Assignment 1: Social Performance of Organizations According to the textbook, the
ID: 469538 • Letter: A
Question
Assignment 1: Social Performance of Organizations According to the textbook, the current world economy is increasingly becoming integrated and interdependent; as a result, the relationship between business and society is becoming more complex. Alternatively, you may submit a four to six (4-6) page paper instead of the video submission. Specify the nature, structure, and types of products or services of Apple, and identify two (2) key factors in the organization’s external environment that can affect its success. Provide explanation to support the rationale. Suggest five (5) ways in which the primary stakeholders can influence the organization’s financial performance. Provide support for the response. Specify one (1) controversial corporate social responsibility concern associated with Apple. Submit a reference page with at least four (4) quality references that you have used for this presentation / paper. Note: Wikipedia and other Websites do not qualify as academic resources.
Explanation / Answer
Nature, structure and types if products or services of Apple: The company is in the business of making and selling information technology (IT) products, specifically consumer electronic products and computer software. The company makes and sells Mac range of laptops and computers, iPhone, iPad, Apple watch and software's like macOS, iLife, iWork etc.
Two key factors in Apple's external environment that can affect its success are: (i) Development of new technologies in the consumer electronics space that will make the products being sold by Apple no longer relevant and hence useful for the consumers. (ii) Apple is heavily dependent on low cost manufacturing sites, particularly in China. Any social or political unrest in China could disrupt its operations.
Five ways in which the primary stakeholders can influence the organization’s financial performance of Apple are: (i) Employees are one of the primary stakeholders in Apple. The employees can influence the financial performance of Apple by increasing their efficiency and productivity. Increased productivity will mean higher revenues per employee. (ii) As a primary stakeholder, customers of Apple can help the organization in maintaining its strong brand equity by positive word of mouth etc. This will drive future sales. (iii) Suppliers should ensure the supply of good quality materials at reasonable prices. This will have a positive impact on Apple's financial performance as cost of goods sold will come down. (iv) Investors can buy equity stake or consider equity participation in Apple. This would further shore up its liquidity. (v) Employees can improve financial performance by making efforts to improve and upgrade their skills and capabilities.
One controversial corporate social responsibility concern associated with Apple is that as its manufacturing is totally outsourced in some plants in China in the past the standards for labor conditions and safety have not been very high in the past. There have been two instances of explosions in an iPad factory in China in the past.
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