Month: September 2010

Just as we have seen companies win billions by successfully introducing a new product on the market, we have also seen them fail. With the phenomenal Blackberry, and its free and world wide messenger, RIM has already gained the addiction of its customers, from the young generations to the businessmen. Now RIM is introducing a new product: wait newer than the Blackberry Torch?  Yes, the PlayBook!  Its description is very similar to that of an iPad, but smaller. (informartion here: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/technology/rim-plays-catch-up-with-playbook-but-with-a-new-ally/article1731344/)

The fast-growing tablet market has made it clear to RIM that the company had to catch-up, however their experience in creating this technology is unknown which could affect customer’s decision in buying one. On the other hand, most people know how BlackBerry’s are “the device that first said your business life is your personal life.” (previous article)  Using the power of its applications and its popularity, RIM and BlackBerry could convince many to buy their newest creation.

But will the RIM’s new tablet be successful? How will they compete with the already existing markets which competition? And will it help RIM catch up with the market? Hopefully we’ll find out soon!

When do business ethical issues happen? And why are they happening? Well, when the company puts profit before its employees, customers or the environment, the result may be a dilemma. Here is an example: In March 2010, Wal-Mart agreed to pay $20 millions dollars in order to settle the accusations and prosecutions against them for irresponsibly dumping waste in California, thus violating various environmental laws of the state. The company was also accused of using pesticides, fertilizers and other chemicals in an improper way. All businesses are responsible to prevent the pollution of the environment, meaning Wal-Mart violated not only laws, but ethical expectations towards the planet. (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/36918854/ns/us_news-environment/)

Milton Friedman states in his article The Social Responsibility of Business is to Increase its Profits, that the “social responsibility of business is to use its resources and engage in activities designed to increase its profits so long as (… it engages in open and free competition without deception or fraud.” (http://www.colorado.edu/studentgroups/libertarians/issues/friedman-soc-resp-business.html)

Wal-Mart’s “social responsibility” is not only towards its clients and employees but also our planet. Therefore it is reasonable to interpret the violation of the environmental laws by Wal-Mart as an ethical fraud.