Est1 Task 1

Company Q, a small grocery chain local to a metropolitan area, displays an average attitude toward social responsibility. They have exhibited questionable behaviors, most recently closing two locations after losing money, which they contributed to the higher crime rate of the area. While this could be considered a positive move from the company, because they are losing money, it can also be seen as Company Q developing a negative opinion of the area. This could reflect badly upon the Company for the members that live in the communities. Secondly, it took many years of customers requesting higher quality, organic products before Q decided to offer the special items. As a customer, the public feels as if Q is not listening to them concerning the products that they would like to purchase. Even though the organic products are a higher cost than the other products, it could ultimately result in a higher profit margin for the company. Lastly, members of the local food bank asked Q to donate their day-old products, but Company Q declined because they were worried about possible deceit from employees that may claim they are donating the foods, but actually keeping them for themselves. Donating food is a practice that many companies participate in, and it shows the public that you care about the well-being of the community.

At the current time, Company Q has not displayed any actions that would be considered illegal, however there are a few suggestions that could potentially change the public’s opinion of the company, and therefore making Company Q more ethically socially responsible. Company Q should develop a customer request program where a customer has a chance to request a special product. The customer could prepay for this product, guaranteeing the sale and the profit for Company Q. If the item is requested by a high number of customers, Company Q can then consider adding the product to their regular stock. This will eliminate the risk of losing money from the higher...