CSR

By now, you should be very familiar with the Mattel case. In the Module 4 SLP, we will evaluate the Mattel case study in the context of Corporate Social Responsibility. Specifically, socially responsible organizations behave in certain ethical ways. Socially responsible organizations tend to go above and beyond the rules, mores, and expectations that have been established (and that are expected to be adhered to) by the general public, company employees, end customers, buyers and suppliers, and the government, for example. We will investigate the ways in which Mattel’s behaviors and actions contravened the tenets of “socially responsible” behavior.  

Required Reading

Read the following excerpt related to CSR. As you read, consider the benefits realized by socially responsible organizations, and how the leadership at Mattel operated counter to CSR tenets:

Corporate social responsibility. (2013). International Institute for Sustainable Development. Retrieved from https://www.iisd.org/business/issues/sr.aspx

Assignment

In a well-written, 2- to 3-page paper, discuss how the Mattel case informs our understanding of what it means for companies to be “socially responsible.”

Keys to the Assignment

1. In the context of CSR, in what ways did Mattel demonstrate – not social responsibility – but social irresponsibility? Consider how the company’s actions may have run counter to the tenets of CSR through its neglect of duty to the company’s shareholders, its employees, and even the larger public trust. Be sure to cite specific examples.
2. What have been the long-term consequences of Mattel’s actions, and how did the company’s implosion change our view of what it means for a company to be “socially responsible”?
3. Be sure that you use at least two references from the library, and that you properly cite your sources.
4. Follow the guidelines in The Student Guide to Writing a High Quality Academic Paper
5. You are expected to demonstrate evidence of critical thinking – as defined in the Module 2 background materials and the grading rubric.