In: Operations Management
Apple organization like any other business organization is required by the law to function according to the stipulated ethics so as to respond effectively to both internal and external triggers of change. These ethics are important in an organization since it expresses the values an organization has to its workers and to the general public. The elements which have contributed to this organizations excellent performance in the competitive market include respect for the clients, honesty and trust among other ethics. These ethics have contributed to Apple’s organization overall performance through influencing its employees ways of thinking, building trust within the organization and their customers and developing goal oriented culture in the organization hence, its excellent performance in the electronics market (Ferrell et al. 2008). Upholding of the labor and human rights to promote dignity are some of the ethical principles of the Apple organization. This is achieved through treating its employees with dignity and respecting their varied needs and backgrounds to promote organization’s productivity and unity at the workplace. Other ethical codes in this organization include, antidiscrimination (basing on race, age gender or color), fair remuneration, prevention of forced labor, prevention of under-aged labor, provision of adequate working hours( 60hours per week), freedom of association within the organization among other ethics which govern the behavior of the employees in the organization (Peng, 2009). Despite these reputations linked with the Apple organization, the organization has been associated with various unethical behaviors which have contributed negatively to the company’s provision of their products and services to their customers. The company should function in a way that is acceptable in the society and engage in organization’s activities which contribute to the overall economic stability and protection of the environment (Lusted, 2012). Therefore, this paper tries to analyze in detail the unethical behaviors which have been associated with the Apple Company, and try to identify some of the effects which are likely to contribute to these unethical behaviors. The analysis is done taking into consideration the MAN2100 which stipulates the ethical responsibilities which the organization should uphold. One of the unethical behaviors of the Apple Company is the violation of their employees’ rights and labor laws. This is evidenced by the long working hours its employees have to perform their tasks. For instance, audits done in the company revealed that the employees were working in the company for a duration of more than 60 hours a week and some employees working in the organization for a duration of more than six days in a week. Additionally, the company is involved in the employment of children who are less than 15 years and providing false information in their records. The employees are paid less wages as compared to the duration of their working hence, violating their rights which is unethical (Zimmerli, 2006). Additionally, the company engages in innovations which are considered unethical according to the MAN2100 regulation on organization’s responsibilities. The employees responsible for marketing these innovations are required by the organization work for long periods of time causing burn out and exhaustion to these employees. Employees have faced incidences of injuries such as motion injuries, injuries due to exposure to toxic chemical substances and the provision of unhealthy working conditions at the pretext of promoting innovations contributing to the violation of the employees’ labor rights hence, engaging in unethical behaviors (Creemer, 2009).
For this text : Find a solution to Apple Company to solve this Unethical issue
Analysis it then provide Findings and Analysis
then provide a Recommendation
and a conclusion
Answer :
Apple Company is one of the most famous companies in the world for its quality goods like the electronics that include the computers and the iPhones. The company is also known internationally for the inventions and with the technologies associated with its products . The company has been associated with numerous immoral practices that have contributed adversely to the company's delivery of its goods and services to its customers.Business audits showed that the workers worked in the business for over 60 hours a week and some workers worked in the organization for over six days a week.During work, the noise of cutting and blasting iPhone casings is reported to reach 80 decibels or more, which can result in "possible damage" after eight hours of exposure.company is involved in the employment of children under 15 years and paying less wages. Workers are also described as wearing cotton gloves that get soaked in cutting fluid, which makes direct contact with their hands and causes skin problems.Work and human rights upholding to promote dignity are some of Apple's ethical principles.
This is done by treating their workers with integrity and respecting their diverse interests and experiences in order to improve the efficiency and unity of the company at the workplace. Apple may find below ways helpful to minimize working hours for employees and counter such unethical practices.
Discuss the problem of workload openly :
Rather than forming murmuring martyr cliques. Rather than make allegations, ask questions. Identify the root causes and come together to accept solutions and then help each other to prevent overwork.
Train staff well :
Comprehensive work place injury care is a must. Make sure all of your employees have access for their positions to and complete all the safety training.
Introduce protection protocols :
Health at work begins from day one, which means recruiting skilled individuals who pay attention to detail. A healthy workplace starts with employees who meet the safety requirements and conduct their jobs according to the procedures defined. To evaluate the physical demands of each job position, some employers work with physical therapists.
Fix your stance on overtime:
As a boss, by putting in place unique strategies that prioritize work-life balance, you can monitor how much overtime the staff performs. All effective ways of giving your workers a greater sense of control over where and when they work are allowing flexible work schedules, remote work and guaranteed paid time off.
Take responsibility for managing your employees time :
Plan your day / week / month to ensure that you concentrate on achieving your personal and team goals, and are not helplessly pulled along in the midst of someone else's agenda.
Enable flexible schedules for work:
It is also easier to offer workers the opportunity to work more flexible hours with cloud-based services, since they can log in and access work details from anywhere. If an employee wants to take some time off to take care of a sick child or attend a family function, allow it — but remind the employee that it is a two-way street. When you need to put in some extra time for the employee to reach a deadline, he or she will hope to return the favor.
Cross-train members of the team:
If only one or two employees work overtime on a regular basis, they may be the only ones who can do their job, forcing them to bear heavy project loads that prohibit them from leaving work on time. Cross-train some of your other workers to ease their burden, so that they can help.