Question

Do you believe Chiquita would have changed its policies without the presence of damaging stories in the media? If not, what does this say about Chiquita’s old management style?

Answer 1

No, I don't think Chiquita would have reviewed its policies without the presence of the damaging stories in the media.

Before the media coverage, the company was willingly performing various illegal and unethical practices like child labor, sexual discrimination, lower wages, and unsafe working conditions, and much more. The company even had accusations of severe brutality against unionizing workers.

After the damaging media coverage, the company decided to evaluate its 'ethical' performance and set some values for its social and environmental performance to fulfill its corporate social responsibility.

This whole thing tells a lot about Chiquita's old management styles. If we want to put it into any primary head, it might be an autocratic style of management.

The company did everything for their benefits and profits and never given any opportunity or authority to any stakeholder to speak. Chiquita performed various practices where the top management holds all the powers and decision making without even informing their subordinates. Top of the hierarchy order and expect the immediate execution and acceptance without any cross-questioning. These all are the traits of the autocratic style of management.