Die Seminararbeit betrachtet die Suizide, die 2010 von jungen Mitarbeitern des Apple Zulieferers Foxconn begangen wurden. Unter Aspekten einer globalen Supply Chain und wirtschaftsethischen Richtlinien, wird erörtert, inwieweit Apple selbst zu den tragischen Vorfällen beigetragen hat.
Table of Contents
1 Introduction
2 Background
2.1 Apple
2.2 Foxconn
2.3 Global Supply Chains
2.4 Ethical Behaviour
3 Analysis
3.1 Tragic Occurrences
3.2 Foxconn’s Ethical Failure
3.3 Foxconn’s Response
3.4 Apple’s Ethical Failure
3.5 Apple’s Response
3.6 Response Effectiveness
4 Recommendations
5 Limitations
6 Conclusion
7 References
Objectives and Core Themes
This report investigates the link between Apple's supply chain management and the series of suicides at its manufacturing partner, Foxconn. It aims to determine the extent of Apple's responsibility for the unethical working conditions that contributed to these tragic events and proposes strategies for improved corporate accountability.
- Analysis of inhumane working conditions within the global supply chain
- Evaluation of Apple’s and Foxconn’s corporate social responsibility
- Examination of the power dynamics between a buying firm and its suppliers
- Critical assessment of corporate crisis communication strategies
- Development of ethical recommendations for future supply chain management
Excerpt from the Book
3.1 Tragic Occurrences
One of Foxconn’s factories is located in Shenzhen, China. Approximately 420,000 employees work and live in the factory (Xu & Li, 2013). In 2010 Apple’s supplier Foxconn gained notoriety due to a spate of suicides. Within a few months, 18 workers attempted suicide in Shenzhen. Jumping from the factory put 14 young workers to death whereas 4 survived having severe injuries. All employees were between 17 and 25 years old (Chan, 2013b).
In 2004, the company signed a code of conduct released by global firms such as Apple, IBM, and Dell. The code contains paragraphs regarding labour conditions, health and safety, environmental protection, ethics, and management systems (EICC, 2014).
Foxconn’s employees reported on inhumane working conditions. Supervisors forced workers to overwork, toilet breaks during the shift were not allowed, employees had to attend unpaid meetings, and day and night shifts caused physical and mental issues whereas one day off within two weeks did not give the possibility to recover (Chan, 2013b). Workers were faced with numerous rules and enormous time pressure in order to finish their work quickly. During the whole day security guards observe the buildings and the workers. Moving freely is not possible due to numerous safety controls (Chan, 2013b). Supervisors are allowed to punish employees by public humiliation (Chan, 2013b).
Summary of Chapters
1 Introduction: Provides an overview of the rise of global supply chains and defines the scope of the case study regarding Apple and Foxconn.
2 Background: Outlines the history and operational structures of Apple and Foxconn, and establishes the conceptual framework of global supply chains and ethical business behaviour.
3 Analysis: Investigates the tragic suicides at Foxconn, evaluating the specific unethical actions and the subsequent inadequate responses from both companies using leadership and power concepts.
4 Recommendations: Proposes actionable improvements for crisis communication, supplier selection processes, and economic pressure management to prevent future catastrophes.
5 Limitations: Discusses the constraints of the report, specifically the focus on a single site in Shenzhen and the restricted word count.
6 Conclusion: Summarizes the finding that Apple’s business practices are directly linked to the unethical conditions at its supplier and calls for organizational change.
7 References: Lists the academic and industry sources utilized throughout the analysis.
Keywords
Apple, Foxconn, Global Supply Chain, Ethical Behaviour, Suicides, Corporate Responsibility, Misuse of Power, Working Conditions, Crisis Communication, Sweatshop, Organizational Values, Leadership, Stakeholder, Outsourcing, Employee Welfare
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this report?
The report examines the relationship between Apple's supply chain practices and the inhumane working conditions at its supplier, Foxconn, which led to a series of employee suicides in 2010.
What are the central themes explored?
The main themes include corporate ethics, the power dynamics in global supply chains, the impact of extreme cost-cutting on workplace standards, and the effectiveness of corporate crisis management.
What is the primary research objective?
The primary goal is to determine if Apple, as the purchasing firm, shares responsibility for the unethical working conditions at Foxconn that resulted in the suicides.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The paper conducts a qualitative case study, applying concepts of organisational values, leadership, power, and communication to analyze the corporate behaviour of both firms.
What is covered in the main analysis section?
The analysis details the tragic events, evaluates Foxconn's and Apple's specific leadership failures, reviews how both companies communicated regarding the deaths, and critiques the effectiveness of their corrective interventions.
Which keywords define this work?
Key terms include Apple, Foxconn, Global Supply Chain, Ethical Behaviour, Suicides, Corporate Responsibility, and Misuse of Power.
Why did Steve Jobs initially deny the severity of the situation?
The report suggests that Apple aimed to protect its brand image and maintain its low-cost supply chain model, fearing that public criticism would damage its business relationship with Foxconn.
How did Foxconn respond to the suicide crisis?
Initially, the response was one of denial and victim-blaming. Later measures included hiring psychological counselors, implementing an employee assistance program (EAP), and installing safety nets, though these were criticized for not addressing the root causes.
What specific role does Apple's power play in this context?
Apple acts as a powerful initiator that imposes strict, often unsteady, production timelines and cost-cutting requirements, which leaves Foxconn with limited financial margins to maintain humane workplace conditions.
What is the main recommendation for Apple?
The report recommends that Apple should adopt more transparent crisis communication, integrate social and environmental standards into its supplier selection, and ensure fair payment to allow for better workplace investments.
- Quote paper
- Maren Düchting (Author), 2015, Suicides in Answer to Apple’s and Foxconn’s Unethical Behaviour, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/336694
