International Management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

International Management - Case Study Example Some of the specific challenges associated with the apparel industry include child labor, poor working conditions, and the existence of sweetshops. Back in the late 1990’s Nike suffered a big blow to its reputation when the media found out the firm was doing business with companies that sponsored sweetshops. It is also important for companies doing business in foreign countries to help out the community in which they operate. Helping out the community will help the company gain the support of the local people and its governmental institutions. Discuss the meaning and implications of the statement by a Nike representative that â€Å"consumers are not rewarding us for investments in improved social performance in supply chains.† The statement made by the Nike representative implies that the media does not report the good actions of companies such as Nike. They prefer to run stories about companies that are not acting in a socially responsible manner than to publish storie s about the efforts of Nike which is a firm that is fighting to stop foreign suppliers from abusing the civil rights of its workers. The statement also implies that in many consumer marketplaces acting in an ethical manner does not provide a firm with a competitive advantage due to the presence of many companies that are acting in an irresponsible manner. ... Some of the most important stakeholder groups that the company must satisfy include customers, government, suppliers, lenders, community, and the environment. What is meant by â€Å"leadership beyond borders†? â€Å"Leadership beyond borders† means finding people who can see across borders created by others, such as the borders of their job, and reach across such borders to engage others in dialogue and action to address systemic problems. Such a leader is a person that is educated in the cultural matters of another country. Learning and adapting to a different culture is imperative towards the success of leaders in foreign countries. Corporations must provide training and development in cultural matters to all its supervisors and managers. Is it possible to have â€Å"a compatibility of profits with people and planet†? Whose responsibility is it to achieve that state? Companies can utilize a social responsibility strategy to enhance the profits of the enterprise . In today’s competitive global environment firm’s that have strong CSR programs can differentiate themselves from the competition. An example of a company that has increased its market share to become its industry leader utilizing sound CRS principles is Starbucks Cafe. Starbucks Cafe sources all its coffee utilizing fair trade coffee practices. Fair trade coffee practices guarantee a price of $1.26 per pound. It also provides farmers with technological transfers and financing assistance. Kelly’s Assignment in Japan Explain clashes in culture, customs, and expectation that occurred in this situation Kelly was given a new job assignment in Japan in order to land an