Nike Essay Sample

Nike is an immensely profitable clothing and shoe company, having a vast number of retail outlets all around the world. This leading brand has become a symbol of world sports. Nike continues sponsoring well-known athletes, arranging sporting activities as well as developing a revolutionary footwear for sports. The company believes that not only young athletes are its target audience, but also people who are not into sports.
However, these days Nike has become notorious for appalling working conditions. Fierce criticism has been voiced with regard to the fact that Nike is involved with foreign sweatshops. In third world countries, workers of Nike factories suffer from extremely low wages, around ​​$40 a month. What makes it even worse, is the fact that child labor takes place. Moreover, a number of factories in China are notorious for the release of harmful substances that passes any acceptable norms. There are evidence that workers have been subjected to systematic violence and humiliation on the part of management. In the course of the investigation it became known that the workers were processed without paying an additional charge, suffered from beatings and insults. At the same time due to the high level of poverty, for most of workers it is the only possible job, that allows them a means of livelihood. Thus, it seems fair that if Nike wants to make a profit, the company must provide their employees with reasonable working conditions.
The model of corporate social responsibility presupposes the principles of morality, justice, ethics and democracy. When it comes to the sweatshop debate, it is fair to admit that there is a dire need for initiatives in an attempt to improve the working environment along with its standards. Nike should expand, modernize and improve working conditions as well as offer decent remuneration, otherwise workers are likely to take to the streets of Asian cities, protesting against inequality.