Question 1

Every year,General Mills issues a report discussing how the firm has performed against its own standards of ethical conduct.This report is part of General Mills's __________ phase of its strategic marketing planning process.

Accepted Answer

The report that General Mills issues discussing its own standards of ethical conduct is a part of its control phase of its strategic marketing planning process. The control phase involves monitoring and evaluating the results of the marketing plan and taking corrective action to ensure that objectives are achieved. The report helps the company to evaluate its performance and take corrective actions if necessary. The other options (planning, implementation, evolution, and marketing mix) are not relevant in this context.

Question 2

How might Starbucks ensure that it behaves in a socially responsible way toward members of its supply chain?

Accepted Answer

By purchasing coffee beans from suppliers who pay coffee growers a fair price, Starbucks would be ensuring that it behaves in a socially responsible way toward members of its supply chain. This would help to support the sustainability of the coffee industry and promote fair and ethical treatment of the farmers who grow the crops. Additionally, Starbucks has already taken steps to promote sustainability through other measures such as offering reusable cups and reducing waste in its stores.

Question 3

How might a technology company like Apple most likely ensure that it behaves in a socially responsible way toward its employees?

Accepted Answer

To ensure social responsibility toward its employees, a technology company like Apple can ensure that pay practices are fair at all levels of the company. This includes ensuring equal pay for equal work, providing benefits such as healthcare and retirement plans, and creating a positive work culture that emphasizes work-life balance and employee well-being. While adhering to government-mandated safety standards and using recyclable packaging materials are also important aspects of social responsibility, they do not directly relate to ensuring fair treatment and compensation for employees. The minimum wage requirement only ensures that employees are paid a legally mandated minimum amount, which may not be enough to support a decent standard of living. The statement that social responsibility isn't relevant where employees are concerned is incorrect and goes against the principles of ethical business practices.

Question 4

The primary ethical dilemma facing managers is how to balance

Accepted Answer

The ethical dilemma of balancing shareholder interests with the needs of society is arguably the most important ethical issue for managers. While making a profit is important, managers must also consider the impact of their decisions on stakeholders such as employees, customers, suppliers, and the community. Failing to consider these interests can have negative consequences for the firm in terms of reputation, employee morale, and customer loyalty. Therefore, the best choice is C, as it acknowledges the importance of balancing multiple interests in order to make ethical decisions that benefit both the firm and society as a whole.

Question 5

During the __________ phase of the strategic marketing planning process,marketers utilize systems to check whether each potential ethical issue raised in earlier phases was addressed.

Accepted Answer

During the control phase, marketers utilize systems to check whether each potential ethical issue raised in earlier phases was addressed. This is done to ensure that the marketing strategy aligns with the ethical standards of the organization.

Question 6

How did Johnson & Johnson recently respond to new limits on acetaminophen dosages?

Accepted Answer

Johnson & Johnson reminded people not to take more than the recommended dosage in response to new limits on acetaminophen dosages.

Question 7

________ refers to the moral or ethical dilemmas that might arise in a business setting.

Accepted Answer

Business ethics refers to the moral and ethical principles and standards that guide behavior in the business world. This includes issues such as honesty, fairness, and social responsibility. Marketing ethics, social irresponsibility, corporate responsibility, and institutional ethics may all be aspects of business ethics but do not fully encompass the concept on their own.

Question 8

When Toyota owners began to report problems with sticking accelerator pedals and nonfunctioning brakes,Toyota at first ignored or rejected the claims.Eventually,the company evaluated the issue and issued a recall.Which of the four steps of the ethical decision-making framework was Toyota performing when it recalled several of its 2007-2010 models?

Accepted Answer

Toyota was choosing a course of action by recalling several of its 2007-2010 models.

Question 9

A meat-packing company discovers that six months ago it unknowingly distributed meat from a cloned cow.The firm is unaware of any specific risks to humans consuming the meat; however,some scientists have raised questions,and some consumers are afraid of possible future problems.The meat company has to decide whether or not to make this matter public.How should it begin the process of making an ethical decision?

Accepted Answer

The meat-packing company should first identify the issues that have been raised by the situation, including potential health risks to consumers, ethical concerns surrounding cloning and transparency, and legal requirements for disclosing this information. By identifying and analyzing these issues, the company can make an informed and ethical decision about whether or not to disclose this information to the public. Brainstorming alternatives may come after identifying the issues, but it is not the first step in the decision-making process. Asking managers to vote or letting the board of directors decide without proper analysis of the situation and its ethical implications would not be a responsible approach. Offering refunds in exchange for silence would be unethical and potentially illegal.

Question 10

A recent poll conducted by Time magazine found that 38 percent of U.S.consumers

Accepted Answer

According to the poll, 38 percent of U.S. consumers actively tried to purchase from companies they considered responsible. This indicates a significant portion of the population that prioritizes social responsibility in their purchasing decisions.

Question 11

How might a technology company like Apple ensure that it behaves in a socially responsible way towards its customers?

Accepted Answer

Protecting the privacy of personal information is a key aspect of social responsibility towards customers, ensuring their data is secure and respected.

Question 12

Alicia has been asked to approve a marketing campaign that,although it is not illegal,promotes food products to children.She is concerned that the food products are not particularly nutritious,although they are not as bad for children as some others sold by competitors.By using the ethical decision-making metric,Alicia will

Accepted Answer

Evaluating the alternative using a series of questions is the most appropriate choice according to the ethical decision-making metric. Alicia should think about questions that might guide her decision, such as "Is promoting unhealthy food products to children morally right?" or "Is there a possibility that promoting such products to children might negatively impact their health in the long term?". By answering these questions, Alicia can make an informed decision that takes into account all ethical considerations involved.

Question 13

Anupam's company manufactures industrial ladders.He is concerned that consumers who do not understand ladder safety will purchase these extra-tall ladders and injure themselves.During which phase of the strategic marketing planning process should this issue be addressed?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Anupam's company manufactures industrial ladders.He is concerned...

Question 14

If Melissa decides to sell the best ice cream on earth,and intends to establish a strong ethical climate in her organization,during which phase of the strategic marketing planning process should she introduce ethical considerations?

Accepted Answer

Ethical considerations should be introduced during the planning phase of the strategic marketing planning process to ensure that they are integrated into the overall plan and are not just an afterthought. This allows for the development of an ethical climate and values that are embedded in the organization's culture and decision-making processes.

Question 15

The Henry Ford Health System (a health care provider)has set strict limits for pharmaceutical representatives,and will no longer allow doctors in its system to accept free lunches,gifts,or other perks from the pharmaceutical representatives.The Henry Ford Health System probably established this policy because

Accepted Answer

By setting strict limits on pharmaceutical representatives and prohibiting doctors from accepting perks, Henry Ford Health System is reducing the possibility of the system making unethical purchasing decisions based on personal benefits rather than the best interests of patients. This policy is aimed at maintaining the integrity and professionalism of the organization.

Question 16

Elena is the CEO of a small manufacturing firm.She is concerned with meeting the investment objectives of the firm's shareholders,and sees no value in corporate social responsibility.Elena's attitude is

Accepted Answer

Elena's attitude is consistent with the views of other critics of corporate social responsibility who prioritize meeting the investment objectives of shareholders over social and environmental concerns. While some may argue that Elena's attitude is insensitive or short-sighted, it is not necessarily insupportable or unethical, as there are differing perspectives on the role of businesses in society.

Question 17

For every consumer who purchases a pair of TOMS shoes for $55,the company promises that a needy child will receive a pair of shoes.TOMS shoes is actively engaging in

Accepted Answer

TOMS shoes is practicing corporate social responsibility by donating a pair of shoes to a needy child for every pair purchased by a consumer. This not only helps those in need but also helps to enhance the company's reputation and demonstrate its commitment to social issues.

Question 18

All of the following terms are generally associated with the definition of corporate social responsibility except

Accepted Answer

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is the idea that businesses have a responsibility to society and the environment beyond just making a profit. The other four terms listed are all aspects of CSR: voluntary actions taken by the company (A), consideration of all stakeholders impacted by the company's actions (B), the social and environmental impact of the company's actions (C and D). Profit (E) is important to businesses but is not the primary focus of CSR initiatives.

Question 19

Marketers that include ethical statements in the firm's mission or vision statements are introducing ethics at which stage of the strategic marketing planning process?

Accepted Answer

Ethical statements in the firm's mission or vision statements are introduced during the planning phase of the strategic marketing planning process, as they are part of the overall strategy and guide decision making throughout the implementation, control, and evaluation phases.

Question 20

Charges that firms are using "sweatshop" labor to produce their products are likely to occur during the __________ phase of the strategic marketing planning process.

Accepted Answer

Sweatshop labor is a concern related to the production phase of the marketing plan, which falls under the implementation stage. Therefore, charges of sweatshop labor are likely to occur during the implementation phase.

Quiz 4: Marketing Ethics