MKT 301- Discusion 2

Running Head: GOOGLE SERVICES AND PRODUCT 1

GOOGLE SERVICES AND PRODUCTS 2

Marvin Ford posted

     For this week’s discussion I selected the internationally known coffee company Starbucks. I feel companies that follow ethical standards are advantageous over those that don’t. With the ability to notify the world of unethical practices at the consumer’s fingertips via cellular phone unethical decisions has the ability to impact a company’s fincial outputs and returns.  Being active in the stock market, one of the things that I tend to pay attention to is major scandalous, negative or positive information that makes the news. As a consumer, I prefer great customer service and a company that is ethical and actually follow their mission statement.

     I choose Starbuck because, the company has been in the limelight from time to time regarding social issues but the way this company handles issues that arise has been nothing short of professional. Starbucks has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute for 12 years in a row.  Starbuck mission statement is toinspire and nurture the human spirit, one person, one cup and one neighborhood at a time.  Issues will arise from time to time, and in the business field that is normal, but I feel that Starbucks has done an excellent in job handling problems.

     The most not controversial issue regarding Starbucks was when two African American men were arrested after an employee called the cops on the men and stated that they were trespassing because they were sitting in the store and hadn’t ordered anything, the men stated that they were waiting for a friend, the friend showed up right as the men were being arrested. Starbucks immediately sprang into action, their public relations team contacted the police, talked to the mayor and even took further action down the road. Starbucks offered an ear to black lives matter leaders and has taken a stance against systematic racism, they have worked hand in hand with civil rights leaders to make a change in the community. The store even went as far as to let employees wear black lives matter apparel in their stores. I admire this action because it aligns with their company’s ethos. Problems will arise in business and that’s normal, it’s how the problems are handled that can determine the outcome of a company. I feel that Starbucks has taken the right approach in this manner and as long as they continue to practice ethical behavior the company will be around for quite some time.

Kalee Wade

I selected Publix Supermarkets because I live in Florida and they are the most popular grocery store in the state and the most popular grocer (www.artplusmarketing.com)  Floridians love Publix!  Often we will drive an extra 20 or 30 minutes in order to shop in one of their stores.  The nearest store is 45 minutes from my home however, I will make sure to visit it on my way from an appointment in that city.  The stores are clean and well maintained, the grocery carts are new and have working wheels, the associates are friendly and will greet you with a smile and a "can I help you find anything" when you pass them.  They usually have buy one get one free deals every week on items that may or may not be on your list however, most of them are goods that you will use on a regular basis.  Their prices may be higher than what a consumer would find in another grocery store or in Wal-Mart however, the enjoyment of shopping in Publix outweighs the cost.  On their website it states, "As Mr. George said: "Success is doing what you like to do — and doing it well. The aim is to learn all you can about the business and do the best job you can for the customer." Associates are encouraged and trained to do their jobs well, then develop skills for positions on the horizon. Publix provides a growth-inspired environment where associates can make their dream job a reality." (www.publix.com)  Mr. George was the founder of Publix and his vision continues and has enabled them to become a Fortune 500 company. 

When you first open the website it immediately states that they are donating $1 million to civil rights programs and that they reject racism.  A consumer can instantly determine that this is a company that is social responsible and eagerly trying to help the world in which they live.  They regularly donate to Habitat for Humanity, they are member of Feeding America, promote Tools for Schools in each of their stores and support various charities in local communities.  It is obvious that they care about the cities they are located and the shoppers that enter their stores.   Their philosophy aligns with St. Leo University's core value of community which states, "Saint Leo University develops hospitable Christian learning communities everywhere we serve. We foster a spirit of belonging, unity, and interdependence based on mutual trust and respect to create socially responsible environments that challenge all of us to listen, to learn, to change, and to serve." (www.saintleo.edu)  Publix is working towards making the world a better place and encourages their associates to better themselves.  It is worth a few extra miles or minutes to shop in a store that wants to stand out and make a difference.