In the past few months, the ongoing riot in Turkey affected thousands of people’s lives as well as certain businesses in the country. Turkish riot started as an environmental protest against the abolishment of Gezi, a park located in Taksim, Istanbul. However, the outrageous approach of the policemen towards the protestors turned it into something much bigger: “Direnis”. Suddenly Direnis became a nation-wide protest against injustice, violence, the abuse of human rights and freedom. The riot was unique in the sense that the only weapon used by the protestors was humour. Turkish society showed the power of unity against forces threatening their freedom. Gezi became a symbol of liberty.

Unfortunately, the government’s response was violence and censorship. They did not understand the humour or the unity that was the foundation of Direnis. During such hardships, some businesses preferred putting their own benefits before those of the society. Mass media did not mention what was considered to be a nation-wide awakening. Others closed their doors to people seeking refuge from tear gas.

These events brough about an important question: Can a business be ignorant to society’s needs and problems, and still succeed? The answer is no. Currently various businesses, including numerous mass media companies, are being boycotted by the society in Turkey. The decline in their sales is significant, not to mention the damage to their reputations. This proves that no business can exist without maintaining a strong, healthy relationship with the society. The one thing that is more important than the service a company provides is people’s perception of it. Businesses can not neglect the people surrounding them and expect to get away with it. That is neither possible nor ethical.

Picture taken from:
http://www.marmaragazetesi.com/galeri/gezi-parkina-direnis-198.html?resim=4

A recent CBC article references Interbrand’s “World’s Best Brand” rankings, stating that this year Apple replaced Coke as the number one brand in the world. The company is constantly praised for having loyal customers and its approach to business is popular within the target market. But what makes Apple so unique?

It is possible to say that simplicity and organization are the foundation of the strong brand identity Apple has managed to create. The company is well known for frequently improving and renewing itself. The process of perpetually updating the products in accordance with the latest available technology requires careful planning and a well imposed, effective structure. One significant characteristic that distinguishes Apple from most of its competitors is that instead of trying to come up with too many products in a relatively small period of time, Apple prioritizes making sure that each new product surpasses the existing ones. While doing so, the company also maintains the simplistic approach that has been essential in the promotion of the brand’s identity. Seeing how Apple’s consumers anticipate the release of the upcoming products each year, one can argue that simplicity and organization are just enough to climb the ladder of success.

Resources:
http://www.cbc.ca/news/business/apple-surpasses-coke-as-world-s-best-brand-1.1873259

Picture taken from:
http://www.megatechnews.com/apple-attempting-trademark-startup/

Until recently, Starbucks’ policy toward gun control was to stay out of the debates and let its stores adhere to the laws of the states they are located in. However, activities carried out by gun rights advocates and anti-gun protestors in Starbucks stores put the company in the midst of the arguments. Recently, CEO Howard Schlutz requested in a letter that customers do not bring firearms into stores.

Howard Schlutz, the CEO of Starbucks

Although Schlutz’s letter was a kind request, it brought about an intense reaction from a group of gun rights advocates. There is a chance that Starbucks will face some form of boycott but this does not necessarily mean the company will lose business. In contrary, Starbucks’ approach is more likely to generate positive results, as customers who were previously concerned about the presence of firearms in the stores will feel safer within store boundaries knowing that the company’s priority is to ensure customer safety. Starbucks is putting an end to any suppositions affiliating the company with groups promoting or opposing gun control, thus proving that the company is ready to risk losing business in order to speak up for the customers’ needs. From an ethical standpoint, Starbucks is on the right track.

Resources:
http://www.economist.com/blogs/democracyinamerica/2013/09/guns-and-coffee
http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/starbucks-gun-letter-companies-political-role

Photo taken form:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/4675842/Starbucks-executives-to-miss-out-on-pay-rises.html