Chapter 3 Discussion Timberland
Chapter 3 Discussion Case
“Timberland’s Corporate Social Responsibility- Under New Ownership”
1. How would you characterize Timberland’s exercise of its corporate power in society? Is Timberland using its influence responsibly? If so, how?
I would characterize Timberland’s exercise of its corporate power in society as “Corporate Social Responsibility”. Timberland is being socially responsible towards society and is acting in a way that enhances society. By exercising its power, Timberland is practicing the “iron law of responsibility” which says that in the long run, those who do not use power in ways that society considers responsible will tend to lose it. Timberland is using its influence responsibly through charitable giving; cash and in-kind donations, and giving footwear to schoolchildren in Afghanistan, and sustainability issues; reducing carbon emissions and using renewable energy sources.
2. Has Timberland balanced its economic and social responsibilities through its various programs, such as the annual Serv-a-Palooza event and sustainability goals? Are the company’s programs examples of enlightened self-interest?
Serv-a-Palooza was an event that celebrated Timberland’s centennial anniversary where over 500 volunteers worked on various projects to support local New Hampshire communities and areas in Missouri affected by tornados. Timberland’s sustainability goals include reducing carbon emissions and using renewable energy sources. Both of these have balanced Timberland’s economic and social responsibilities and serve as examples of enlightened self-interest. By having a philosophy to further the interests of others and the communities that surround them, Timberland ultimately serves their own self-interest.
3. What are the arguments for and against Timberland’s social responsibility initiatives?
Arguments for Timberland’s social responsibility initiatives include balancing corporate power with responsibility, improving stakeholder relations, and
“Timberland’s Corporate Social Responsibility- Under New Ownership”
1. How would you characterize Timberland’s exercise of its corporate power in society? Is Timberland using its influence responsibly? If so, how?
I would characterize Timberland’s exercise of its corporate power in society as “Corporate Social Responsibility”. Timberland is being socially responsible towards society and is acting in a way that enhances society. By exercising its power, Timberland is practicing the “iron law of responsibility” which says that in the long run, those who do not use power in ways that society considers responsible will tend to lose it. Timberland is using its influence responsibly through charitable giving; cash and in-kind donations, and giving footwear to schoolchildren in Afghanistan, and sustainability issues; reducing carbon emissions and using renewable energy sources.
2. Has Timberland balanced its economic and social responsibilities through its various programs, such as the annual Serv-a-Palooza event and sustainability goals? Are the company’s programs examples of enlightened self-interest?
Serv-a-Palooza was an event that celebrated Timberland’s centennial anniversary where over 500 volunteers worked on various projects to support local New Hampshire communities and areas in Missouri affected by tornados. Timberland’s sustainability goals include reducing carbon emissions and using renewable energy sources. Both of these have balanced Timberland’s economic and social responsibilities and serve as examples of enlightened self-interest. By having a philosophy to further the interests of others and the communities that surround them, Timberland ultimately serves their own self-interest.
3. What are the arguments for and against Timberland’s social responsibility initiatives?
Arguments for Timberland’s social responsibility initiatives include balancing corporate power with responsibility, improving stakeholder relations, and