Should Companies Act Ethically - Essay Example

? BUSINESS COMMUNICATION: MODULE LEI3006DL ASSESSMENT PORTFOLIO BY PRESENTED Part A Unit: Introduction – Personal language history My parents came and lived in Asia so for the better part of my life I never had the opportunity to interact with other languages. Being the second born to ethnocentric parents meant that I had to learn my mother tongue thoroughly before I could be introduced to another language. Our neighborhood also comprised of monolingual families from my race and therefore, my early encounters with language meant I learnt one language and accent. Though my parents had a moderate understanding of French having worked in a Multinational Corporation, they opted to use mother tongue and could hardly grasp foreign languages whenever they used it. They were afraid of introducing a foreign language lest I lost my identity as I quickly grasped a foreign language (Barron-Hauwaert 2004). In fact, I used to be annoyed with my mother when I ask her what she was saying in that foreign language and she would respond, “Young one don’t mind you will get to know when you grow up.” This I must say liberated some curiosity and desire in me that one day I must learn some foreign languages if not one. Like most kids of my time, I joined early childhood at the age of 4 years where my first language was taught as the official language in the country. While foreign languages were taught from an early age depending on which school one went to, the native language was used as the official language. For the first time, I felt I should thank my parents since learning other things in the curriculum become easy for me. French and English were common in most schools and anybody who had a good command of either language was respected. While my first language was a bit first, the two were rather slow and hence one was more audible with considerable variance in pronunciations. However, teachers encouraged the use of the native language to foreign languages. I started learning French at the age of seven in class three so that I could communicate like my parents. Translation and use of pictures and learning guides was most common but grammar based and communicative modes were used in advanced stages. In campus, I had to take English as it was considered the most dominant language in the world. Foreign languages were being encouraged as a way of getting a better job and preparing students for a diverse cultural work environment as a result of globalization. My dialect is that I speak in a harsh pitch and very fast in my first language. When recorded, I just feel like am shouting and not audible. By learning and speaking English my voice and eloquence improved. I have an accent where words appear to come from the back of the tongue unlike English where most words come from middle and front tongue. I like using the phrase ‘I mean.’ Unit 1: First Impressions Task 1: Developing a personal language (English) development plan (for 1 ? years) Broad Objectives Specific objectives/ strategies Measurement/ indicators Timelines To Improve Reading skill 1. To improve my reading capabilities for textbooks and journals 2. To continuously read newspapers and fiction books as guides to improving my reading skills 3. To translate articles from my first language to English and vice versa 1. Number of textbooks and journals read every week 2. Newspapers and fiction books read daily 3. Number of articles translated per week First 8 months To enhance my Writing skills 1. To improve writing skills by frequently submitting articles and letters to editors 2. To learn more about writing styles for different occasions 1. Number of articles submitted per week 2. No. of writings styles learnt and applied 1. Writing styles learnt within 3 months 2. Submitting articles by 4th month To improve my listening abilities 1. To socialize and network more to improve my listening skills 2. To watch TV news and watch films often to understand word choice and pronunciations. 1. No. of social gathering per day 2. TV news and films watched per week Socializing and TV and film Watching to start immediately To improve my public speaking skills 1. To always communicate in English when in social gatherings 2. Prepare and present my seminar discussions in English 3. To work on my self esteem when presenting and socializing in English 1. Number of times I have spoken English in social events 2. Number of presentation made in English per month 1. Effectively speak in English by 6 months 2. Make presentations in English by 8th month Unit 2: Training Task 2: Developing a training plan Based on the skills assessment that I have conducted and my intention to become a customer representative the following training program was developed. First, my weak skills and competency areas include; communicating outwardly on face to face, phone and emails (3); listening and interpreting, establishing rapport, understanding needs (2); developing solutions and agreeing with people (4); and speaking and presenting to groups (2). The training plan will use various training methods as highlighted by Kleynthans (2006). This will include; on job-training like coaching and job rotation, e-learning, school based learning and use of expert trainers. In particular, school based learning, apprenticeship and use of trainers on customer care and above areas will be utilized. Delivery methods shall include experiment-based learning; formal instructions and activity based training (Loosemore, Dainty and Lingard 2003). The diverse approaches will ensure a holistic training that will lead to personal development within a period of 2 years. Unit 6: Ethics ‘Should companies act ethically?’ In the current globalized world, pressure is mounting on companies to act ethically and in a socially responsible manner. In fact, pressure has been so high that some companies are reporting their financial statements on three bottom line principles (Henriques and Richardson 2004). The debate has raged for some time now, with companies initiating various corporate social responsibilities as ways of connecting with the society in which they operate. More worrying is that most people confuse between acting ethically and being socially responsible. It’s known that companies can act ethically but not socially responsible and vice versa. How do you explain about a company supporting a community project while its workers are underpaid while working long hours? In this discussion acting ethically must be seen to mean operating within the laws of State, within accepted social norms as well as extending appreciation to communities within a company’s business operations. I think history teaches us that ethic businesses have a longer life than those that are not Regardless of the proposition that one takes, it must be understood that businesses don’t operate in a vacuum and failure to act ethically is self destructive and will lead to their own collapse like Enron did (Weiss 2009). Even if a business does not collapse due to ethic failure it suffers lack of customer’s; ethical companies have been known to command large market share. Part B: Application Activities Unit 1: First Impressions Task 2: Formal Letter to Logistaid 23rd November 2012 The Program Coordinator Logistaid P.O. Box 79807-6502 London Dear Sir/Madam, Re: Meeting Attendance and Support I am the Managing Director at Kingsway Motor Garage and when I saw the invitation I thought I can lend my hand towards this noble goal. I understand that Logistaid is involved in rehabilitating street children and drug addicts in England. First, to create the necessary awareness and publicity, I suggest that you bring in Sean Paul, a popular rap artist to your event and as an ambassador for what you do. Personally I will attend the meeting and make my donation on that day. Secondly, let me know how long the event will take and the hotel booking arrangements. Kind regards, Managing Director Unit 2: Training Task 1: A semi-formal e-mail to colleagues From: Douglas – Director of Sales To: All staff Dear Colleagues, Hope this one gets you well, Am inviting your comments and suggestions on a training programme am designing. As you all understand our business is growing first amid rising competition. In keeping with our tradition of being a pace setter in the industry, we intend to enhance the efficiency of the staff with trainings on new technology to be rolled out soon- am most will like this. Am supposed to draft a training programme but considering our global spread am thinking of several methods of training that include; induction, on- the job, expert trainers, e-learning, conferencing and informational booklets (Raju 2006). Kindly share your thoughts on how to go about it Regards Douglas – Director of Sales Unit 3: Energy Tumalet Company in search of energy efficient and cost effective technologies Executive Summary The report presents the energy saving options for Tumalet that can be adopted. Our services are available that will help reduce costs by 30%. Introduction Tumalet is a software company based in London experiencing rising energy and operational costs due to continued price increases. To cut on cost, Joanne Hopper the company’s CEO requested a consultant to provide the company with viable option. The decision is timely as energy cost accounts for a big percentage of company’s overhead costs (Eggnik 2007). Through this report we are recommending Tumalet to hire our services to revolutionize it energy sourcing and use Findings Findings from our study the following have been some of the major observations on energy cost reduction; i. Companies can save up to 26% of their power use by replacing old air conditioners with new and less consuming ones (Eggink 2007). In addition, companies spend over 23% of the energy costs on lighting and applying right human controls; best practices can significantly reduce the costs ii. Repairing leaking seals in electric heated water saves water and energy costs. iii. Designing of energy efficient manufacturing processes determined by about 95% of how energy costs will be when operations begin. Installation of variable voltage also helps (Sioros 2002) iv. Installation of electric timers helps to automatically shut drivers and utility equipments (Morris 1981) v. Chaudron, Szyperski and Reussner (2008) argue that without better monitoring, energy costs in an organization a bound to rise by 3.8%. vi. Adoption of solar power to reduce costs has been known to be effective; it comes at no costs save for the installation charges (Kennedy 2012). Our company leads in solar installations, installation of efficient electricity appliances and design of energy efficient business premises. Conclusions From the findings of the study it is evident there are possible solutions that can help Tumalet save its cost by over 30%. Preferably, adoption of solar power, replacing its old air conditions and proper training of its workforce on energy saving tips and behavior will come in handy. Recommendations Recommendations to Tumalet are made as follows; i. Reduce electricity use by 50% through installation of solar power ii. Train staff on energy saving iii. Replace old air conditioners iv. Proper design of future buildings and workshops v. Install variable voltage devices and machines to reduce electricity costs. Unit 5: Employment Trends Semi- Informal Letter From: HR Department To: All Staff Subject: Staff Absenteeism and Rising Turnover Dear colleagues it has come to the attention of the management team that the rate of absenteeism and staff turnover is rising fast in the company. Being a call centre, the company is experiencing serious challenges in trying to satisfy our customers due to reduced efficiency. A closer look at the problem points to various causes that include lack of motivation, job rotation, fatigue, competition, low satisfaction levels, to mention but a few (Jex 2002). These work dynamics can be solved within available resources- or don’t you think so guys. As a result, the management team has organized for a meeting on Friday this week (see your mails) with all staff to chart on the way forward. Key among the solution sought include; introducing shifts, reward systems, job rotation, voluntary exit with enhanced package as well as the negative rewards like sacking (Smith 1995), am sure you don’t like the last. Kind regards, HR Boss Unit 8: Consultancy From: Heitinga T-Com Consultancies To: Bajaj-tel Subject: Consultancy for global business expansion Heitinga T-Com Consultancies is a leading business and market consultancy firm operating in India. Following our negotiations regarding engaging us to help your business expand globally, it has been agreed that Bajaj-tel will formally contract us to explore viable markets where the client can invest in; identify strategies that need to be employed to help the company consolidate and expand its reach within India; develop a marketing plan and a budget for the expansion plan. Through this email we confirm that we accept the offer given. Given the magnitude of the work, it is hereby agreed that the client will make a down payment and the rest of the installments will be paid upon submission of the necessary deliverables. In addition, it is agreed that the consultant and the client will maintain close working relations; the latter will give the consultant all the necessary support and material documents that will help in designing a proper marketing strategy. In case of a dispute, it is agreed that both parties will seek to resolve it amicably failure to which they will engage an arbitrator. Let me take this opportunity to thank you for choosing to work with us. We will strive to add value to your business to achieve the set objectives. Yours Sincerely, Managing Director Unit 10: Online Business ‘Proposal on Improving Online Experience and Sales at Meerza Tailoring Fashions’ Background For a long time Meerza tailoring has been the leader in sale of quality fashions to its target market. The company has been using the traditional marketing techniques with little e-marketing. Despite this, it has established a sizeable market share which its competitors have been eyeing. To do this, they have exploited online marketing using cut-price online fashion sites. This has worked in favor of its competitors since its cheap products have resulted in reduction in sales revenues for Meerza. As a result, to seriously guard its market, Meerza is considering developing an online website where it can interact with its target market with minimal costs. This proposal is prepared as a guide to introducing the e-marketing. Problem Meerza competitors are able to sell their products at almost half the price and still make a profit and incur less cost courtesy of online business (Harris and Dennis 2007). On the other hand, the cost of doing business for Meerza has been increasing due to a large sales force. Responding to client demand has also been slow not to mention that feedbacks have also not been coming very well. These are the shortfalls that will be addressed through online marketing from a company’s website to be established. A proposal is hereby made to establish an interactive website where customers can select the fashions, place orders and pay online. News feeds and interactive components will be added into the website (Jones 2009). Initially prices will sell at a discount slightly above our competitors given our superior quality fashions Unit 11: New Business From: OTC tech To: Business Consultant Subject: Growth Strategy for OTC Tech Let me take this opportunity to introduce OTC Tech to you. We are a software and computer developing company that is newly established and we seek to design our growth strategy. We understand that the market has high barriers of entry but we believe our quality products and superior customer focus will help us penetrate the highly guarded markets. We intend to roll out ERP programs for manufacturing and service industries, notebooks, desktops, accounts, architecture, and GIS software. We intend to capture 5% of the market share in the first year for both the computer and software markets. To achieve this we have invited for distributors in all the major towns and lease major go downs to ensure consistency in supply. In addition, we are rolling out an interactive website to facilitate online purchases. We also have a team of sales force to offer quality service before and after sales. As the managing director am forwarding this mail to have your inputs on how best we can improve this growth strategy. Kindly let me hear from you Yours faithfully, Managing Director References List Barron-Hauwaert, S 2004, Language strategies for bilingual families: The one-parent-one-language approach: Parent and teachers guide no. 7, Cromwell Press Ltd, London. Chaudron, RV, Szyperski, C and Reussner, R 2008,’ Component based software engineering,’ 11th International Symposium, CBSE 2008 proceedings, Springer, Karlsruhe Harris, L and Dennis, C 2007, Marketing the e-business, 2nd ed, Routledge Publishers, New York Henriques, A & Richardson, J 2004, The triple bottom line: Does it add up, Earthscan, London. Jex, SM 2002, Organizational psychology: Scientist-practitioner approach, John Wiley & Sons, New York Jones, SK 2009, Business to business marketing, 5th ed, Jim Hoskins, Toronto Kennedy, D 2012, Rooftop revolution: How solar power can save our economy and our planet from dirty energy, Berret-Koehler Publishers, California. Kleynthans, R 2006, Human resource management: fresh perspectives, Pearson Education, Cape Town Loosemore, M., Dainty, A., and Lingard, H 2003, Human resource management in construction projects: Strategic operational perspectives, Spon Press, London Morrison, JW 1981, The complete energy saving home improvement guide: Save up to 50% of your home fuel cost, Arco Publishing Raju, BN 2006, Human resource management, Discovery Publishing House, New Delhi. Sioros, D 2002, Integrated solutions for energy and facility management, Prentice Hall, New Jersey Smith, EA 1995, The productivity manual: Methods and activities for involving employees in productivity improvement, 2nd ed, Gulf Publishing Company, Houston Weiss, JW 2009, Business ethics: A stakeholder and management approach, 5th edition, South-Western Cengage Learning, Ohio Read More