Analysis of a business - Essay Example

These changes are due to the new paradigm brought about by the advancement of the internet technology which links employees all over the globe and the more intense competition which requires business organizations to seek for more knowledgeable and skilled individuals to take up posts. In the case of Starbucks, employees will likely be influenced by the three trends above except flexibility in work place that allows the workforce to do their tasks at the comfort of their homes. It should be noted that as the leading coffee shop does not only offer coffees but excellent service, employees need to interact with the customers to deliver this service.

However, employees will need to upgrade their skills by undergoing retraining. Starbucks might also opt to further diversify its workforce to pool and utilize different expertise of various groups in its operations. The rapid economic development also posts huge opportunities for Starbucks. It can be noted that the once poor countries in Asia are becoming more developed. This leads to the creation of jobs and the rise in disposable incomes. Starbucks is now poised to pursue geographic expansion in countries like China and India (Geoffrey 1).

These nations are currently showing fast growths in their GDP due to business process outsourcing. Technolog Technological developments constantly changes companies' business model including Starbucks which have re cognized the gains of employing a brick and mortar industry. One of the most significant changes in the business environment of Starbucks due to technology improvements is higher productivity in coffee farming. McKinsey's quarterly study reports that the coffee industry's cost structure has significantly improved due to the productivity enhancing innovations such as "cultivation of less frost-prone areas, better mechanized harvesting, and increased irrigation" (Campbell 1).

As the globe is clamoring for business practices to build on sustainable development, Starbucks faces the challenge being environment friendly. It should be noted that environmentalists adheres to the preservation of the natural resources and is currently intensifying their thrust for this. In political aspect, countries are more and more integrated due to the establishment of free trade zones and blocs to facilitate the flow of products, services, and investment in each nation. This poses opportunities for Starbucks as it imports its coffee beans from farmers abroad.

It will also help Starbucks in its expansion strategies.2. Identify the policy the organization has regarding business ethics and social responsibility. Starbucks, recognizing the need for sustainable development, has readily embraced societal marketing. The world's n umber one specialty coffee retailer adheres to business ethics and social responsibility. Starbucks' president and CEO Orin Smith states that "social responsibility is not just an add-on to our business" but "an essential part of who we are" (Asmus 3).

Starbucks pursues business ethics and social responsibility through its fourfold strategy which includes improving social and economic condition for coffee farmers; minimizing environmental impact; making a positive contribution on where it does business and providing a great work environment for its employees. True to these commitments, the company has launched projects and programs to