see attachment

· Your thoughts? A definition for social responsibility is "companies should embrace its social responsibilities and not be solely focused on maximizing profits. Social responsibility entails developing businesses with a positive relationship to the society which they operate in" (Investopedia.com, 2013). Based on that definition and if we lived in a perfect world, then all corporations that produce technology would strictly adhere to their corporate codes of conduct and be dedicated to improving the social and environmental impact that each of their organization makes on the world. Unfortunately, we live in a flawed world. The demand from consumers that want the latest and greatest new techie product, force the tech companies to increase production, which then spirals into serious labor practice violations and create sweatshop-like conditions (Laborrights.org, 2005).

The message throughout the video was that Globalization is not always viewed as a positive movement. Investopedia.com, explains Globalization as "Proponents of globalization say that it helps developing nations "catch up" to industrialized nations much faster through increased employment and technological advances. Critics of globalization say that it weakens national sovereignty and allows rich nations to ship domestic jobs overseas where labor is much cheaper" (2013).

According to the video, research showed an increase in consumers purchasing "green" products from companies that enforce ethical conduct and labor practices. Yet the majority of consumers does not realize or does not care how the product was made when making a purchase. However, "social activists and ordinary citizens worldwide are demanding that corporations, banks, and international financial institutions take a larger stand to increase social responsibility awareness and actions" (FilmsMediaGroup, 2000).

This quote was taken from the Benefits of Globalization article:

"Nearly one-half of all clothing sold in America is made in Third World factories, and corporations who outsource blue-collar jobs may have little control over human rights and working conditions. Twenty thousand women in Managua work in harsh conditions for $3 per day-not enough to feed a family" (FilmsMediaGroup, 2000).

Here are two interesting articles about two high profile tech companies and their labor practices:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/26/business/ieconomy-apples-ipad-and-the-human-costs-for-workers-in-china.html?_r=3&pagewanted=all&

http://bigpondnews.com/articles/Technology/2013/02/28/Samsung_defends_work_practices_in_China_849964.html

References:

FilmsMediaGroup. (2000). Strategic Global Vision. Retrieved from The Global Marketplace: The Benefits of Globalization. http://digital.films.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?aid=7967&xtid=29437&loid=29272

Laborrights.org. (December 12,2005). The 14 Worst Corporate Evildoers. Retrieved from International Labor Rights Forum http://www.laborrights.org/creating-a-sweatfree-world/ethical-consumerism/news/11434