Bussiness Proposal Part 1

Stakeholder Analysis

Student’s Name

Institutional Affiliation

Stakeholder Analysis

Summary of Stakeholder Attitude

The general stakeholders’ attitude towards the ethical problems that Apple is facing is negative. Almost all stakeholder groups perceive the organization as having lost their confidence on issues related to social responsibility, environmental conservation, and upholding of human rights in all its supply chain companies. This perception has been brought by the fact that the company has been attracting negative media publicity over its hesitance to address the ethical and legal malpractices that continue to face laborers in all its supply chains (Schiller, 2010). The media, civil rights movements, government agencies, and labor unions are examples of stakeholder groups that have accused Apple of being secretive about the unethical practices that continue to emerge in its supply chains in China and other parts of the world such as Africa and India. Furthermore, nearly all stakeholders have accused Apple of lack of transparency and accountability in explaining the steps that it has taken to address these challenges.

Stakeholder attitudes to Previously Implemented Solutions

In an effort to change stakeholder perceptions towards Apple as an organization that does not regard the rights and freedom of its employees and laborers in the supply chain, Apple has taken various steps. These steps include conducting internal and external audits of all the manufacturing plants of its stakeholders (Sethi, 2012). While the company made such decisions and developed a report to assure the public and other stakeholder groups that it was committed to end unethical practices, a group of stakeholders have trashed the company as practicing mere publicity campaigns. This is partly owed to the fact that some of its reports gave positive picture of the situation although other non-governmental organization that had conducted previous surveys on these sites revealed incidences of child labor, long working hours, poor working conditions, and numerous cases of environmental degradation and pollution. However, a group of customers are optimistic that Apple is on the right path towards realization of an ethical climate that respects human dignity and environmental sustainability.

Summary of Stakeholder Ideas for Potential Solutions

A group of stakeholders have identified several steps that Apple can take to address h ethical concerns that the company is facing currently. For instance, a group of trade and labor unionists propose that Apple should develop a supplier code of conduct. This must be accompanied by undertaking of regular audits of ethical suitability of these suppliers in terms of fair labor practices and observance of environmental sustainability standards (Schiller, 2010). Companies such as Green Choice Initiative have proposed that Apple should collaborate with environmental groups in order to assess the environmental fit of all of its suppliers to conduct business. Introducing environmental competence and certifications can help to minimize emissions of poisonous gases into the atmosphere by its suppliers. Moreover, labor unions and government agencies propose that Apple should conduct regular physical site visits in order to verify whether or not its suppliers continue to violate international and local labor and environmental standards. For instance institutions such as the Environmental Protection Agency and Fair Labor Standards Association have proposed that Apple should undertake regular site visits and give reports on compliance accordingly. Further, the company should give all its suppliers who observe recommended ethical practices certifications. Examples of certification bodies may include Global Reporting Initiative, Social Accountability 8000, and ISO certification.

Stakeholders who will Support Apple

While many stakeholders may take a critical stance against Apple, there are various stakeholder groups that have the potential to help Apple to improve its ethical environment. These stakeholders include government agencies, nongovernmental organizations, civil society, and customers. Government agencies such as Environmental protection Agency, and Fair Labor Standards Association, might help Apple by providing ethical advices and financial resources required for compliance (Schiller, 2010). Civil society and labor unions can provide their feedback by giving value judgment on areas that they view as requiring urgent attention.

Stakeholders who will be Directly Affected and those who Pose Potential Problems

The main stakeholder groups who will be directly affected by the implementation of the proposed solutions are laborers and employees. Employees could be the beneficiaries of the solutions because their motivations will improve when they have been given flexible working hours, human-friendly conditions, and fair wages (Clarke & Boersma, 2017). Another stakeholder group that will be affected includes members of the public, who will be saved from suffering arising from pollution arising from emissions. However, those who are most likely to pose potential roadblocks are suppliers since they are going to complain of costs of production as a result in increased wages.

References

Clarke, T., & Boersma, M. (2017). The governance of global value chains: Unresolved human

rights, environmental and ethical dilemmas in the apple supply chain. Journal of Business

Ethics, 143(1), 111-131.

Schiller, B. (2010). Analysis: Apple’s supply chain – iResponsibility. Ethical Corporation.