Assignment Task: Read Apple and Its Suppliers: Corporate Social Responsibility
Case Scenario: APPLE AND ITS SUPPLIERS: CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY by Sun Hye Lee, Michael J. Mol, and Kamel Mellahi
and explain:
- 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.