Corporate Governance and Sustainability Quiz
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Questions and Answers

Which of the following best describes a significant internal challenge faced by the organization prior to implementing major changes?

  • A hierarchical structure that expedited decision-making processes.
  • Shareholders' lack of interest in clear targets for sales and market share.
  • A lack of passionate staff dedicated to sustainability and the company's mission.
  • The absence of a clear strategy, measurable targets, and business experience among staff. (correct)

What was the primary purpose of hiring a new CEO as part of the internal organizational changes?

  • To guide the company with a more professional, results-driven approach. (correct)
  • To focus primarily on increasing sales and market share while ignoring the sustainability aspects.
  • To introduce a more democratic decision-making process.
  • To reduce the focus on fair trade and worker's rights.

Which of the following is NOT a stated reason for the implementation of the Fairphone 3?

  • Maximizing profit margins by cutting production costs using cheaper materials. (correct)
  • Reducing electronic waste through a repairable, modular design.
  • Ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions for workers.
  • Ethical sourcing by using conflict-free minerals and recycled materials.

What was the target market positioning for the Fairphone 3?

<p>Positioned in the mid-market, focusing on recycled materials. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which consumer segment is primarily described as supporting fair trade and reducing environmental harm?

<p>The 'Dark Greens' segment. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Milton Friedman, what is the sole social responsibility of a business?

<p>To use its resources to increase its profits. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Peter Drucker, what is the role of management's accountability?

<p>To consider the interests of shareholders as one of the areas of accountability. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of stakeholder theory, who are the residual claimants to a firm's assets?

<p>The shareholders of the firm (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of UK and US managers, surveyed by Masaru Yoshimori, believed the company’s objective is to primarily serve shareholders?

<p>89% (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of Japanese managers believe that a company belongs to its stakeholders rather than solely to its shareholders?

<p>97% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is considered a primary stakeholder?

<p>Local Community (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of value is represented by the acquisition of knowledge and capabilities?

<p>Operational intrinsic value (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What differentiates secondary stakeholders from primary stakeholders?

<p>Secondary stakeholders have no essential direct influence on the firms’ durability. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Bowen's (1953) definition of the social responsibilities of business executives?

<p>To pursue policies aligned with societal goals and values. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Davis (1960), what is the key factor that should influence the social responsibilities of businessmen?

<p>The social power they possess. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the 1960s, how did McGuire describe a firm's responsibility?

<p>Extended to including political and social welfare interests. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the 1950s and 1960s, what was the primary form in which CSR was practically implemented?

<p>With a mainly philanthropic approach. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the 1980s, how did Jones view Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?

<p>As a decision-making process influencing corporate behavior. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a significant societal concern related to corporate behavior in the 1980s?

<p>Shareholder activism. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What key aspect of corporate behavior did the 1990s emphasize regarding social responsibility?

<p>The international impact, due to globalization. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Freeman's 1984 work on corporate social responsibility primarily emphasize?

<p>The importance of stakeholders and their expectations (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of organizations operating in 'Zone B' according to the provided model?

<p>Balancing competing values while aligning stakeholder interests and moderate risk aversion (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the behavior of organizations in 'Zone C'?

<p>Risk-seeking, investing in bold solutions and sustainable practices for growth (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these actions is least likely to be observed by a company operating in 'Zone A'?

<p>Investing in innovative projects that may yield high rewards but carry high risk (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key element for long-term value creation?

<p>Pursuing joint value creation by integrating stakeholder values (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant issue related to the collapse of Enron?

<p>They used Special Purpose Entities (SPEs) to hide large losses. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the central problem associated with Theranos?

<p>Their diagnostic test results were consistently unreliable, with the Edison device in particular failing requirements. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the relationship between perceived legitimacy and potential for corporate failure?

<p>Even with perceived legitimacy, companies can collapse due to fraudulent practices. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should companies NOT do to establish long-term value creation?

<p>Prioritize shareholder value over that of all other stakeholders. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary material used by Dell in their ocean plastics initiative pilot project in Haiti?

<p>High-density polyethylene (HDPE) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of the Dell Ocean Plastics Initiative?

<p>To use ocean-bound plastics in their supply chain. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which organization is a key partner with Dell in their ocean plastics initiative?

<p>Lonely Whale (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In which year did Dell commence its pilot supply chain project in Haiti, as part of its ocean plastics initiative?

<p>2016 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

By 2025, what is Dell's commitment regarding its use of ocean plastics?

<p>To increase the use of ocean plastics ten-fold. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What material did Dell use to package its products made from ocean-bound plastic?

<p>Molded plastic trays (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the handout, what does DHL Envirosolutions specialize in?

<p>Reverse logistics and e-waste recycling (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the challenges Dell recognized in scaling up its ocean plastics initiative?

<p>Internal stakeholder buy-in (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is Dell's 'moonshot' goal for packaging by 2030?

<p>100% of packaging from recycled or renewable materials (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'NextWave' initiative in the context of Dell's ocean plastic efforts?

<p>A consortium of like-minded companies working on ocean-bound plastics (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a key development in the evolution of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) during the 1990s?

<p>The emergence of a global movement towards establishing a generally accepted definition of CSR. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What shift in thinking about CSR occurred in the 2000s?

<p>CSR began to be viewed as a strategic imperative and integrated into firm operations. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the core concept of 'shared value creation' as introduced by Porter and Kramer?

<p>To enhance the competitiveness of a company while simultaneously advancing economic and social conditions in the communities in which it operates. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a central aspect of the holistic CSR perspective, as described by Chandler and Werther?

<p>Integrating CSR into the firm's strategic planning and core operations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of internationalization affect the approach of corporations to CSR practices?

<p>It encourages collaborative modes, shared approaches, and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Smith propose regarding a company's perspective on CSR?

<p>CSR should be integrated into a company's strategic perspective to fulfill long-term obligations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Marrewijk, how do firms address their challenges regarding CSR?

<p>By adopting different levels of integration of CSR into a company’s structure. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these perspectives aligns with the idea of CSR evolving into a 'strategic necessity'?

<p>CSR shifts from a minimal commitment to a core strategic component for companies. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Results-driven CEO

A business leader who prioritizes measurable results and a strategic approach to achieve goals.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Quantifiable metrics used to track progress towards sustainability goals and business objectives.

Recycled Components

The use of recycled materials in products, such as recycled copper and plastics, to reduce environmental impact.

Dark Green Consumer

A consumer who cares deeply about ethical sourcing, fair labor practices, and minimizing environmental harm.

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Light Green Consumer

A consumer who is interested in sustainability but also prioritizes functionality, design, and affordability.

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Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

The idea that businesses have a responsibility to act in ways that benefit society, not just their shareholders. It considers the impact of their actions on various stakeholders like customers, employees, and the environment.

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Social Responsibilities of Business Executives

A corporate leader's obligation to make decisions that align with societal values and goals, beyond just legal and economic demands.

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Commensurate Social Power

The idea that corporations should be accountable for their impact on society, considering both economic and human values.

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Friedman's View on CSR

A perspective that argues that businesses should focus solely on maximizing profits for their shareholders.

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Operationalization of CSR in the 1980s

The shift from simply donating money to actively integrating social responsibility into business operations and decision-making.

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Stakeholders

Individuals or groups who have an interest in a company's actions and who may be affected by its decisions.

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CSR as a Decision-Making Process

The process of a business considering the broader context of its operations, such as environmental impact, social impact, and ethical considerations.

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Globalization and CSR

The increasing interconnectedness of economies and societies globally, which influences how CSR is viewed and practiced.

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Shareholder-centric view

The idea that a company's primary responsibility is to maximize profits for its shareholders. This view prioritizes shareholder interests above all others.

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Stakeholder-centric view

A perspective that recognizes that a business has responsibilities to a wider range of stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and the community. It acknowledges that these groups contribute to a company's success and deserve to be considered in decision-making.

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Primary Stakeholders

Groups that have a direct and essential impact on a company's ability to survive, such as employees, shareholders, suppliers, customers, and the local community.

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Secondary Stakeholders

Groups that influence a company's operations but are not directly involved in its core activities, such as media, government, interest groups, labor unions, etc.

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Value creation for stakeholders

The value that a company provides to its stakeholders, including tangible benefits (economic value, remuneration), intangible benefits (training, knowledge), psychological value (satisfaction, belonging), and operational value (knowledge acquisition).

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Principles of Stakeholder Governance

Principles that guide the management and governance of a company in ensuring that the interests of all stakeholders are considered and balanced. This involves creating a system of checks and balances to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness.

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Stakeholder relationships as the foundation of a company’s existence

The belief that a company's success is built on strong relationships with its stakeholders. These relationships are vital for creating value and ensuring the company's long-term viability.

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Value creation for stakeholders as the key to company success

The idea that a company's success is determined by its ability to create value for its stakeholders, not just its shareholders. This value may be economic, intangible, psychological, or operational.

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Strategic CSR

A business approach focused on integrating social and environmental considerations into a company's core operations and strategy to create long-term value for both the business and society.

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Shared Value

The idea that companies can create value for both their shareholders and society by addressing societal needs.

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ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance)

A framework that measures a company's performance based on its impact on the environment, social issues, and corporate governance.

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Holistic CSR

The integration of corporate social responsibility (CSR) principles into a company's strategic planning and daily operations.

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Internationalization of CSR

The collaborative approach to addressing global issues, particularly climate change and biodiversity.

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UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The United Nations' framework for achieving a more sustainable future by 2030.

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CSR Communication and Alignment with SDGs

The practice of companies communicating their CSR policies and performance aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

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Financial Institution Support for SDGs

International financial institutions encouraging companies to adopt and integrate the UN Sustainable Development Goals into their operations.

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Ocean-bound plastic

A type of plastic waste that originates near the ocean, likely to end up in the ocean, but is collected before it reaches the sea.

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Dell's Ocean Plastics Initiative

The goal to use ocean-bound plastics in Dell's supply chain. It involves collecting and repurposing plastic waste from near the ocean.

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Lonely Whale

A non-profit organization working to reduce plastic pollution in the ocean, partnering with Dell on the Ocean Plastics Initiative.

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Dell's Ocean Plastic Methodology

A 4-phase process used by Dell to develop their Ocean Plastics Initiative, starting in 2015.

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Initial Assessment Phase

The first stage of Dell's Ocean Plastics Initiative, focusing on finding locations with considerable ocean-bound plastic.

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Haiti Pilot Supply Chain

A pilot program in Haiti where Dell sourced 16,000 pounds of HDPE plastic and shipped it for further processing.

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Asia-based Supply Chain

Moving the plastic supply chain to South Asia to capitalize on shorter supply chain lengths and higher waste mismanagement.

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Scaling Phase

Developing a consortium of companies committed to using ocean-bound plastics, aiming to scale up the initiative.

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NextWave

A global network of companies committed to using ocean-bound plastics, spearheaded by Dell.

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Remaining Risks in Ocean Plastics Supply Chain

The risks associated with working with new suppliers in developing countries, including potential child labor and environmental pollution.

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Taboo Trade-Offs

Companies are highly risk-averse, avoiding decisions that could compromise their core values or principles, even if it means sacrificing potential profits. This prioritizes ethical considerations and maintaining a positive public image.

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Facilitating Joint Value Creation

Companies strive to find a balance between competing values by considering both ethical and financial considerations. They focus on aligning stakeholder interests to create mutually beneficial outcomes.

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Sustaining Joint Value Creation

Companies confidently embrace calculated risks to invest in bold solutions for growth. These solutions often involve sustainability and ethical practices, aiming to create long-term value for all stakeholders.

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Corporate Legitimacy

The reputation and trustworthiness of a company, based on its perceived ethical conduct, financial stability, and overall positive image. It's essential for attracting investors, partners, and customers.

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Failures Despite Perceived Legitimacy

Financial scandals and wrongdoings that occur despite companies seemingly having legitimate operations and financial reports. These scandals often involve hidden practices and manipulation, leading to significant harm and loss of trust.

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Special Purpose Entities (SPEs)

Special Purpose Entities (SPEs) are separate legal entities created by companies to hide liabilities or engage in financial transactions in a way that is not easily detectable by investors.

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Theranos Scandal

The manipulation of diagnostic test results by Theranos, a company that claimed to revolutionize blood testing. Despite a high valuation and promising claims, the company's technology was found to be unreliable, leading to its downfall.

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Corporate Collapses

When a company that appears to be financially healthy and legitimate experiences a significant downturn or collapse due to hidden financial misconducts. These failures highlight the importance of ethical practices and transparency.

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Study Notes

Global Corporate Citizenship and Sustainability

  • Five basic parts of an organization (Mintzberg model): technical core, technical support, administrative support, top management, middle management
  • Technical core: the basic work of the organization, transforming inputs into outputs (e.g., production)
  • Technical support: engineers, researchers, scanning for problems, technological developments
  • Administrative support: smooth operation of the organization, physical and human resources
  • Management: directing and coordinating other parts (top & middle)
  • Top Management: provides direction, goals, and strategy
  • Middle Management: coordinates at the departmental level
  • Middle Management mediates responsibility between top and technical core

Basics of Corporate Governance

  • Shareholders: own shares (stocks) of a corporation
  • Stocks are certificates of ownership frequently conferring control rights (e.g., voting)
  • Voting rights allow shareholders to vote for those on the board of directors
  • Board of directors is the ultimate governing body of a firm
  • The non-executive directors look after the interest of all shareholders and other stakeholders (e.g., employees)
  • Non-executive directors have two main roles

Stakeholders

  • Primary Stakeholders: have direct influence on a firm's survival (employees, shareholders, suppliers, customers, community, natural environment)
  • Secondary Stakeholders: have no essential influence on a firm's durability (media, government, interest groups, labor unions)
  • Principles of stakeholder governance:
    • Value Creation
    • Human Complexity
    • Purpose
    • Interconnection
    • Cooperation
    • Reciprocity

Global Grand Challenges

  • Addressing common problems through collaborative efforts from foundations, governments, and academic institutions to solve global problems.
  • Examples: climate change, inequality, global health crises, political instability, food security, water scarcity, biodiversity loss, cybersecurity threats, migration and displacement, technological disruption

Corporate Sustainability

  • Increasing relevance of ESG challenges (environmental, social, and governance)
  • Rising scope and scale of corporate activities
  • Digitalization and datafication

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Description

Test your knowledge on the essential parts of an organization according to the Mintzberg model, and understand the basics of corporate governance. This quiz covers the roles of technical core, management levels, and the significance of shareholder voting rights. Dive into the concepts impacting corporate citizenship and sustainability.

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