Reflection reports
Wintek, one of Apples suppliers was found with a mistake of using hexane, a chemical that poisoned more than 49 workers. That is just one of the problematic issues that face AppleInc (Rob, 01). However, it has also been reported that some of its suppliers use child labor to make Apple products. Any of these issues can affect a company that uses suppliers in areas with negligent regulations thus damaging the brand name of the company. The use of child labor by Apple attracted lots of attention from the business world since it means that Apple has to fire juvenile employees who are possibly the only income earners in their particular families.
The report was not received with joy by any consumer who is loyal to products manufactured by Apple. Some perceived the problem to be synthetic, meaning that it was just created so as to ruin the good company name of Apple(Rob, 02). People lamented having bought apple products despite the fact that they had received considerable returns from the products.
Steve jobs argues that the issue of child labor is not only Apple’s problem but a world problem with regard to priorities and the general lack of policies that guard against violation of important rights that children are entitled to. The current policies seem to focus more on appearance than reality. The article concludes by stating that Apple focused tightly on costs for being part of such a big problem.
Apple violated children’s rights by allowing its suppliers use children in production. This is a violation of ethics. Businesses have a responsibility of ensuring that they make the society better rather than deteriorating the quality of life. Apple needs to stop this culture or else it is bound to fall since consumers are also conscious of the responsibilities that a business should undertake.
Reconsidering mergers and acquisitions
When organizations merge, a great deal of diligence is given over. Employees loose the sense of devotedness. The organizations use lots of finances in upgrading its departments and facilities so as to accommodate the new change. The IT systems, accounting systems, stock valuation and inventory control systems are some of the important aspects that need to be reconsidered during mergers and acquisition (Anthony, 25).
However, after merging, organizations start to display all kinds of dysfunctional behavior and it is during such times that the management of the specific businesses realizes that something was a mess in the merging. However, it might be too late to change and the repercussions of such a mistake will greatly cost the businesses.
However, the second thought that strikes the management after merging ids devastating. They start seeing the future and what it would otherwise hold for them(Anthony, 51). They expressfrustrations from past and fear about future changes which in real sense they have little or no control of. This makes the entire merging to be perceived as one that requires a cathartic process. The article concludes by stating that mangers should effectively and comprehensively understand the changes that lie ahead and be prepared to meet them head on. It however seems to be dispiriting mergers.
The article presents quite a good argument but its rationality is limited. Mergers have worked for several companies. Although it might have some drawbacks, its advantages outweigh the disadvantages and businesses that are weak should consider merging with those that are strong. After merging, the business will sell as a single unit and the operational expenses are deemed to be quite low. Consequently, the customer base of the merger will be high and its sales revenues will increase haphazardly.
Employee Engagement
Employee Engagement is a very broad concept that touches almost every aspect of human resource management. Human resources are the key factors that determine the performance of a business. Any business that fails to effectively and efficiently manage its human resource will find it extremely difficult to survive the stiff competition that currently prevails in the global market (Xu, Jessica& Helena, 18). Mismanaging employees will result to a scenario whereby the employees will lack the urge or motivation to perform their duties and tasks and their involvement with the job will be considerably low. Employee’s engagement is built on concepts such as Organizational citizenship behavior, employee commitment and job satisfaction. Additionally, the article states that employee engagement is a stronger forecaster of affirmative organizational performance.
The significance of Employee Engagement is indispensable. Businesses should treat their employees with utter care and thoroughness knowing very well that they are the ones who help it to remain in operation. The managers and business should and must learn how to engage its employees if it all it intends to prosper.
Works Cited
Anthony Greenfield. "Article: Leading People through Mergers and Acquisitions: The HR Director magazine | 5 Forces of Change."Home | 5 Forces of Change.N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Dec. 2013.http://www.5forcesofchange.com/about/articles/leading-people-mergers-acquisitions-hr-director-magazine/
Rob Enderle. "Apple and the Ethical/Business Problems of Child Labor and Other Unsavory Practices | Blogs | ITBusinessEdge.com."Business Technology News, Analysis and Context | ITBusinessEdge.com.N.p., 1 Mar. 2012. Web. 4 Dec. 2013.
Xu, Jessica, and Helena C. Thomas. "How can leaders achieve high employee engagement?" Leadership & Organization Development Journal (2011): n. pag. Print.
