Social Responsibility In The Ford Motor Company

It seems like most cars on the road today are Fords. No matter the shape nor model the iconic blue logo always Seems to stand out. Ford began in 1890 when its legendary founder Henry Ford built the first ever Quadricycle. In 1903 Ford Motor company becomes incorporated, and in 1908 Ford introduces the first ever Model T. Fast forward to present day and Ford is still making innovative additions to their vehicles especially when it comes to technology. Over the past 126 years Ford Motor Company has been both successful and profitable. They attribute their success to their work in local communities as well as their ability to Franchise their brand throughout the nation. These aspects and more are what has made Ford such an outstanding and

Social Responsibility is defined as “A business’s obligation to maximize its positive impact and minimize its negative impact on society.” (M: Business, 24) Ford like many companies takes social responsibility very seriously; they listen to feedback from many local communities throughout the nation to better understand what the everyday American wants to see in a Ford product. In a statement on Ford 's website it has a direct message to the consumer “You’re our customer, but, in the global community, you’re also our neighbors. Being a good corporate citizen is an essential part of how we do business. Both globally and locally, we have an ongoing commitment to helping and supporting the communities we operate in, better understanding environmental issues and investing in our people.” The page goes on to inform the readers how Ford has set up grants with local communities in order to fund projects that focus on education as well as the environment and even children with disabilities. These are just a few of the many way Ford tries to give back to the people that have given them so

One essential factor that has allowed Ford to grow is the ability to franchise their brand worldwide. A franchise is defined as A license to sell another’s products or to use another’s name in business, or both.” (M: Business, 75) However, Ford does not allow just anyone to become a franchise owner they first require an educational course to be taken. The program is known as a Certificate for Automotive Entrepreneurs and Leaders are otherwise known as CAEL. The program is held at the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. If one does pass the program, they then must work at an automotive dealership for at least a summer. In addition to the business training one must also attend a 45-week National Automotive dealership training. As all training commences Ford requires that a hopeful Franchisee serve as a manager at an existing Ford Dealership for at least one year. According to the website “After all of the training and work has been done a prospective owner needs to prove capital, liquid assets and financing in addition to the business plan. During each phase, there is still no guarantee that the prospective owner will become an owner. It is at the decision of the corporate level once each phase has been completed.” The process is a prime example that ford takes great pride in their product and who sells