Mattel Inc
Question One: Do manufacturers of products for children have special responsibilities to consumers and society? What are these responsibilities and how well has Mattel met them? Provide evidence of Mattel’s strengths and weaknesses in this area.
Yes. As Mattel’s products are designed primarily for children, it must be sensitive to societal concerns about children’s rights.
Strengths
Responsibility towards the community * Mattel recognizes international environment, different legal systems and cultural expectations, and the use of technology especially with regard to consumer privacy and has taken steps to strengthen its commitment to business ethics and social responsibility. * Mattel recently published its first “Corporate Social Responsibility” report, including a strong statement about its commitment to economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic responsibilities which includes commitment to product safety, volunteering in a community, developing a best practice or even treating colleagues with respect and dignity. * Another way they have done this is through philanthropic events by the Mattel Foundation * The Mattel foundation promotes philanthropy and community involvement among Mattel’s employees and makes charitable investments to help children in need. It is funded through mainly pre-tax corporate profits and helps a variety of children’s issues. One of the main goals is to open a Children’s Hospital at UCLA The Foundation also supports annual fundraising events such as Children affected by AIDS Foundation (established by an HIV-positive Mattel executive, the Mattel family learning program, the annual giving campaign targeted at Mattel employees. * Within the philanthropy is a Mattel Employee Volunteer Program. Employees are encouraged to volunteer and give back to their communities and to continue its commitment to help children. * Makers of American Girl collection provided $449,500 in grants to support children’s
Yes. As Mattel’s products are designed primarily for children, it must be sensitive to societal concerns about children’s rights.
Strengths
Responsibility towards the community * Mattel recognizes international environment, different legal systems and cultural expectations, and the use of technology especially with regard to consumer privacy and has taken steps to strengthen its commitment to business ethics and social responsibility. * Mattel recently published its first “Corporate Social Responsibility” report, including a strong statement about its commitment to economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic responsibilities which includes commitment to product safety, volunteering in a community, developing a best practice or even treating colleagues with respect and dignity. * Another way they have done this is through philanthropic events by the Mattel Foundation * The Mattel foundation promotes philanthropy and community involvement among Mattel’s employees and makes charitable investments to help children in need. It is funded through mainly pre-tax corporate profits and helps a variety of children’s issues. One of the main goals is to open a Children’s Hospital at UCLA The Foundation also supports annual fundraising events such as Children affected by AIDS Foundation (established by an HIV-positive Mattel executive, the Mattel family learning program, the annual giving campaign targeted at Mattel employees. * Within the philanthropy is a Mattel Employee Volunteer Program. Employees are encouraged to volunteer and give back to their communities and to continue its commitment to help children. * Makers of American Girl collection provided $449,500 in grants to support children’s