Module 6 Assignment: Global Supply Chain Case

Module 6 Assignment: Global Supply Chain Case

Module 6 Assignment: Global Supply Chain Case

Summary of the Case Study 

The case study “Apple and Its Suppliers: Corporate Social Responsibility” raises various important points about the role of companies and their suppliers in promoting social responsibility. The following are the key points that are discussed in the case: -Parties involved: This case study focuses on Apple Inc. and its Chinese suppliers, who created Apple’s well-known goods like iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. Main concerns/problem: The case brings to light a number of problems brought on by the working circumstances of Apple’s Chinese suppliers, including excessive working hours, low pay, risky working conditions, and other human rights breaches (Lee et al., 2016). -Corporate social responsibility: The case study calls into question businesses’ obligations to monitor suppliers’ compliance with social and ethical norms and to be open about their supply chain procedures. -Public opinion: The case study discusses the effects of unfavorable media coverage of the working conditions of Apple’s Chinese suppliers on businesses and their brand reputation (Lee et al., 2016). -International business: Finally, the case study sheds light on the difficulties faced by businesses when attempting to strike a balance between the need to produce goods quickly and affordably and the need to ensure that their suppliers follow social and ethical standards, particularly when operating in various nations with various cultural, economic, and legal environments.

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How Corporate Social Responsibility is important to a Business

Corporate social responsibility is an essential component of any successful business strategy. In this concept, specifically related to the treatment of employees, organizations have a responsibility to foster a culture that provides a safe, supportive working environment for their employees. This includes developing fair workplace policies and practices regarding salary, compensation, diversity and inclusion, work/life balance and other workforce issues. By creating trusting relationships within their workplace and empowering employees to feel valued and enabled to reach their highest potential benefit both the employee experience as well as the success of the organization. Corporate social responsibility initiatives linked to employee treatment can result in improved morale among workers, increased productivity, retention rates and higher employee engagement with overall organizational goals.

Public Opinion

The issue involving Apple and its suppliers’ CSR procedures was significantly influenced by the media and public opinion. Media sources covered the allegations of environmental damage and labor abuses extensively, which sparked public outrage and demands for responsibility. As a result, Apple was compelled to act and respond in order to change the business practices of its suppliers and enhance its own standing (Lee et al., 2016). Business professionals may learn the value of proactive, open, and ethical business practices from this event. Companies need to be aware of how they affect society and the environment and take the initiative to deal with any problems that may occur. They must also be willing to be open about their procedures and be ready for heightened public and media scrutiny. Keeping a good reputation is also crucial for businesses, since it may affect both their brand and their financial situation.

International Business

This case study emphasizes the significance of taking into account the social and ethical ramifications of global trade and supply chain management. Business professionals must be mindful of the possible effects that their actions might have on their suppliers, workers, and the larger community when a firm expands its operations abroad. In this instance, despite the fact that these facilities were run by other businesses, Apple received criticism for the subpar working conditions and abuses of labor rights at its supplier factories (Lin, 2020). This demonstrates that companies have an obligation to ensure that their suppliers conduct themselves ethically and responsibly and to take action to remedy any problems that may occur. This incident serves as a reminder that businesses need to have robust CSR programs.

Labor Practices

Outsourcing, offshore, and the use of overseas labor are common labor practices in international business. Outsourcing has benefits including cheaper labor costs, greater flexibility, and access to a larger talent pool. Offshoring may result in lower costs and more efficiency, but it may also cause linguistic and cultural hurdles as well as a loss of control over business operations (Lin, 2020). Although employing foreign employees might cut labor costs and provide employers access to a bigger pool of competent workers, it can also raise ethical questions and immigration problems.

The Road Ahead

Apple ought to have moved forward by establishing a thorough and efficient Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program that goes above and beyond merely adhering to regulatory obligations. This would entail developing and monitoring moral guidelines for its supply chain as well as routinely identifying and resolving possible dangers to the environment and human rights. To foster responsibility and confidence among stakeholders, the business should be open about its CSR initiatives. This strategy is backed by a number of theories, including institutional theory and stakeholder theory, which place emphasis on the necessity of striking a balance between economic interests and social and environmental issues in order to achieve long-term commercial success.

References

Lee, S. H., Mol, M. J., & Mellahi, K. (2016). Apple and its suppliers: Corporate social responsibility. https://www.academia.edu/39360751/apple_and_its_suppliers_corporate_social_responsibility

Lin, N. (2020). Designing global sourcing strategy for cost savings and innovation: A configurational approach. Management International Review, 60(5), 723-753. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11575-020-00428-5

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Module 6 Assignment: Global Supply Chain Case

Overview

In Module Six, you have explored logistical and cultural considerations for managing diverse teams. In this assignment, you will apply what you have learned by analyzing a case study to draw conclusions about corporate social responsibility in an international context.

Prompt

Read the case study Apple and Its Suppliers: Corporate Social Responsibility, taking careful note of examples and explanations of Apple’s views on corporate social responsibility, countries involved in the supply chain, and whom the public held responsible for the ethical violations.

Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:

• Key Points: Briefly summarize key points that the case raises, such as who was involved; key problems and concerns identified; and questions about corporate social responsibility, public opinion, and/or international business.

• Corporate Social Responsibility: Explain how corporate social responsibility, specifically related to employee treatment, is important to a business.

• Public Opinion: Explain how the media and public opinion influenced the situation and what lessons a business practitioner can learn from Apple’s experience with how the media and the public can impact business.

• International Business: The case states that although the concerns regarding poor employee treatment were related to events at manufacturing facilities such as Foxconn and Pegatron, the concerns regarding corporate social responsibility fell to Apple. Explain what this can teach business professionals about international business and supply chain management.

• Labor Practices: Compare the advantages and disadvantages of commonly used labor practices in international business.

• The Road Ahead: The end of the case raises a few questions regarding how Apple should proceed. On the basis of what you have learned in this module and throughout the course, explain how you think Apple should have proceeded following the incident outlined in the case and why. Make sure to use evidence from course and/or external resources to support your response.

Submit this assignment as a 400- to 500-word Microsoft Word document. Sources should be cited according to APA style.