Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies

Corporate Responsibility and Marketing Strategies

Falian Oliver

Dr. Gary Shelton

Contemporary Business

As one of of the biggest recognized brands globally, Apples’ commitment to ethical and social responsibilities are an integral part of the company’s success. Because of its visibility, it’s imperative for Apple to display an unwavering position that resonates in the minds of consumers. Interestingly enough, Apple is currently losing its dominant position in the industry so any subtle discrepancy such as an ethical blunder or social neglect that could potentially influence consumers buying behavior negatively would definitely lead to further decrease of the market share held by Apple. Generally, Apple’s stance on social and ethical responsibility have been in good standing. Nevertheless, the company’s previous mistakes have paved the way for Apple to promote ethical and social standards with integrity. With regards to its previous mistakes Apple found itself in hot water by taking advantage of its then, superior position within the industry. By acquiring workers at the lowest possible price in other countries, Apple was able to heftily bolster its revenues. However, in terms of the workers this was one of the biggest ethical blunders to be associated with Apple. The problem began with Apples’ working partner in China, Foxconn and its subsidiaries. The relationship between Apple and Foxconn entailed stories of workers committing suicide that stemmed from working in unusually stressful environments, below age employee’s, below minimum wage salaries, and hazardous working conditions. The horrible ethical mishaps climaxed when a deadly explosion killed three people and injured fifteen. After this amongst other issues Apple decided to be proactive in regards to its ethical behavior. Apple initiated change by joining the Fair Labor Association. Next, the association conducted independent audits of Foxconn’s problematic facilities.And, considering the...