to a portion of their customers supplying them with health-conscience and organic products; however, this concession came after years of request from their customers and the stores only offer a very limited quantity of those types of foods. Company Q has ignored other opportunities to better the general community where the company conducts its business. Company Q has closed two stores in higher-crime-rate areas because of loss of profits. Company Q failed to recognize that this poorly impacts the community and the employees in that area and reflects poorly on its overall corporate image. Also, Company Q opted to throw away day old food instead of giving it to the community food bank believing it may promote fraud or stealing within their own employees. Both of these decisions were not based on a proper socially responsible attitude. This type of behavior was well hidden several years ago before the world was as...
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...Company Q needs to build a new relationship with the community. Having to close two stores recently indicates to me, that the company has had to make some decisions based on profit margin. Unfortunately, this decision could be viewed as controversial to the public because both stores were Located in high crime communities. This company has made some other unpopular decisions such as, ignoring customer request for products, and not donating day old food to the local food pantry. All three of these decisions has led the community to feel like the company only has it’s best interest in mind and not the consumers. This is socially irresponsible on Company Q’s behalf and will have major impacts on their business. People in the area will quit supporting Company Q as word travels that they don’t care about their social responsibility. If Company Q would look at the bigger picture they would see that the decisions they’re making is hurting their reputation and actually costing them profits. Company Q needs to take action and start building a new social image immediately. First, Company Q needs to address the food issue. Socially, the thought of a store throwing away editable food, when there are people going hungry, is a disaster. Economically throwing away food is not good for the companies profits and long term stability. Company Q needs to look at their products that are becoming outdated and make adjustments to their inventory based on trends and...
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...In initially evaluating Company Q's actions it is relatively easy to identify that social responsibility and therefor ethical behavior, are secondary to fiscal directives. Company Q has survived as a small player in a large market because it is exactly that, a small player with an identifiable brand with community roots. These circumstances could provide Company Q with an advantage over its 'big box' competitors. But what Q has not done is seized upon its ability to relate to its local consumers. Instead it has chosen to be socially irresponsible and to fail in its ability to understand customer demand. It's failure to act with a responsibility towards these consumers has left Q with a public relations concern and a fiscal uncertainty. It is my opinion that with some simple adjustments and a business acumen that includes a social responsibility ethic, Company Q can adjust its current trend of store closures. Currently Q seems to be heavily focused on supplying bottom line profitability without any sense of responsibility to two of its major stakeholders: its employees and its local consumers. By doing so they creating damage, not only to the stakeholders mentioned, but also to all other stakeholders. To its employees Q is failing to create any kind of moral buy in by its employees. By demonstrating a lack of responsibility I believe that it is possible that its employees may well be left feeling alienated from the corporation goal and subsequently, as front line employees,...
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...Company Q’s foundation in not built on social responsibility. Based on the recent closure of two large grocery stores within the same relatively close geographical location, it's clear that their foundation is not built on profitability either. Company Q needs the restart their engine and focus on these two goals: profitability for their investors and social responsibility to the areas they serve. Areas that are riddled with economic poverty face the overbearing challenge of a workforce lacking sustainable jobs. Large employers such as Company Q help the overall well being of a community by providing employment and resources. Company Q needs an overhaul in socially responsive attitude if it is going to rebuild its reputation in the community and regain profits. Community outreach, customer satisfaction, employee commitment and investor loyalty have all become major factors in making the transition from disrespected looser to heralded community leader. Gaining employee commitment and trust is the first step in reimagining this failing grocery store chain. Company Q's leadership needs to guide behavior and build trust through involvement. Company Q leadership is concerned about employees stealing the product that would otherwise be donated. Employees need to have a sense of ownership and responsibility within their individual roles and relate this to the goals of the company. This helps to empower the employee to think and act in ways that make them feel...
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...To: Company Q From: Classifying Your Success Inc., Business Consultant RE: Evaluation and Recommendations for Company Q’s Recent Modifications Dear Company Q, Per your request, I will evaluate your business outlook and your recent modifications on how you have or have not made socially responsible decisions. I will then provide stable recommendations for the company’s benefit and best interest. This evaluation and recommendation regarding social responsibility relates to the closing of two facilities, adding new products at the request of your customers, and your denial to donate day-old products to a local food bank. Keep in mind that social responsibility in business can be defined as “an organization’s obligation to maximize its positive impact on stakeholders and to minimize its negative impact.” In addition, “companies have an economic responsibility to be profitable so that they can provide a return on investment to their owners and investors, create jobs for the community, and contribute goods and services to the economy.” Your decision to close the two stores in high crime rate areas, reportedly because the stores were consistently losing money may be unhealthy to the future success of the business. The threats to be considered in this situation are 1) losing that geographical customer base and having to make up for the loss within your existing locations and 2) attracting investors to support your upcoming endeavors because those two businesses were not...
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...Social Responsibility is defined many different ways. One definition states: “Acting with concern and sensitivity, aware of the impact of your actions on others, particularly the disadvantaged.” (1) Another states it as: “The idea that a company should embrace its social responsibilities and not be solely focused on maximizing profits. Social Responsibility entails developing businesses with a positive relationship to the society in which they operate.”(2) Company Q’s current attitude towards social responsibilities seems insensitive. Their insensitivity has really shown when they chose to throw away expired food instead of having it donated to a local food bank. They were more concerned with reducing internal theft than helping feed the less fortunate. It took years of requests from their customers to get more organic products stocked in their stores. The customer may perceive that their concerns are not worth the company’s time. They also closed two stores because they were no long being profitable. What about all the customers/families that have been shopping at these two stores for the last X amount of years? Where do they go now? By closing the two stores and refusing to donate food to the local food bank, we can conclude that Company Q is not being socially responsible. In fact they are doing the complete opposite. They chose to close the two stores rather than exploring different options to improve store performance, which in turn could potentially...
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...Company Q – Social Responsibility 1 Case Study on Social Responsibility – Company Q For over forty years, the subject of business ethics has continued to evolve and one aspect in particular, social responsibility has become more of a focus. A company’s attitude on social responsibility is evaluated in how they maximize positive impacts on stakeholders while minimizing the negative impacts. Stakeholders include employees, customers, investors and the communities in which they operate. Over time, examples from the world of business have shown ethical standards and social responsibility have a positive impact, not only in terms of reputation management, but long-‐term organizational success. Based on the information provided about Company Q’s actions, it appears that the primary driver for their business decisions is short-‐term economic responsibility without evaluating impacts to all of their stakeholders. Three...
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...A. It is important for a business to be socially responsible, not only to financially benefit their shareholders and investors, but also for moral and ethical reasons. Company Q has the attitude that maximizing profit is their only priority. They closed two stores due to profit loss. Within the remaining stores, they have chosen to limit the products that the community is requesting as they are high-margin items. Instead of choosing to help the community by donating their day-old products to the local food bank, they have made the decision to throw out all that food to avoid any potential theft of company employees. A1. Based on the decisions that Company Q has made to close stores, only offer a few healthy and organic items, and not donating out-of-date products, one would come to the conclusion that Company Q is not concerned with their social responsibility. A1a. Patrons in their community have asked for products that are health-conscious and organic, yet Company Q restricts the number of items they will provide because their profit is higher on the items that are not organically grown and less healthy. Donating day-old products would benefit the less fortunate in the community, yet Company Q’s only worry is fraud and theft among their employees. With just these two items in mind, the narrow-minded thinking of this company of putting profit in front of what is right for their community shows how apathetic the management of this company is to society. B. Recommend...
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...Shaquille O’Neal Misiri J. Parker Jr. American Intercontinental University Shaquille O’Neal (Shaq) is a retired basketball player who played 19 seasons in the NBA, as one of the most dominating centers the world as ever seen. He played for teams such as the, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Boston Celtics. O’Neal was born in Newark, New Jersey on March 6, 1972. O’Neal didn’t achieve success over night, he had to face different obstacles to become one of the greats. Being raised without his biological father, cause of drug addiction and possession. The reason for selecting this individual is because I love the game of basketball. Shaq has been one of my favorite NBA players of all time. I’ve watched Shaq struggle on the court, but never off the court. I’m inspired to write a paper about one of the most dominating centers. One obstacle that Shaq had to face was money. Shaq was drafted by the Orlando Magic in 1992. He spent his first million that he earned within 30 minutes. Like most people, when you get a large sum of money you just want to go out and spend it, just like Shaq did. Not thinking about how to save or your future or if you can impact someone else’s life who may not have food to eat, or nowhere to sleep. Another obstacle Shaq had to face was his Los Angeles teammate Kobe Bryant. “It’s not about how much money you make; the question is are educated enough to keep it? (Shaquille O’Neal)” This individual...
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...Becoming a Better Man Courtney Taylor Strayer University English Writing 090 November 29, 2012 Cynthia Gentry Becoming a Better Man The reason why I believe I am a better man is because one I have changed my attitude about life and the negativity of things. Second, I have come to the realization that it is not all about me anymore because I have my four year old daughter who is my world. Last, but not least I wanted a better way to provide for my daughter and myself , which was coming back to school to get more knowledge and a degree so I will have a firm paying job that will help reach the goals that I have put forth for myself. To begin, I must say my attitude about life was very frustrating. I looked at things as if the world owed me something. I never took the time to take into consideration how tender this life really is. We only get one life with limited opportunities in life. I had to get in my right mind by looking back on certain situations I was putting myself in and the outcome of those situations. I was looking at a short life for myself and a daughter without her father, which is a horrible thing for a young lady to grow up without. I had to get down and ask God to be my leader and to come on in and have His way. I believe that was the best move I could have made to begin this new journey to becoming a better man. I came into realization that these things about me were not what should be in my mind to be trying...
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