Business

Company Q operates in metropolitan areas where there is a high density of population and provides groceries to local households. This makes it a fairly useful outlet to have in the locale and may even be of significant importance to some who may consistently rely on the companys outlet to purchase regular groceries. The companys attitude towards social responsibility however could be significantly improved, given the recent range of steps that were taken by the company.

The decision to close stores in areas of high crime rates can be considered an economic one. This is because reportedly they were not making money and also they may be the target of looting and small scale robberies from time to time which may hamper smooth operations. The from a business point of view, it may be the correct decision to close those outlets. Utilitarianism may even support the move as the profits of the company allow it to sustain itself and expand (Wueste 1994). If therefore, it continuously loses money in these stores the investors and the management may not be able to expand into other neighborhoods where there may be a strong need for grocery stores and may even curtail on expansion plans which would benefit a lot of people. Losses may even cut into the salaries of the employees. However closure of the store in the high crime rate area means forsaking the regular customers who depended on the grocery store. It also means that the company is willing to leave a volatile region if it suits its profitability at the expense of the community that is one of its stakeholders. This is questionable from a teleological perspective (Wueste 1994).

Company Q has responded to requests for organic products to be put on its shelves by the customers. This is good from an ethical standpoint as the company is aiding the community in meeting its needs and proving a source of healthy commodities to be disseminated in the neighborhood which will improve health. This move however has come after several years of requests which is a sign of a lack of good communication with the community. The company does however meet its social responsibility needs in this area to some extent.

The denial to provide left over food to the local food bank is a very controversial act. This is because food is a necessity and whatever is left over can not be brought into any use by Company Q. It would however help feed the homeless and the poor and relieve their plight. Instead the company chooses to destroy it, citing worries with employees. While the concerns of the company make economic sense in that fraud and embezzlement may be encouraged to the staff if food is donated, there are a range of options that could be used to counter that as opposed to throwing away the food. From a utilitarian perspective, there is a great deal of benefit to be drawn from the food being donated to the food bank.

The company could improve in many areas with regards to fulfilling its social responsibility. To begin with, there is a strong need for better communication with the community. This will make the management aware of their needs and the product demands that arise which could not only aid the customers but also allow the grocery store to sell high margin items. Previously, because of a lack of good communication, it took years for the products customers wanted to appear on the shelves.

Secondly, there is a need to take the employees onboard the social responsibility program of Company Q so they are aware of its aim to help the community as well. This could be done via altering the training programs a bit as well as incorporating care for the community in the culture of the company, like Starbucks does. Finally, the company could engage itself in greater cooperation with the local communities by sending representatives in their meetings and actively getting involved in their issues. This would allow it to take part in and initiate programs that make the grocery stores presence felt and draw sympathy for the company that is concerned about the matters of the neighborhood. Such a step would not only create goodwill but possibly a very strong customer base, willing to support the company in dire times. This will ingrain the company in the fabric of the community it operates in and make it an integral part of the place via a strong partnership, also allowing it to fulfill its social responsibility.