Brodie McLaughlin's Blog

In Tom Hale‘s post on Backroads’ blog, The Back Beat, the founder of Backroads muses on the hiring practice of their trip leaders. In our class discussion on Organizational Behaviour, we discussed organizational culture and values, and how they are formed. An interest in a company and a passion that is in line with that company’s values is often something that draws potential employees. As discussed with Zappos, they ensure that they create an environment in which their employees are 100% on board with the company. In doing so, Zappos…read more

There is a certain taboo surrounded with entering a community and offering advise in the hope to improve a situation. This often creates a double standard, putting into question the motives of those providing the “help” and whether or not the “help” is useful or consented. The University of British Columbia’s Arc Initiative aims to provide communities with tools in order to expand the global community. By initiating relationships with these communities, UBC is expanding their network and building a shared value in business. The world of business at this…read more

When the Nisga’a gained sovereignty in 2000 as a result of their hard fought battle for the Nisga’a Final Agreement, they set the benchmark for Canada’s First Nations. Throughout the 2000’s the Nisga’a served as inspiration to other Nations in how they regained their right to self-governance. Nestled in the Nass Valley, the Nisga’a hold their own Provincial Park, meeting or exceeding provincial standards for this standing. As taken from one of my previous blog posts, Canada’s Parks are undergoing substantial influence from business to reconfigure park boundaries for the…read more

The topic of our food systems in one that has intrigued me a lot lately. Upon reading Sam Wong‘s post about Loblaw’s shift towards simpler food marketing, it reminded me about today’s smaller, local food movements. While getting involved with Community Supported Agriculture may seem intimidating to most, having the ability to purchase better food from the supermarket seems like a good start. By tracking trends, Lowblaw’s will effectively maximize their targeted market, and hopefully increase it. Better food not only means better ingredients but also sustainably grown, and sourced…read more

In response to Tsz Ching‘s blog post with regards to the higher costs of manufacturing products that are healthier for the environment. I agree with her statement that consumers are finding fashion “trends” in these products. In using environmentally friendly products, consumers feel better when using or wearing them. As consumers, we are brand conscious, and to be an educated consumer involves understanding where the goods comes from, and all of the processes that go into their manufacturing and shipment. The more educated that consumers become about the product they are…read more

As the US Senate elections near, Canadian corporations are on the push to fund United States political parties. By funding Political Action Committees (PACs), companies are able to provide that party with more ammunition to win the vote of Americans, in the state. In order to secure a better future for their business, corporations are tying thousands, sometimes millions, of dollars to these political party’s. By funding their campaign, these corporations hope to use the American political system to better their company.  PACs can only be funded by individuals, not…read more