...Patagonia has created a strong brand and a sustained competitive advantage through focusing on the product quality to meet tough expectation of customer and win their trust and loytalty, while at the same time reducing the environmental damage. This environmental position of Patagonia contributes to strengthen the company's uniqueness against competitors by differencing it from others in a market where technology improvement has become increasingly challenge. Patagonia uses incremental innovations approach to improve existing products and processes, as new technical systems for their apparel and gear for instance. The company chosed to maintain high margin with command prices 20% above their competitors. Inside the company, Patagonia's employees showed high satisfaction and fidelity, which led to much lower turnover comparing to other rivals. Finally, the firm differentiates itself from other major competitors by focusing on customers who are knowledgeable about their sports and outdoor activities (niche market of dirtbags) and willing to pay additional amount for superior quality. It is true that Patagonia's environmental position contributed to company's competitive advantage in positive ways, such as strengthen the company's uniqueness against rivals. Also we could believe that business and sustainability seems to be compatible when we se how the positive and improved image of Patagonia helped it to gain legitimacy with stakeholders; or when its competitors are making...
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...schools in South America. It has been estimated that the cost to reproduce the product and repack the product will be close to $100,000. After studying the situation and the facts, I have come up with three possible solutions to the issue at hand. The first possible solution is to ship this batch of products out as is to our South American clients. While the lead content of the products doesn't meet the acceptable levels for U.S. children, the products destination has different quality standards which the product does meet. We can also reduce costs and limit our liability by labeling the package as “Not Intended for Children under 7 Years of Age.” While a cost effective option, one major issue with this approach is that the company will still maintain a certain level of liability should the product sicken a child who comes into contact with the whistle portion of the toy. Because we are a U.S. based company, it is possible charges could be filed against the company in the U.S. by our South American clients. This would mean that we would be held to U.S. EPA product safety standards. Legal action against the company could cost us hundreds of thousands of dollars in legal fees, fines and settlements. In addition to this, it also raises ethical questions about our company’s standards and concert about our client’s safety both inside and outside the U.S. Another option...
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...casecase 4 4 patagonia patagonia First ascents: finding thethe way First ascents: finding way toward quality of life life and work toward quality of and work > .> 1. The lie of the land Patagonia’s brand awareness and reputation are distinctly out of proportion to its size. Nestled in a quiet street just yards from the ocean in Ventura, California, Patagonia has for over two and a half decades been renowned for supplying highquality outdoor clothing and equipment to discriminating enthusiasts. A stepchild of Chouinard Equipment, the leading US supplier of speciality climbing equipment in the early s, Patagonia remains privately held. It is a subsidiary of Lost Arrow Corporation, established in as the holding company for Patagonia, Patagonia Mail Order, Chouinard Equipment (now Black Diamond) and Great Pacific Iron Works. Patagonia sales in were US$ million, achieved with employees. Patagonia manages the research and development, design, manufacturing, merchandising and sales (retail, catalogue and web-based) of adult and children’s outdoor clothing, hardgoods such as packs and travel bags, and, more recently (following founder Yvon Chouinard’s long-standing philosophy that, if you can’t find a good one, make it) surf boards! The heart of Patagonia’s success lies in relentless technical innovation that produces a continuous stream of products good enough to meet the tough and © 1999 Greenleaf Publishing Ltd > a. Corporate overview 2 mapping...
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...founded the company with a mission to create unique ice cream flavors and make a positive impact while doing so. Ben and Jerry’s has a mission consisted of three correlated parts: product, economic, and social. Their social mission is to operate the company in a way that actively recognizes the central role that business plays in society by initiating innovative ways to improve the quality of life locally, nationally, and internationally. The social mission has been to meet human needs and eliminate injustice at all three levels (Solheim, 2012, Section 3). The main focus of the company is on children, families, the environment, and sustainable agricultural. These practices are common not only to food companies, but other companies as well. Patagonia is one company that states to keep sustainable resourced, educated workers, and happy consumers (Chouinard and Stanley, 2013, E-book page 1022). Because manufacturing itself is known to create waste, Ben and Jerry’s strives to minimize their negative impact on the environment. Ben and Jerry’s has taken new initiatives recently to impact both the company, its suppliers, and its employees. Some of these initiatives making all product lines Fair Trade-certified, pledging to source only non-GMO ingredients in their products, and to increase the company’s involvement along with their...
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...Improving local performances by assessing Code of Conduct compliance 16 4.3 Strengthening international relationships by supporting local development 17 4.4 Spreading global image by involving communities 17 4.5 Financing international expansion by boosting shareholders’ endorsement 18 5 TIMBERLAND VS. COMPETITORS: CSR NURTURING COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE 19 5.1 OLI theory: an application of Timberland’s CSR 19 5.1.1 CSR fostering Timberland’s ownership advantage 19 5.1.2 CSR enhancing Timberland’s location advantage 20 5.1.3 CSR neutralizing Timberland’s internalization advantage 22 5.2 Timberland and competitors: a comparison on CSR activities 23 5.2.1 Methodology of the Analysis 23 5.2.2 Results of the Analysis 24 6 MEASUREMENT ISSUES: IMPACT OF SOCIAL VALUE ON COMMERCIAL VALUE 25 7...
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...The Unethical activities in Marketing Mix “4Ps” Ethics and Political Environment of Business Senior project Spring 2015 Group Name: Nouhad El Zein Sadika Zaiter Zaynab Kdouh Table of Contents Abstract 3 Definition of the marketing: 4 Definition of the marketing mix 4 Product: 4 Price: 4 Promotion: 5 Place: 5 Social Responsibility in the 4Ps 5 Marketing mix and unethical practices 6 Introduction: 6 Definition of Marketing Ethics 7 Ethics and Product 7 Ethics and Pricing 7 Ethics and Distribution (place) 10 Ethics and Promotion 12 RECOMMENDATIONS: 16 Bibliography 17 Abstract In this project we intend to identity the marketing the marketing mix, the social responsibility in marketing, develop the concept of ethic in marketing components of marketing and how each of them can subject of unethical practices. Definition of the marketing: Marketing is the process by which companies create value for customers and build strong customer relationships in order to capture value from customers in return. For example, “Walmart” has become the world’s largest retailer—and the world’s largest Company—by delivering on its promise, “Save money, Live better.” Nintendo surged ahead in the video-games market behind the pledge that “Wii would like to play,” backed by its wildly popular” Wii” console and a growing list of popular games and accessories for all ages. And McDonald’s fulfills...
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...1 ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR in CHANGING tIMES CHAPTER SCAN THIS INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER PROVIDES AN OVERVIEW OF THE ENVIRONMENT OF ORGANIZATIONS FOR THESE CHANGING TIMES. IT BEGINS BY PROVIDING AN OVERVIEW OF BEHAVIOR IN ORGANIZATIONS AND THE INTERDISCIPLINARY ORIGINS OF THAT BEHAVIOR. NEXT, IT DESCRIBES THE ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEXT AND PRESENTS THE SIX FOCUS ORGANIZATIONS (BRINKER INTERNATIONAL, ENRON, HARLEY-DAVIDSON, HEWLETT-PACKARD, PATAGONIA, AND THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION). THIRD, IT POINTS OUT THE CRITICAL ROLE OF CHANGE AND CHALLENGE, FOLLOWED BY A DISCUSSION OF HOW PEOPLE LEARN ABOUT ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR. THE CHAPTER FINISHES BY RELATING THE VARIOUS FEATURES OF THE BOOK TO LEARNING STYLES AND OUTLINING THE PLAN FOR THE BOOK. LEARNING OBJECTIVES AFTER READING THIS CHAPTER, YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO THE FOLLOWING: 1. Define organizational behavior. 2. Identify six interdisciplinary contributions to the study of organizational behavior. 3. Identify the important system components of an organization. 4. Describe the formal and informal elements of an organization. 5. Understand the diversity of organizations in the economy, as exemplified by the six focus organizations. 6. Recognize the challenge of change for organizational behavior. 7. Demonstrate the value of objective knowledge and skill development in the study of organizational behavior. KEY TERMS CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCES THE...
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...1. Define organizational culture and discuss its three layers. Organizational culture represents the shared assumptions that a group holds. It influences employees' perceptions and behavior at work. The three layers of organizational culture include observable artifacts, espoused values, and basic assumptions. Artifacts are the physical manifestations of an organization's culture. Espoused values represent the explicitly stated values and norms that are preferred by an organization. Basic underlying assumptions are unobservable and represent the core of organizational culture. 2. Discuss the difference between espoused and enacted values. Espoused values represent the explicitly stated values and norms that are preferred by an organization. Enacted values, in contrast, reflect the values and norms that actually are exhibited or converted into employee behavior. Employees become cynical when management espouses one set of values and norms and then behaves in an inconsistent fashion. Chapter Scan Corporate cultures provide identifying characteristics and values for organizational members to appreciate and learn. Cultures are distinguished by artifacts, values, and basic assumptions. The socialization process is the entry stage in an organization that provides clues about its culture. Cultures are difficult to change, yet change is necessary in some instances for survival. Organizations need an adaptive culture in order to respond effectively to the...
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...Chapter 5 Social Responsibility and Ethics How important is it for organizations and managers to be socially responsible and ethical? In this chapter, we’re going to look at what it means to be socially responsible and ethical and what role managers play in both. Focus on the following learning outcomes as you read and study this chapter. LEARNING OUTCOMES 5.1 Discuss what it means to be socially responsible and what factors influence that decision. 5.2 Explain green management and how organizations can go green. 5.3 Discuss the factors that lead to ethical and unethical behavior. 5.4 Describe management’s role in encouraging ethical behavior. 5.5 Discuss current social responsibility and ethics issues. SPOTLIGHT: Manager at Work Chapter 5 presents contemporary concepts of managerial ethics and social responsibility to help your students explore and appreciate the critical role of these issues in today’s complex business environment. In the opening case, “A Manager at Work,” we see firsthand the complications that arise when companies are caught in the middle of unethical and illegal allegations. The case revolves around allegations of attempted bribery by three Renault executives. After an investigation, all three of the employees were dismissed, but the story doesn’t end there as the Paris prosecutor in charge of the case later dismissed the charges for lack of evidence. Renault would eventually backtrack on the firing of the executives, rehiring all three...
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........................................................................... 2 New Mission and Vision Statement ........................................................................................ 3 III. SWOT and Environmental Analysis......................................................................................... 3 Columbia SWOT Analysis ...................................................................................................... 3 Columbia SWOT Matrix ......................................................................................................... 4 Cabela's SWOT Matrix............................................................................................................ 4 Patagonia SWOT Matrix ......................................................................................................... 5 Lululemon SWOT Matrix ....................................................................................................... 5 Under Armour SWOT Matrix ................................................................................................. 5 Marmot SWOT Matrix ............................................................................................................ 6 Macroeconomic Factors...
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...values, family background, culture, education, and religion or philosophy before making important decisions. These factors provide the framework from which we base our decisions and justify our actions. Unfortunately not everything in life is so cut and dry, there often exist many gray areas that can lead to ethical dilemmas, since what one person thinks is the right course of action might not always appeal to everyone else’s ethical sensibilities. For many the words “business” and “ethics” form an oxymoron. We are frequently inundated with reports of ethical misconduct in the business world—misappropriated finances, inflated earnings, labor misconduct, and environmental recklessness are just a few of the many egregious acts to which we have become familiar. In this reading, we will explore the importance of business ethics and closely study how it relates to corporate success. We will take a look at several stellar examples of companies that regularly exhibit high ethical standards. While you read, consider how your personal ethics come into play when you make business and personal decisions that affect others. Codes of Conduct The first step towards implementing ethical business practices is to clarify what types of behaviors a company wishes to promote and what activities are considered unacceptable or prohibited in the workplace environment. As part of this step, an organization should adopt a thorough, all encompassing code of conduct, also known in some circles as a code...
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...Suppliers Others, including the media, who can be affected by or who can affect the achievement of the corporation’s objectives 6 Figure 1.1 Support of Stakeholders 7 Stakeholders’ support depends on the credibility(可靠 性， 可信性） that stakeholders place in corporate commitments, the corporate’s reputations and the strength of its competitive advantages. How do you get the support from stakeholders? Support of Stakeholders 8 A company’s activities should respect the values and interests of the stakeholders. Corporate directors are expected to govern their company ethically. The corporation is increasingly expected to be accountable to stakeholders in a transparent or ethical manner. Questions: 9 1. What are the ethical issues or factors involved? Did these companies benefit (好处，利益）from their behavior（行为）? What would future...
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... We will integrate the knowledge you have acquired to this point in order to develop an understanding of how an entire organization functions and give you an opportunity to develop and exhibit your management and leadership abilities. Prerequisites: IS 301, FIN 301, MGT 323, SCM 352, and MGT 325 or ACC 460 Course Learnings Objectives MGT 496 is a University Capstone Course and will also serve as the coordinating course to satisfy the Ethics component of the Silver Core Curriculum. As such this course will satisfy the following three Core Objectives (CO): * CO12 Ethics: Students will demonstrate understanding of the ethical principles in general or in application of specialized knowledge, results of research, creative expression, or design processes. Students will demonstrate an ability to recognize, articulate, and apply ethical principles in various academic, professional, social, or personal contexts. * CO13 Integration and Synthesis: Students will be able to...
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...Sharing corps: Should company build competitive advantage by embracing the sharing economy? SHARING CORPS SHOULD COMPANIES build a new competitive advantage BY embracing the SHARING ECONOMY? ECOVALA - December 2013 1 Sharing corps: Should company build competitive advantage by embracing the sharing economy? Ecovala © 2013 This report was produced by the Ecovala in December 2013. If no other source is specified, the contents of this report are under a Creative Commons Attribution – Non-Commercial - Share Alike 3.0 Unported License. You can find the full text of the license in this website. Ecovala Ecovala provides innovative solutions to private and public organisations to accelerate their transition towards sustainability. The organisation offers a wide range of services around sustainability and system innovation: from companies’ environmental assessment to sustainable strategic design, from new green services definition to effective implementation of CSR management. Based in Finland, the organisation is active throughout Europe, relying on an extensive network of like-minded organisations and sustainability experts. www.ecovala.eu Author Erwan Mouazan is director and founder of Ecovala. He develops and implements innovative sustainability solutions both at private and public level. Erwan owns a Master's degree in economics, with a specialization in international management. In the last 9 years, he has worked at international level in environmental...
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...Business ethics deals with ethical rules and principles necessary for a successful business. It explains the various ethical problems that can rise in a business setting and the responsibilities of persons who are engaged in an organization. We have here shown how the Indian Businesses follows ethical practices even though they are working globally. We have here also taken few examples MNCS to show how are they going ahead unethically. In this research paper we have tried to show that no business can get success even though they are going globally (locally) if they don’t follow ethics and legitimate values. Our research paper reflects that true and ethical business can sustain for longer time and even can survive at toughest time. ethical training ,policies procedures will help any organization to manage their work place very well .we have shown that how ethics will help to enhance reputation of business and generate loyalty from staff members. Our research paper will open new avenues to the ethical dilemmas 2 Table of Contents Particulars What is Business Ethics Ethics and military Overview of issues in Business Ethics Ethics in Indian context: Scope of business ethics Approaches to Business ethics. Importance of Ethics in Business. Ethics and legality (code of ethics) Issues in business ethics(Types of Morally Questionable acts) Problems in its follow up Ethical considerations in Corporate Entrepreneurship Ethics and teaching field List of Most Ethical Companies in the world...
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