Critical Analysis of CSR

Question: Some critics of CSR claim it is little more than greenwashing; to what extent do you agree or disagree? Answer: Introduction: As stated by Alves (2014), with greater embracement on the green products and services, several corporate bodies have been found to litigate their marketing plans surrounding false and misleading environmental marketing approach. This means of marketing activity has been popularly termed as greenwashing that merges the concept of green (environmentally sound) and whitewashing (concealing the wrongdoing) as an approach to marketing. A greenwasher is a firm that selectively discloses the good news and retains the bad news. As argued by Bazillier and Vauday (2015), CSR activities carried on by major Companies are more like an iceberg; it is invisible to a large extent. These activities are often targeted to attempt corporate domination rather than a simply defensive image management activity. Eco-friendly products, organic and natural components are the common misleading terms that major companies use to portray an eco-friendly nature of the products that they manufacture and sell (Parg uel et al. 2012). Emergence of Greenwashing Practices: Greenwashing is not something new in practice but evidences suggest that these malpractices have its root in the 1970s when there was emergence of environmental movements (Alves 2014)). It was during that time, that many companies started misleading consumers stating that the products or services offered by them are environmental friendly. In this respect, Mahoney et al. (2013) pointed out that by realizing the beneficial impact of the greenwashing CSR activities, many companies often opt for increasing the investment on these practices. Mahoney et al. (2013) also revealed certain evidences that a corporate body can easily undertake a reputation strategy to cover up the unusual or other things that might create a bad reputation against the company. These evidences have been getting highlighted easily because consumers have become more conscious about the activities and at the same time, the media has become aware and ready to highlight any kind of misleading situation that a corporat e organization can perform. Corporate Social Responsibility and advertisement are the strategic complements that major corporate houses use to create a sustainability approach towards the society. In the view point of Parguel et al. (2012), the corporate responsibilities towards the society and the environment have resulted in greenwashing due to certain identified unusual suspects towards the CSR practices. These practices, if considered from the perspective of economic benefits, have helped many companies to make good amount of money. As stated by Tsagas (2012), CSR activities also act as a means of communication for the corporate organizations. Advertisements and CSR activities are carried on to improve the reputation of the companies. In order to support this fact, taking a wrong approach and spreading misinformation by communication is a common scenario. Therefore, CSR and green communication are usually used by the firms as a strategic tool to achieve their goals. Theoretical Approaches Towards Greenwashing CSR Activities: Visser (2012) commented the greenwashing practices have changed to a large extent and the practitioners have been found to use new and better techniques to deliberately hide the unwanted consequences and send non-verifiable information to mislead the consumers. A theoretical framework suggests that there are two levels of communication: the cue, which are the non-verifiable information and the other are the hard news which can be verified by the consumers in lieu of certain expenses. According to, Visser (2012) in the first cue, the firm is found to disclose the information to the public without any sort of greenwashing and by not investing in much in disclosing the information to the consumers. However, in case of other form the firm has to invest and filter the evidences to a great extent in order to create a good image among the consumers. The EU Takeover Directive towards the inclusion of socially responsible behavior of major organizations to create a safeguard firm towards the corporate control. It was under this provision that the corporate activities of the organizations were held under adequate observation (Tsagas 2012). In addition to this, detailed analysis of the economic benefits and other determinants will be analyzed and then if needed proper alteration of the activities shall also be made. The commission reported that the corporate bodies have to perform certain social responsibilities towards the society that would not only benefit the particular enterprise but also the society where it operates (Tsagas 2012). The activities should not only benefit the shareholders of the organization but the consumers as well. Evidences of Greenwashing Activities: A recent case has been highlighted in California where major water manufacturing companies were accused on the use of the water bottles. The bottles were claimed to be biodegradable and recyclable but the truth was revealed very soon (Mahoney et al. 2013). Another such issue was highlighted from Cadbury as well. The Chocolate Company is well known for its fascinating history of its CSR activities. Kraft taking over the Company was always at a risk but the same risks were mitigated by the promises made by the Company towards their consumers. Again, if a similar case is considered, Quaker Oats also made promises to improve the condition of the society by offering wholesome nourishment to the hungry and the malnourished and to give employment to the unemployed (Filipovic 2013). However, the situation was changed very soon the whole vision of the Company to improve the social condition disappeared. Conclusion: By the end of the discussion, it has been observed that undertaking malpractices in the form of CSR activities. Greenwashing is a common approach that major organizations are undertaking to create a pseudo and positive image of the organization to the consumers. There have been a number of regulations that have been made to improve the condition of the social activities undertaken by these organizations. However, in order to keep pace with the increasing competition, the corporate organizations at times are found to take certain approaches that are not good enough for the society and the consumers as well. Therefore, it can be said that with better regulations and by laying certain provisional regulations, the malpractices can be curbed to certain extent. Reference List: Alves, I., 2014. Green spin everywhere: How greenwashing reveals the limits of the CSR paradigm.Journal of Global Change and Governance,2(1), pp.1-26. Bazillier, R. and Vauday, J., 2015. The greenwashing machine: is CSR more than communication. Filipovic, C. 2013. Bittersweet: How Kraft's Acquisition of Cadbury Ended the Dynasty of a CSR Luminary | Justmeans. [online] Justmeans.com. Available at: https://www.justmeans.com/blogs/bittersweet-how-krafts-acquisition-of-cadbury-ended-the-dynasty-of-a-csr-luminary [Accessed 28 Dec. 2016]. Mahoney, L.S., Thorne, L., Cecil, L. and LaGore, W., 2013. A research note on standalone corporate social responsibility reports: Signaling or greenwashing?.Critical Perspectives on Accounting,24(4), pp.350-359. Parguel, B., Benot-Moreau, F. and Larceneux, F., 2012. How sustainability ratings might deter greenwashing: A closer look at ethical corporate communication.Journal of business ethics,102(1), pp.15-28. Tsagas, G. 2012. Reflecting on the Value of Socially Responsible Practices Post Takeover of Cadburys Plc by Kraft Foods Inc: Implications for the Revision of the EU Takeover Directive. SSRN Electronic Journal. Visser, W., 2012.The age of responsibility: CSR 2.0 and the new DNA of business. John Wiley Sons.

Nihilist Girl free essay sample

This paper reviews the many different themes presented in Sofya Kovalesvskaias semi-autobiographical book, Nihilist Girl. This paper examines the illustrative story, Nihilist Girl, written by Sofya Kovalevskaia. It contains many references that indicate to the reader that it is both an autobiographical and fictional account of her life in Russia. The paper details how many different events and people helped influence and shape her life. Some of the different topics discussed include conflict between tradition and modernity in society, the role of women in society, rebellion, the nihilist movement and the influences of different family members in her life decisions. If we look to the life of Sofia Vasilevna Kovalevskaya the work may have been a self exorcism, to let the story communicate a message that she did not feel free to preach. In her own life she accepted the boundaries that were placed on her in terms of social norms and the way she should give the appearance of conforming to them. We will write a custom essay sample on Nihilist Girl or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Her sister was a major influence, introducing her to many in the Nihilist movement, and as such we may see the reason for the protagonist being abased on her sister. It was also with her sister that the first plot to try and gain an education was hatched. Sofya would try and act as a companion to her sister should her sister be able to find a husband and travel.

Cause and Effect Essay Topics

Cause and Effect Essay TopicsThe theory of cause and effect is a well known principle. It is actually in the New Testament. If there is a relationship between two events, it is called cause. If one does not follow a law, then it is called an effect.It is well known that humans have used various technologies to their benefit. Technology can also cause harm. For example, the development of nuclear weapons can cause harm to mankind, even if we do not use them as soon as possible.There are several explanations for technological advances. The development of computers has created many jobs, not only at the United States but also throughout the world. This has changed the perception of time, and computers are no longer regarded as boring time killers.When machines were invented, they created the need for human labor and the new job that came about was the technological advancement. Our thinking has become more complex, and machines do the work of humans to do the work of machines.It is the reason why computers make us so productive. Now that we have computers, we can solve our problems faster than ever before.We do not rely on humans anymore. If humans make mistakes, we can simply replace the mistake by another machine.Another benefit of using machines is the advantage of being prepared for the future technology. We no longer have to create the laws for future technology to avoid causing mistakes, as we are better equipped now. All laws and technological advances are our responsibility, no matter what the human or even the technological advancement do.Now, we can help those who were hurt by technology. It is difficult to change people's mind. If something bad happens, then they would always question what we did. We can change their perception of technology and thus help to save them from any future pitfalls.

Top Ten Words Confused Words [Q-R]

Top Ten Words Confused Words [Q-R] Top Ten Words Confused Words [Q-R] Top Ten Words Confused Words [Q-R] By Maeve Maddox My cumulative list of â€Å"words commonly confused† continues with ten that begin with the letters Q and R. The confusion relates to spelling or meaning. 1. quote / quotation Traditionally, quote is a verb and quotation is a noun: May I quote you on that? (verb) I used a quotation from Dr. Johnson as an epigraph. (noun) The Chicago Manual of Style includes a note on these words in the â€Å"Good usage versus common usage section,† apparently preferring to preserve the distinction in formal writing. The CMS note also suggests that a difference may exist in the minds of some writers between quote as a noun and quotation as a noun: quotes: contemporary remarks usable in their writing. quotations: wisdom of the ages expressed pithily. 2. quiet / quite This is a spelling problem for speakers who aren’t in the habit of looking closely at words. Quiet functions as noun, adjective, and verb: In the old days, librarians insisted on absolute quiet from the patrons. (noun) Parents often worry when their children are excessively quiet. (adjective) Susan is known as the quiet sister. (adjective) Please do something to quiet that barking dog. (verb) The most common use of quite is as a synonym for the adverb very: They say that Bill Gates is quite rich. (adverb) 3. reign / rein The noun reign refers to the period of rule of a monarch. The verb reign means to exercise sovereign power or authority. The noun rein refers to a strap, usually of leather, that is used to control a horse. The verb rein means to control a horse. Figuratively, rein means to put a restraint on something. For example, â€Å"to rein† or â€Å"rein in† one’s impulses. The most common confusion between these words is with the idiom â€Å"free rein.† The figurative expression derives from horseback riding. To give a horse â€Å"free rein† is to hold the reins loosely and allow the horse a certain amount of free movement. 4. raise / raze The verb raise has many meanings, but the meaning in contrast to raze is â€Å"build up† or â€Å"construct.† The pioneer raised a rudimentary cabin to house his family.† The verb raze means â€Å"tear down† or â€Å"destroy.† â€Å"The historic opera house was razed to make room for a parking deck.† 5. real / really Common in colloquial speech, real is often substituted for the intensifying adverb really. The adjective real means â€Å"actually existing, not imaginary.† This is a real denarius from Roman times. Used as an intensifier, really means very, or thoroughly. Casablanca is a really memorable movie. 6. rebate / refund A rebate is a discount collectible after a purchase. I paid $50 for the headphones, but the rebate was $10, so the final cost was $40. A refund is the full amount of a purchase returned to a customer. The spaghetti-maker didn’t work, so I asked for a refund. 7. regardless / irregardless The adverb regardless means â€Å"without regard to.† Charles intends to buy a herd of llamas, regardless of my objections. The soldier tackled the bomber, regardless of his own safety. Nonstandard irregardless is used by some speakers as either a deliberately humorous portmanteau word or a confused collision of regardless and irrespective. Here’s a serious use of the word from a community non-profit agency in New Jersey: Schools walk a delicate balance. Some schools that have tried to discipline a student for cyberbullying actions that took place off-campus and outside of school hours have been sued for exceeding their authority and violating the student’s free speech right. Irregardless, parents should inform the school if they become aware of any cyberbullying issue. 8. restive / restful Both words are adjectives. Restive means unsettled, restless. Ex. â€Å"Speaking softly, Nancy calmed the restive horse.† Restful means â€Å"full of rest.† Anything that bestows a feeling of calm and invites relaxation is restful. â€Å"Beethoven’s ‘Moonlight Sonata’ is a restful piece.† 9. retch / wretch The verb retch may be defined as â€Å"vomiting or trying to.† â€Å"She retched driblets of green bile.† â€Å"The smell of the Dumpster caused him to retch.† Wretch is a noun. It can mean â€Å"a pitiable person† or â€Å"a vile person.† â€Å"The poor wretch has lost all in the fire.† â€Å"Anyone who would deliberately profit from another’s illness is a miserable, rotten wretch.† 10. rise / raise Used as verbs, rise and raise are often misused. Rise is intransitive. Ex. Here comes the Judge; all rise! The candidate says those things in the hope that his poll numbers will rise. Raise is transitive. It takes an object. Ex. Let us raise a toast to departed friends. Does anyone wish to raise a question? Want to improve your English in five minutes a day? Get a subscription and start receiving our writing tips and exercises daily! Keep learning! Browse the Misused Words category, check our popular posts, or choose a related post below:Bare or Bear With Me?Best Websites to Learn English20 Ways to Cry

Apple And Its Customer Product Service Marketing Essay

Apple And Its Customer Product Service Marketing Essay Introduction Strategic management involves the analysing of organizational tactics and factors that may contribute to results or performance. In view of achieving this, organizational culture must be looked at as it greatly forms the base of establishing good strategic management. In this essay, we will find out what defines organizational culture and its importance, its impact on strategic management, how the public views the culture and how the culture has affected its strategic decisions, choices, options, etc. We will also discuss about some successful companies and organizations to showcase their organizational culture to see how it has worked for them. Organizational Culture Oxford dictionary distinctly states that organisation is, â€Å"an organized group of people with a particular purpose, such as a business or government department.† (Oxford 2012) Culture on the other hand is, â€Å"the ideas, customs, and social behaviour of a particular people or society.† (Oxford 2012) Organizational culture is then therefore essentially based on shared attitudes, beliefs, customs or written and unwritten rules which the organization has developed over time and that have worked well enough to be considered valid. Factors of organizational culture that will be discussed are the company’s structure, decision making empowerment, the company’s hierarchy and employee commitment towards company goals. Depending on how these factors are effectively diffused through the company, the productivity and performance of the company will be affected directly as these factors serve as guidelines for customer care, safety, product quality, etc. They may also extend to marketing and advertising practices and to new innovations. Apple and its customer/product service To help us understand better, we will now look at a company which has an outstanding organizational culture in its customer/product service. Apple is a company that is very user/customer orie nted. When someone buys an apple product be it a MacBook or an iPod, they are guaranteed excellent customer/product service after they make their purchase. A standard warranty of at least one year is issued upon purchase and its offer is that the entire product can be sent for a ‘one-for-one’ exchange if the product is found to be faulty (Apple 2012). â€Å"A guarantee is not only an assurance that things will go right – it’s a promise that you will make things right if they ever do go wrong† (Kaufman 2012, p.168).Aside from the mandatory warranty on all products, all Apple products are able to be linked up online via iTunes for many updates and product software upgrades (Apple 2012). This culture of having the products constantly up to date even after purchase is a critical one which makes Apple stand out by keeping users constantly updated to the newest trends in IT and enables the user to accessibly and efficiently receive updates and upgrades fr om the internet. Denove and Power IV (2007, p.200) state to â€Å"Reach out to your customers and don’t wait for them to contact you. Smart companies proactively create and sustain a steady line of communications with customers.† This maintains the relationship that Apple has with the customer not only through the purchase of the product but throughout the customer’s entire usage of the product. Also, product servicing centres are available in several areas and are known as Epi Centres. At these places, any Apple product can be sent for servicing, warranty exchanges or troubleshooting, depending on the problem.

Fiscal and Monetary Policy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Fiscal and Monetary Policy - Essay Example From the study it is clear that  in the United States, moreover, the existing mandate to the Federal Reserve Board emanating from Congress is for the former to promulgate fiscal policy decisions that will push employment numbers to the maximum as well as achieve stability in prices of goods and services.As the paper highlights  separate from this general two-component mandate, however, the US Central Bank has autonomy with regard to the operational aspects of achieving those mandates, and that means that the US Federal Reserve Board has the independence to chart monetary policy without intervention from the US Congress. In contrast, when one talks about fiscal policy, one talks about things that relate to the way government raises revenues through taxation, in order to finance its activities in terms of government expenditures.  As the name implies monetary policy refers to the policy, as controlled bank, pertaining to the amount of money in circulation in the economy. The mech anisms of control of the monetary supply, or the effecting of monetary policy include tweaking interest rates for loans, as well as tweaking monetary reserve requirements for banks. The end result is that the central bank can calibrate the amount of money n circulation by controlling these monetary policy levers.  In times of recession, mostly, the central bank will try to lower interest rates to spur borrowing and also relax controls on money to increase the overall supply of money in the economy.

Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Assignment - Essay Example In the past, defining what equality is and should be became a contributory factor of the Revolutionary War. In the years prior to the war, the only social structure and governmental administration ideologies were those brought with them from Britain. In Britain, it was status and wealth that indicated if a citizen was qualified for equality.(Van Til 1) In other words, equality did not apply to everyone within the society only to a specific elite group. However, the American colonists were far from British life, in the colonies life was different and, often, harsh. These struggles like Indian attacks, hunger, and diseases were experienced universally by the rich and poor alike. Slowly but surely colony life and the philosophical concepts of â€Å"enlightenment† thinkers, gave people the idea that â€Å"equality† could and should not be something bestowed or earned, but something that should be a principle right.(Van Til 1) When Thomas Jefferson wrote that â€Å"all men are created equal,† it sparked the fires of change, particularly, among those that, generally, were not offered equality within society. Anti-salve supporters spoke out that it was absolutely hypocritical to speak of equality of all men, while owning and profiting from the slave trade.(Foner 4-5) Women were encouraged by the changing perceptions of equality to speak out and be more active. The Native Americans, would not benefit from this changing times, in fact, they would suffer greatly. Even as the colonists fought for the right to freedom and individual equality in the New World, the Native Americans would, sadly, lose all hope of equality, freedoms, and rights to ancestral lands. It is easy to see that in these turbulent and changing times that finding the definition of equality that was inclusive, concise, and agreeable to all, was no easy task. The Revolutionary War itself was, both, a revolt against the British rule, but, also, a civil war among colonists who did not s hare the same views on the impending rebellion.(Nash) Loyalists, those faithful to the British Crown and the Patriots, those colonists that sought to make America a new nation all of its own, were forced to stand against each other. Even the slaves found themselves on opposing sides of the war. The British gained their allegiance by offering to â€Å"free:† the slaves that would fight for them against the colonists; the colonists.. Ultimately, we know the war’s imminent outcome. The colonies prevailed and the United States was born independent from Britain. The new philosophies of American would see the abandonment of previous British traditions and social norms. By 1800, the practices of â€Å"indentured servitude† and â€Å"apprenticeships† had nearly disappeared all together. The freedoms and equalities of white men increased. The aristocratic structure of society was dismissed and, for the first time, men of all levels and stations were represented in politics; by the 1780s the majority of white males were qualified to vote.(Foner 1-2) The founding fathers did not know what impact the philosophy of equality would have on the new nation. In truth, they believed in equality of â€Å"conditioning,† not in â€Å"opportunities.† Simply meaning, all men should be treated equally, allowing for basic courtesies, dignities, and respects; they were not necessarily referring