TOMS is a world known shoe company famous for its unique look and its “one for one” business model. For every pair of shoes purchased, TOMS donates a pair to someone in need. Some believe this plan unintentionally causes harm as it tries to do good, as it can hurt local businesses and may not address the deeper causes of poverty.
Personally, I agree with and support TOMS “one for one” business model because I believe no matter what, they are creating a social impact. It doesn’t matter whether or not these people they are helping beco
me dependant or not, what I personally believe makes a huge impact to an individual’s life is knowing that someone cares about you, that they know they are worth something. For example, giving someone in need a pair of shoes can help them avoid soil-transmitted diseases and cuts and sores that may become infected, or go to school in areas where children are not allowed to attend barefoot. TOMS states that their actions “help address need and advance health, education and economic opportunity for children and their communities around the world”.
In my opinion, the thought and idea behind their “one for one” business model was originally an idea with good intentions which eventually turned into a business model. After undergoing criticism, they have improved their business model by giving different types of shoes based on terrain and season, or by creating local jobs by producing shoes in countries where they give. By doing this, they are no longer taking jobs away from local business, but in contrast allows them to flourish. The intentions behind the business model are good, and have shown other companies this model can be profitable. They have also demonstrated and shown to the world that they care about more than just their sales, they care for the greater good of many different communities.
External Sources:
http://www.toms.com/corporate-responsibility