A Look at the Importance of Ethical and Social Responsibility at Apple

A Look at the Importance of Ethical and Social Responsibility at Apple

Michelle M. Webb

Dr. Antony J. Jacob

BUS508: Contemporary Business

April 26, 2014

A Look at the Importance of Ethical and Social Responsibility at Apple

Apple computer products are gracing households worldwide. The popularity of the Apple iPhones, iPads, and iPod devices has grown exponentially and the company is a major contender the in today’s race for technological advancements. Everyone is talking about Apple products. Everyone is waiting for the next new product from Apple to make its appearance. When the new iPhone 6 hits the market consumers are sure to be lined up by the thousands waiting to get them. There is no doubt the Apple corporation provides the best quality, electronic and technological devices. However, the company ethical and social responsibility has recently been under scrutiny. Is Apple operating in an ethically and socially responsible way? Are they living up to their commitment to; “Leave the world better than we found it” (Apple Inc., 2014).

A visit to the Apple Corporate website environmental responsibilities section revealed a long list of methods and operations Apple uses to preserve the environment. As Apple’s innovation in technological advancements is highly praised the company also claims to be as innovative in the area of environmental preservation as well. Apple boasts of their efforts to reduce their carbon emissions by using renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal power as alternatives to electricity. The company has turned their innovative minds towards creating onsite energy sources and claims they are on a mission to have all their data centers, stores, and offices powered by alternative renewable sources in the future (Apple Inc., 2014). Last year Apple switched over 70 percent of the energy powering all their facilities, 80 percent of their corporate properties, and they are currently powering over one hundred of their...