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Innovation and sustainability apple inc
Apple in. : managing a global supply chain ken mark
Apple in. : managing a global supply chain ken mark
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The tremendous success that Apple has been for the efforts that they have made not only in ensuring that they produce quality products, but also in ensuring that they are socially responsible in their business model (Avetisyan and Ferrary 2013, 115-133). Apple is believed to be one of the companies that are socially responsible in the world, but has received criticism from all corners in the world (Aguinis and Glavas 2012, 932-968). The criticism has worked to the advantage of Apple since it has been able to improve in their social responsibility. The paper discusses the environmental and social performance regarding Apple and how it impacts the society and how the operations of the company should be done (Backer 2013, 805-879). Both the areas …show more content…
The environmental performance of numerous tech companies has been evaluated and since Apple has grown over time, it has received more attention. There has been a frequent campaign against Apple by different environmental organisations such as Greenpeace requesting for the elimination of hardware components that are non-recyclable hardware components, a comprehensive plan that would make the products of Apple not end up in the waste and the removal of toxins from iPhone hardware (Apple Inc. 2016). As much as such campaigns affect the operations of Apple Inc., they are good since they help in the conservation of the environment thus having a good impact on the …show more content…
Having poor working conditions impacts the society in such a way that workers are depressed and do not work in peace. Apple should look for ways in which their suppliers can offer working conditions that are humane. If the current suppliers do not improve their working conditions, then Apple should consider looking for other suppliers since the working conditions of their workers should be of most priority (Apple Inc. 2016). Moreover, having good working conditions will attract more qualified personnel into the company, thus increasing the quality of their products. However, the main problem in Apple making sure that their suppliers offer better working conditions is that Apple has no legal liability in any operation that happens in China factories since their ownership is by separate manufacturers. It, therefore, gives Apple the dilemma of choosing between what is correct morally and what is correct legally. It also represents situations that are unfortunate since an action of being socially responsible is not what is best for the running of the business as using cheap labour to minimise cost has led to Apple to achieve margins that are spectacular and profits on its products (Dhaliwal 2011, 59-100). Apple should keep in mind that the aim of business is not always based on making profits since long-term goals are
“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do” (Isaacson). When the late Steve Jobs was a child he was abandoned by his real mother and adopted by the Jobs family. Steve was a stubborn rude man who was ruthless, however he was focused, crazy, and inspirational. His characteristics drove him to form one of the greatest companies today, Apple. The computer company revolutionized the world with a frontline of the greatest products the world has ever seen. Although facing many hardships, the company managed to change the music industry, computer industry, phone industry, design industry and created a tablet industry. Apple envisioned products that did not exist and it thrived from the reaction of its consumers. After becoming a fortune five hundred company, it has continued to develop its products and has remained one of Americans most pristine companies however has also been put in the spotlight on social and ethical responsibilities. Ethical businesses use principles and standards that determine if conduct in organizations is acceptable. The big question has arose, is Apple socially and ethically responsible with their suppliers, the economy, its workers, and its consumers? Is Apple responsible for its supplier chains? Does apple have programs through which they help solve social and ethical issues? Has apple made any financial contributions to address issues?
Few people second guess Apple or their products, their image is well-maintained and the products are widely owned by people of all kinds. However, the process of making these much beloved iPhones and iPads is widely overshadowed by the company’s rate of constant innovation. In a series of articles by The New York Times, journalists attempt to unmask the controversial use of overseas manufacturers indicate a true crisis; a labor-power problem which abuses foreign workers as well as harming mid-wage jobs of consumers in the U.S. Many different lenses can be used to further analyze the structures, relationships and interactions that characterize this phenomena. Figures such as C. Wright Mills, Karl Marx and Fredrick Engels, Pierre Bourdieu, Immanuel Wallerstein and Leslie Sklair.
Apple’s maintenance of its image in the global marketplace comes with a price on how ethnically Apple conducts business practices while promoting environmentally safe products for the consumer. Apples’ Code of Conduct, voluntarily executed, exemplifies to the global market, investors, regulators, that Apple’s standards and codes of environmental conduct are universal. To maintain Apples’ universal symbolism, systematic inspections into Apples’ supply chain, conducted regularly, are to expose violations of its work ethics not surpassing apples’ comprehensive standards established for its suppliers.
That's why we carry out a wide range of environmental activities all around the world. We're the leader in delivering innovative eco-friendly products to consumers and are committed to product stewardship throughout the entire lifecycle
The MacBook Pro is made by using a milling process. The body of the computer is made from a single block of aluminium which is then cut by 13 different machines exactly to the unibody finished product (Jaymi). The use of a unibody Apple removes the need for smaller parts. By using smaller parts, Apple removes the possibility of error that could come from having multiple parts. In the past 4 years Apple has made an effort to create the most environmentally friendly notebook on the market. This was done by focusing on the make up of the small parts to ensure that the glass was arsenic-free and the wires were PVC-free (Apple). However the recent generation of Macbook pros are not as eco-friendly as the older counter parts.This is primarily because they are glued together and cannot be properly dismantled for repair or recycling processes. Parts of the Macbook Pro Retina such as the LED screen which usually can be recycled have had glass glued to the screen for a seamless design. This design element has made recycling the LED screen more diff...
One of Apple’s major ethical issues is the problem of labor. This is a very important problem in today’s world because businesses have a tendency to ignore basic human rights in their never ending competition to make as much money as possible. Outsourcing, using child labor, and overworking employees are all major ethical and legal violations committed all the time by many high profile companies, and often unjustly ignored as it is unfair to the people forced to work in such terrible conditions.
Further investigations revealed Foxconn had been guilty of unsafe and unfair working environments long before the incidents, which included the employment of extended working hours, discrimination, and military management techniques (Xu & Li, 2013). Due to Foxconn’s sole focus on maintaining businesses relationships by fulfilling Apple’s demand of technical products, their subsequent mistreatment of employees was exacerbated and generated 80-100 hours of forced overtime per week (Xu & Li, 2013). However, in an attempt to combat the negative publicity, each firm denied responsibility for the incidents, which ultimately added fuel to the media fire (Xu & Li, 2013). Since then, each firm has enacted superior regulations designed to maintain efficiency while recognizing limitations on labor hours and increased spending on compliance audits (Chandler & Werther, 2014). Yet, as Foxconn continues to sustain their global leadership and Apple’s profits remain unaffected, the disadvantages associated with the incidents at Foxconn have not transcended the outcomes. From a profit standpoint, the increase in spending and subsequent alterations of labor methods serve as the biggest disadvantage to each company’s bottom line. However, after both companies attempted to negate blame, their ensuing developments indicate assuming responsibility was the best avenue to recoup reputation issues and focus on long-term growth. Therefore, the greatest advantage for both companies was their heightened reputation resulting from increased transparency and the employment of business models focused on the welfare of all supply chain
Apple is dedicated to above average standards of social and environmental responsibility and ethical conduct. It is also necessary that Apple’s suppliers handle workers with dignity and respect, provide safe working conditions, act fairly and ethically, and use environmentally responsible practices wherever they make products or perform services for Apple. Apple requires employees to function and adhere within the principles of the Apple Code, Credo and comply with all pertinent laws and regulations. Apple goes above and beyond—instead of just being compliant with the law they also make it a point to draw upon internationally recognized standards to advance social
Further investigations revealed that Foxconn had been guilty of unsafe and unfair working environments long before the incidents, which included the employment of extended working hours, discrimination, and military management techniques (Xu & Li, 2013). Due to Foxconn’s sole focus on maintaining businesses relationships by fulfilling Apple’s demand of technical products, their subsequent mistreatment of employees was exacerbated and generated 80-100 hours of forced overtime (Xu & Li, 2013). However, in an attempt to combat the negative publicity, each firm denied responsibility to the incidents, which ultimately added fuel to the media fire (Xu & Li, 2013). Since then, each firm has enacted superior regulations designed to maintain efficiency while recognizing limitations on labor hours and increased spending on compliance audits (Chandler & Werther, 2014). Yet, as Foxconn continues to sustain their global leadership and Apple’s profits remain unaffected, the disadvantages associated with the incidents at Foxconn have not transcended the outcomes. From a profit standpoint, the increase in spending and subsequent alterations of labor methods serve as the biggest disadvantage to each company’s
In a recent audit of 229 factories in Asia, Apple found out that many of these workers in these factories and the management that helps run them do not follow the rules and regulations regarding Apple’s standards. These findings included, “62% of suppliers violated Apple’s working standards of 60 hours a week, 32% were not compliant with hazardous-substance management practices, 35% failed to meet Apple’s
With the development of the science and technology, more and more people are going for healthy and green products. According to this situation, there are many companies claim their products are “green”. However, there are thousands of so-called “green” products, but not all of them live up to their claims, a considerable part of products not only damage the human’s body, but also pollute the environment. People called these companies “greenwashing”. Greenwashing refers to the practice of deceiving consumers into believing that a company is practicing environmentally friendly policies and procedures. Seems like anything and everything has “gone green” these days. Such as airlines, car companies, retailers, restaurants, even networks and stadiums. Thankfully, more often than not, that’s a good thing. It is only bad if it is greenwashing — that is bad for the environment and consumers, because of businesses doing the greenwashing.
Since the Japanese company was founded in 1875, it has now grown to be an international household name with 200, 260 employees worldwide (Merchant Online, 2015). Toshiba’s corporate philosophy is “commitment to people and to the future” (Wang, 2009, p. 2), in which the company puts this philosophy into practice on a daily basis. The company remains committed to creating a higher quality of life by encouraging cultural awareness in a diverse market and promoting environmental friendly activities. According to Senge, et. al. (2010), “despite growing awareness of the importance of a healthy environment and successes in pollution reduction, even a cursory summary shows that things have mostly gone from bad to worse worldwide” (p. 15). This statement shows how Toshiba’s future commitments must persistently create innovative technologies that will focus on saving resources and becoming environmentally
The primary goal of The Walt Disney Company is to become one of the world’s leading producers and providers of not only entertainment, but also information (The Walt Disney Company, 2014). The company aims to achieve this by utilizing its immense brand portfolio so as to differentiate services, content, and consumer products. While this is the overall goal, there exist other innate milestones that essentially touch on socially responsible business in enhancing sustainability. They include, but are not limited to; zero net greenhouse gas emissions, whereby the company aims to have reduced net greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2020; zero waste, whereby Walt Disney hopes to achieve a 60% reduction in waste from
Foxconn has factories in Asia, Europe, Mexico and South America why is it that only China’s Foxoconn was in highlight and not any other country? While the Chinese factories happened to be the largest factories in China, these factories are also facilitated with dormitories and other infrastructure to host the workers and provide workers to go back at end of the 12 hour shift to relax and reenergize for the next shift. A quarter of the employees live in these so called dormitories. My Case study will analyze how the various news sources revealed the global sweatshop to the world and the reactions by the companies who were using Foxconn to manufacture electronic goods. The Chinese newspaper displayed Foxconn employees having social and psychological reasons leading to suicides whereas US news showed it as human rights violation. Both of them did not acknowledge the social justice and world economy aspects and steps that were taken by the electronics giants to rectify the problems that were being faced in Wuhan, China.
Social sustainability is “identifying and managing business impact, both positive and negative, on people.” The quality of a company’s relationships and engagement will directly or indirectly “affect what happens to employees, workers in the value chain, customers and local communities” (Wynhoven). This definition focuses on the importance of sustainable relationships. It focuses on the social aspect, which can be good helping to determine what social sustainability looks like. The UN definition makes it clear that it is important to manage the corporation’s impact proactively so that employees, customers, and local communities all benefit from a corporation’s presence. BMW is an excellent example of a corporation that focuses on social sustainability. BMW promotes exchange between refugees, local youth, and BMW employees through a neighborhood project called “Lifetalk” which aims “to give young people a better idea of possible career paths” (BMW). These actions come from the company’s beliefs and goals. BMW states that “taking social and environmental responsibility for everything we do is an integral part of how we perceive ourselves as a company. We are convinced that the lasting economic success of any enterprise these days is based increasingly on acting responsibly and ensuring social acceptance” (BMW). BMW believes that sustainability is an