Question One
The major criticism that has been leveled against McDonalds, the world leading distributor in fast foods has been its insensitivity on the diet they serve. It has been claimed that McDonalds is the main contributing factor to the continued increase in the number of obese children and adolescents in the developed world. This has been a major concern as more and more people continue to die over obesity related problems (Tittle). This is attributed to the unhealthy nature of the fast foods offered which are highly concentrated in fats.
These criticisms are not specific, but rather they are directed to fastest foods companies. Due to their high concentration of fats, foods offered in fast food restaurants are high in fat content. However, McDonalds receives the highest criticism since it is the most renowned company with its branches all over the world. If they were to be considered in depth, it would mean that all fast food companies would be forced drastically to change their menu and method of preparation and focus on food with no fats.
Question two
Primary stakeholders are those people who are interested in a particular project because the outcome of the project will affect them directly. They have a direct interest to welfare of a particular project or a company. They include employees and investors in a company if the project is a company.
Secondary stakeholders are individuals or group of individuals that are not personally affected by the outcome of a project or a corporation. They will act as intermediaries in the delivery process. Although they are not personally affected by the outcome, the secondary stakeholders will still have an interest on the project. They mostly help to provide aid to the primary stakeholders. They may include creditors or residents of the place where the company occupies. These people will not be affected directly by company decisions, but they will feel the impact of its decisions.
Question three
The main ethical issues that company faces are integrity and trust. These are the fundamental issues that a company must face. Integrity involves conducting business with honesty and at the same time treating every customer fairly. This is a major issue as customers will prefer somewhere they are treated fairly. When customers realize the integrity that the business has, they will develop trust towards the business.
The other ethical issue is respect for diverse backgrounds. The company must be ready to respect diverse culture and backgrounds of different people. This is displayed by the company’s willingness to recruit people from different backgrounds and equal treatment of all people in the workplace.
Businesses are expected to show compliance on governance issues. They are supposed fully to comply with environmental and federal laws. Companies will mostly have compliance issues stating that no employee is supposed to break the law or go against company values, policies and procedures.
Question one
Yes, Wal-Mart is doing enough to be more sustainable. Since it is one of the largest chain store companies that has gone beyond borders, its actions are scrutinized thoroughly including their relationship with employees, consumers and suppliers. Due to the increase in concern about environment practices, Wal-Mart has changed its practices to adapt with the current conditions. They have been under scrutiny for their practices of recycling, treatment and storing hazardous material with claims that they are very risky to deal with in that manner. Following these allegations, Wal-Mart has currently improved on the main areas which have been recycling, natural resources, energy and social impacts. They have successfully opened stores that use solar power to reduce electricity consumption. They have also adopted hybrid trucks that have replaced the heavy fuelled trucks.
Question two
Wal-Mart has faced various problems with the main one being under high scrutiny by the authorities. Many people including authorities and the community have accused Wal-Mart of being environmentally insensitive. Wal-Mart has also been accused of poor working conditions for its employees. Employees are exposed to toxics of which many people claim that they are not well protected in case of accidents.
Question three
Wal-Mart has been able to remain successful in its sales for its focus on economies of scale. The company has focused on producing its products in large quantities and hence producing at a low cost. The company success can also be attributed to the fact that thy have been able to widen their geographical location spreading all over the world.
Work Cited
Tittle, Peg. Ethical Issues in Business: Inquiries, Cases, and Readings. New York: Broadview Press, 2010.
