...United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative was created in 1999, as a bottom-up idea, when Microsoft employees initiated to help the victims of the Kosovo crisis. The outcome was a software registration system that today helps UNHCR administer their refugee camps in a more efficient and constructive way. The case illustrates an ideal example of a CSR programme and the importance of contributions made by business to society. In particular, it illustrates how a multinational company can take a responsible role in today's modern society without diverting from its core business strategy. The case invites readers to reflect upon and discuss some important questions regarding CSR, ethics and the business role in society. A teaching note accompanies this case with analysis of the theoretical elements. This case was written with the support of a Philip Law Scholarship awarded by ecch. http://www.ecch.com/educators/products/view?id=81242 Abstract This case-study takes us through the actual outcome of one of Microsoft’s corporate citizenship (CC) activities, namely its partnership with UNHCR. The intentions of the case are to show the potential benefits of such a partnership, the key beneficiaries as well as to trigger a debate concerning the intentions and outcomes of CC. Microsoft and UNHCR have based their partnership on a common ground, commitment and core competencies. The collaboration has realized several projects;...
Words: 829 - Pages: 4
...Ethics and Social Responsibility Robert Blad MGT/498 May 8th, 2014 Instructor Dial Ethics and Social Responsibility There are vast amounts of companies that have been accused of doing something that is deemed unethical or not follow a certain social responsibility. However, as people can we really expect a fortune 500 company to maintain itself with so many rules, regulations, and changing variables? The answer is yes; if they are willing to follow a strict strategic management scope that allows them to stand their ground and build a foundation that others are able to honor at the same time. Throughout, we will talk about ethics and social responsibility and how it ties to strategic management. The Strategic Plan A strategic plan is the formulation, plan, and implementation of something that is a foundation for most companies. Having a plan is ideal but being strategic in understanding what is available to you as a company and having that pin pointed acceptance of knowing which way your company is heading and how you are able to achieve these results. Ethics are the foundation of many things are tied together through what a company should be doing to ensure they have public trust, responsibility for their actions, along with being readily available to answer any and all questions that arise. Considering that it seems difficult for many companies to maintain an ethical way of doing things because of the large demand for certain products is the balance for most...
Words: 806 - Pages: 4
...Business ethics is the most debated topic of our times. The difference is between doing the right thing and the wrong thing. Business ethics are the philosophical core of any business and their outcome is crucial for economic development. Peter Cooper – the great American Investor says "I have always recognized that the object of business is to make money in an honorable manner. I have endeavored to remember that the object of life is to do good." Business ethics are more than moral values and principles that determine our conduct in the business world. It refers to the commercial activities, either with other business houses or with a single customer. They can be applied to all aspects of business; from generation of an idea to its sale. Business uses the society for its resources and functioning, thereby obligating it to the welfare of the society. While the objective of all business is to make profits, it should contribute to the interest of the society by ensuring fair practices. However, greed has led the present business scenario towards unethical business practices, legal complications and general mistrust. Code of Ethics Lot of organizations implement the code of ethics in their company polices, which they implement during induction and regular training. A Code of Ethics is generally a more blanket statement of values and beliefs that defines the organization. So what is it for? * Company's assets, funds and records * Conflict of interest ...
Words: 991 - Pages: 4
...mba business Business Ethics assignment Written by: Laurel Hubber Written for: University of Bristol Graduate School of International Business MBA in International Business Date: March 3, 1997 Professor: Henri-Claude de Bettignies "People who think they will be true to their ethics have probably never examined their ethics". 1 ______________________________ 1 Badaracco, J. & Webb, A., Business Ethics: A View from the Trenches, California Management Review, Vol 37, No.2 Winter 1995, p 21 How do you differentiate between "Doing what is right" and "Doing the right thing"? "If all of your friends jumped off a bridge, would you?" Children often find themselves faced with this question after having been caught doing something that, at the time, seemed right to them; probably because "everyone" else i.e., their peers, was doing it. And, much to their chagrin, children know that the answer to the above question is "no". Even at an early age, they are expected to have the ability to separate their own values from those of their friends. Without defining or analyzing, they are expected to know the difference between "doing the right thing": according to the values of those around them and "doing what is right": according to their own set of values. How does a child know when something is right or wrong? What guidelines does he or she use;...
Words: 1010 - Pages: 5
...Ethics Simulation In this simulation as Quality Control Manager I was faced with a quality issue with an impurity in one of the main ingredients found in a majority of our products. All though the level was below FDA standards, the ethical standards at G-BioSport had the company faced with an dilemma. Using the rights/responsibility lens I decided to share the information with our customers and offer to replace the product or refund them the purchase price. My deontology results approach showed ethical tradition and explored my duties to each buyer. The second scenario had us deciding on whether we should market the product in other countries where there standards and rules were not as strict. This decision having to be made because the FDA had recently revised their standards and our product now did not meet the new standards. We decided that we will apply the same U.S. safety standards to all our products wherever they are sold. Both decisions that were made have the same thing in common, they provide the least amount of possible risk to G-BioSport and our customers. With the discovering of the contamination, we could have not disclosed the issue since the results were still below FDA standards and the overall risk remained very low. However the core values of this company reflect the dedication to surpassing our customers’ expectations. We wanted to be forthcoming with our results and to make the information available to everyone in a timely manner. Therefore ethically...
Words: 917 - Pages: 4
...aware of the laws and regulations of the country. The immigrants would come to know through this about their legally allowed working hours, taxes etc., which otherwise they wouldn’t have asked their employees, fearing losing their jobs. They also intend to help migrant workers overcome issues in various different ways, e.g. producing workers’ rights leaflets in 11 different languages. It also intends to enlighten the employers about the issue and help them in communicating to their immigrant worker population. This is being done as the immigrant population has benefited the U.K economy by adding workforce in various fields, which were otherwise being done by the ageing U.K population. This has also benefitted U.K because of the greater work ethic, which the immigrants bring along. 2. Explain the purpose and benefits of PEST analysis. The purpose of the PEST analysis is to analyze the external environment surrounding the migrant workers. It helps them analyze the issues, which they would need to address in order to improve the condition of the immigrant workers in the country. It also gives them a clear agenda that they would need to address in order to help the workers their due benefits. This will also help them make the local citizens realize the benefits of having the immigrant workers in their country. 3. Outline the factors that could lead to...
Words: 617 - Pages: 3
...large houses, all the latest gadgets, big cars and all other material amenities. Modern industry has provided us with unprecedented material prosperity. It has also created unparalleled environmental threats to us and our future generations. Modern technology has enabled us to manipulate and control nature – e.g. quick yielding seeds, artificial rain, BT vegetables and cereals, multiple crops etc. But this has led to increased pollution and severe depletion of natural resources. - Pollutants are pumped into the air - Toxic wastes are produced and dumped into soil, water and seas Major problems facing the world in the 21st century: - Population growth - Global warming/ rising temperatures - Falling water tables - Shrinking agricultural land - Collapsing fisheries * Loss/ extinction of several plant and animal species * Reduced forest cover Environmental issues raise large and complicated ethical and technological questions for business 1. What is the extent of the environmental damage caused by present/ projected...
Words: 1049 - Pages: 5
...vaccines, generics, biologics, consumer health and nutrition. Pharmaceutical industry €665 bn value, world largest industry R&D champion Major employer Influential lobby 10-15 years to develop a drug €1,17 bn cost of research & development, €105.00bn spent on R&D in 2012 in industry 1 to 2 of 10,000 substances pass all stages and become marketable macro analysis steeplec Society Technology Economy Environment Politics Legislation Ethic Competition fast growing aging & wealthier population rising urbanisation increase in unhealthy lifestyles & obesity opportunities opened up by scientific advances strong growth in emerging markets / Heavy political focus on healthcare as core state responsibility intellectual property protection / 3D printed drugs cyborgs rise new diseases category increased patient awareness & interest in natural medicines growing acceptance of generics shrinking working population falling R&D productivity increasing R&D expenses debt crisis in Europe reduction in individual disposable income volatility in emerging markets weak prospects in mature market increased regulation of drug manufacturing healthcare systems in debt efforts to cut back healthcare spending strong support for generics patent expiring growing regulatory hurdles global inconsistencies in regulations drug pusher persuasive sales representatives...
Words: 321 - Pages: 2
...security, training and developing employees, strategic management, security and ethics. Change is an ongoing process for every business in the world. These changes have a big impact on how an organization deals with learning and performance. The first trend is: Drastic times, drastic measures. This trend discusses the uncertainty in business due to the ongoing effects in the world, such as the recession, war on terrorism and market instability to name a few. The article indicates a shortage in the labor market and refers to a “seller’s market for talent”, I disagree with this as today, 2009 is experiencing one of the highest rates of unemployment, making the job market very competitive. Regardless, trend one also discusses tight and decreasing budgets, as well as controlling costs. This is a very important issue at the moment for all businesses, especially if they want to survive in these economic times. The second trend is: Blurred Lines – life or work? This trend discusses the 24/7 work mode. With flexible scheduling, telecommuting and access to information 24 hours a day, the line between work and non-work becomes blurred. This way of work is adding stress to already stressed out families. In addition, more families have dual earners, where both parents are working full-time, which results in spending less time with the family. The third trend is: Small world and shrinking. Since everything can be accessed via the world wide web, business can be conducted...
Words: 1043 - Pages: 5
...Ethical Issue: A second ethical issue is whether individuals should be rewarded if they are part of a team or should the entire team be rewarded. A lot of people don’t want to work with the guy who takes all the credit and gets all the rewards when part of a team. Third Ethical Issue: A reward such as a pay raise should be significant enough to reflect the contributions of the employee. A cost of living increase after a great review creates a negative reaction by the employee. Fourth Ethical Issue: Should a reward be a tangible item such as a car? Should it be intrinsic? Intrinsic rewards are built into the employment. When an individual is hired, there is a pre-set ladder of advancement based on achievements. This question addresses the ethics and values of a business. A promotion may be of greater value to the employee in the long run. Fifth Ethical Issue: When rewards are based on a skill level, the ethical dilemma is created when the employee reaches the limit of skills and can no longer be rewarded. “Leaders need to link rewards to performance and set a...
Words: 512 - Pages: 3
...competencies- highest quality brand reputation Dedication to social ethics of organics, industry best customer service, strong supply chain, private label program Product offerings- private labels, categories of goods Promotional strategy- whole deal program, value tours, discounting, advertising, product placement (i.e. Top Chef) Appeals to greater social responsibility SWOT Strengths Organic market leader, strong WFM- supplier collaboration, finest quality of goods, good distribution system, minimal level of expensive advertising, well trained staff with specialized skills, community involvement, value price private labels Weaknesses Premium prices, high cost in expansion, high employee/customer ratio, large perishable inventory, high inventory costs, shortage of inventory in certain categories, geographic limitations Opportunities Growing market thru development and penetration, popularity of healthy living, cross over of traditional grocers, leveraging of market leading brand, consumers looking for value priced goods, consumers looking for premium goods Threats Growth relies on new stores/acquisitions, weak economy resulting in reduction of customer spending, increased competition, unionization, government regulations, limited capital, debt, stock price reductions, economic conditions may affect goodwill Revenues before 2005 post 2005? Consumer confidence and buying power may be shrinking Grow net income- conservative growth, open less stores and reduce avg...
Words: 404 - Pages: 2
...with his help McDonalds became a franchisee known in every household. Today, the McDonalds organization is a world-wide franchisee that operates in 120 countries. McDonalds is defined as the organization with a worldwide system to create menus for all cultures. The franchisee operates under a system that prepares, assembles and packages quickly prepared foods that sold at a moderate price. “This system McDonald’s created is the largest fast-food system in the world the company has pioneered food and quality specifications (HRM pg.625).” With McDonalds serving countries across the world for decades and in to the New Millennium revenue reached 22.8 billion in 2007. Financial Information in August of 2014 McDonalds has faced a crisis with shrinking sales “In 2013, McDonald’s reported a decline in U.S. “sales and a big drop off in customer traffic, breaking a 10-year streak of gains in a market that generates 30% of sales.” McDonald’s restaurants are seeing a decrease in sales this has to do with the economy customers are looking for lower prices on the menus. The 2013 reports show a drop in sales for the franchise. The McDonalds CEO Don Thompson resigns from his job in August 2014 he just couldn’t keep up with the demands of the new millennium. McDonald’s has hired a new CEO Mike Andres whom is a former executive of McDonald who left to he aspired to create a new and improved McDonald’s. Question 1. What should McDonald’s do to further reduce turnover...
Words: 547 - Pages: 3
...in the New Zealand workforce or should I say the lack thereof. This article gave me further insight of the troubles that this countries workforce faced. These problems included migrant workers, the process of hiring employees, immigration process, and social partnership. The article is called Why Diversity Really Matters by Ruth Le Pla. The article gave me a understanding of exactly why their workforce was failing and how companies did not practice diversity. The article talked about Catherine Taylor who is the president of the Human Resources Institute of New Zealand. Ms. Taylor surveyed many companies just to see the problems with their diversity. The results shocked me. New England’s workforce is in trouble and their labor pool is shrinking. Companies are not making it better because they are very close minded when it comes to the hiring of new individuals. The survey showed that many companies did not want to step outside of their comfort zones. According to Le Pla (2012),” Companies avoided candidates’ names whose names they could not pronounce. If a candidate does not have New Zealand experience they’re put to the bottom of the short-listed pile. There’s an...
Words: 1427 - Pages: 6
...Forecasting by Yvonne Dickens Financial analysis is evaluating, interpretation and selecting financial data and other information to help with investing and decision making. Financial data is provided by the company in annual reports and required disclosures. Financial data can also be collected from financial press, the electronic media, and economic data. However most information needed for financial analysis is the income statement, balance sheets, and statement of cash flows. The use of ratios helps to analysis the financial data to help forecast where the company is headed. There are several different ratios that should be used. Ratios can be classified as a coverage ratio which measures ability to meet obligations, a return ratio that measures net benefit to used resources, turnover ratios measures gross benefit to used resources, and component percentage the ratio of one component of an item to an item. The liquidity ratio is the measurement of a company‘s ability to create enough cash to meet their needs. There are three ratios for liquidity: 1. Current ratio determines if the company can meet its liabilities with its assets. 2. Quick ratio determines the company‘s ability to satisfy liabilities with its liquid assets. 3. Net working capital to sales ratio indicates current assets minus current liabilities divided by sales. If these ratios are large the company has the ability to liquidate and satisfy is obligations. Activity ratios like inventory turnover...
Words: 590 - Pages: 3
...decrease to “50 percent by the fifth year mark, and by the tenth year 82 percent have closed” (Boone & Kurtz p.152). If you want your company or business to succeed and grow you need to know a few important factors that will help it and they are: dynamic business environments, critical business functions, integration of individuals and systems, and ethical and social responsibilities that confront a business. To start a company you need a plan, capital, and a location to start the company, but once you get those you need to be able to have a dynamic business environment. A dynamic business environment is characterized by the ability to respond to changing trends. One of these changes could be the aging of the population and its shrinking labor pool. As stated by Boone and Kurtz, “that by the year 2030, the number of U.S. workers 65 or older will reach 72 million, taking their experience and expertise with them” (pg. 20). Which means employers must find new and more sophisticated technology and people with more advance skills to help and replace the ones they are missing. Another area is that a business must respond to is the information systems changes. Computers systems are always in a state of change. Once they came up with one type of software, somebody else has already started trying to develop a new software system...
Words: 1541 - Pages: 7
