In: Operations Management
Assignment Instructions – You must answer three questions from each chapter, for a total of 6 questions. The answer to each question that you choose should be approximately ½ page in length, single-spaced.
Chapter 9 Questions --- Answer ANY 3
What are some of the issues you might include in a defense of strategic philanthropy to company stockholders?
Some issues that might be included in a defense of strategic philanthropy to company stockholders:
(1) Tax advantage to be gained by companies that engage in strategic philanthropy.
(2) Increased productivity, stronger commitment from employees, and positive morale.
(3) Reduction in employee turnover and an increase in customer satisfaction and loyalty.
(4) It enhances the welfare obtained from overall social responsibility and has a positive effect on financial performance.
Describe your personal experiences with philanthropy. In what types of activities have you participated? Which companies that you do business with have a philanthropic focus? How did this focus influence your decision to buy from those companies?
Professional experiences with philanthropy:
By college age, most students have had some experience with fundraising and volunteerism, but this cannot be labeled philanthropy. The philanthropic function has always been to provide grants, gifts, and other resources to worthy causes.
Companies having the philanthropic focus dealt by me:
I used to deal with the Colorado-based New Belgium Brewing Company, which donates $1 for each barrel of beer prepared the prior year to donations within the markets it serves. The brewery attempts to divide the money among states in proportion to their needs and interests, considering drug and alcohol awareness, environmental, cultural, and social issues.
Influence of the philanthropic focus on decisions to buy from the companies:
Decisions regarding donations are made by the philanthropy committee of the firm, a volunteer group of employees and one or two of the owners. Employees are always encouraged by the committee to submit philanthropy suggestions to buy from these companies.
How have changes in the business environment contributed to the growing trend in strategic philanthropy?
Contribution of changes in business environment to growing trend of strategic philanthropy:
Many firms have to review their business outcomes and practices because of mergers, downsizing, divestitures, consumer activism, investor demands, and growing international competition.
Administrations are undergoing increased pressure for transparency and to exhibit responsibility in their social and financial performance. Strategic philanthropy shows not just social responsibility, but is also tied to improvement in competencies, performance, and employee skills.
Consequently, companies now incorporate a strategic philanthropy approach to merge both social and organizational needs.
Compare and contrast cause-related marketing with strategic philanthropy. What are the unique benefits of each approach?
Cause – related marketing with strategic philanthropy:
Strategic philanthropy associates corporate knowledge and resources to report broader customer, social, supplier, and employee problems and needs; whereas cause-related marketing links the products of an organization directly to a social concern.
Unique benefits of each approach:
Cause-related marketing activities might affect short-term buying patterns positively, as consumers might be more receptive to purchasing a product connected with a charitable cause. Strategic philanthropy can show a twin concern for meeting stakeholder needs while firming organizational competency, since it involves:
1) Employees.
2) Organizational resources and expertise.
3) The ability to link customers, employees, social needs, and suppliers with key assets.
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