Ethics

Cross Cultural Perspectives

ETH 316

September 8, 2014

Tim Tietjen

Cross Cultural Perspectives

Here is a corporation that has grown from a local United States distributor of footwear to a well-known global organization. Not only does the Nike Corporation deal in the marketing of athletic footwear, but also sports equipment and apparel. From 1950-1959 the Nike Corporation was born by the spirit of two men. Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman started the corporation under the name Blue Ribbon Sports. The journey through the analysis of the social responsibilities and ethical issues that Nike has dealt with over the years has been challenging. Nike’s global perspective on business along with some cultural issues has shaped the future for the great corporation many years to come.

Global Ethical Perspectives

The company’s globalization over the decades has made Nike’s efforts more protective than ever over its ethical perspectives. Just like the Nike mission “To bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world” (Nike 2014) the vision is on the horizon. Nike also had a multitude of challenges in pursuing the organizations objectives when it came to introducing their values to many international suppliers. These challenges could make the difference in what ethical perspectives across many different cultures in the United States. Each region has suppliers that operate within them and they each have different social responsibilities to their respective community. Nike’s sustainable innovation has made for a better environment not only for the runner but for the world. “We are making athletes faster, stronger, and better with less impact. We use innovations like recycled polyester, which has diverted nearly 2 billion plastic bottles from landfills since 2012, we are producing better products, transforming markets and improving lives by leveraging sustainability as the world’s greatest innovation opportunity” (Nikeinc.com 2014). Through sports one...