The Assignment
CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) encourages open and transparent business practices that are based on ethical values and respect for employees, communities and the environment. It is designed to deliver sustainable value to society at large, as well as to shareholders. CSR applies to the supply chain as much as it applies to the business as a whole.
Most modern organizations profess their aim is to reconcile the goals of the organization with those of people, planet and profit. To this end historical, inward-looking management and leadership skills are no longer sufficient for sustainable organizational success. Corporate organizations now have a far greater agenda which encompasses balancing economic, social and environmental performance whilst simultaneously recognizing and meeting the needs of a larger number of more diverse stakeholder groups. Moreover, the increased transparency of corporate activities has meant that issues of accountability and legitimacy are integral to the discourse of corporate performance.
For this report you have to critically evaluate the Mattel case study in respect to corporate social responsibility and the supply chain. To assist you in framing the report the analysis and tasks outlined below should also be integrated into the report in addition to a general narrative based on further reading and research on the area of CSR.
• Examine the competitive forces that influence the global toy manufacturing industry.
• Analyze Mattel's business and supply chain strategy to compete effectively in the global market for toys - both from an overall business and a specific supply chain perspective.
• Evaluate Mattel's response to the Chinese toy recall crisis - both from an overall business and a specific supply chain perspective.
• Discuss the challenges for the regulation and control of the global toy manufacturing industry given the competitive forces in that industry. Who should have the ultimate responsibility to ensure that all toys meet the highest safety, social and environmental standards?