Author Archives: Kevin j Pena

After reading the case study one can sympathize with Harper’s sentiment. Having shared a similar situation, I can say for sure the most demotivating part is not being recognized for the level of work she does. The fact that Harper took on most of her old manager’s work and can handle it shows her value as an employee. If I were the HR manager, I would ask David if he has recognized the work Harper does. First to see if David is an observant manager and recognizes the grasp Harper has on her old manager’s work as well as to why she is doing the managers work instead of David. Secondly, to see what plans he may have for Harper so that I can determine if she should take her old manager’s position or move her to a different team with more growth opportunities. As for how to re-engage Harper I would recommend recognition of her contribution to the team as well as some financial compensation for her. I would also speak with David about work-life balance and how the work is distributed since Harper took on most of the responsibilities. Harper being able to manage the work of her previous manager shows she is a valuable employee. Losing her would cause more work for the team and burden them all. That would increase stress and disinterest in the other employees which will ultimately result in losing more of the team.

I know that through practice I have learned and agree to a majority of the eight strategies we read about. I’ve seen the impact that recognition and open communication can make in the team. Not just with management but it builds camaraderie amongst all involved. The other thing I would add is to listen to your team and be their speaker in situations where they might not be heard. Most of us have heard the saying “the customer is always right.” Most of the time this isn’t true, but in the cases where the employee was wrong, management must learn to communicate without choosing a side and defuse the situation. For trust amongst the team is built in communication and difficult situations. At least that’s what I have learned through my experience.

Ethics & Social Responsibility

Kevin J. Pena

Bus 104-B050

Prof. Buckler

April 22,2022

Ethics & Social Responsibility 

Modern Companies have taken note of the power they hold to make a difference in our world today. This had brought most of them to develop ways to make their business models that aid in correcting some of these issues. This includes social justice, sustainability  and ecological, social equality and philanthropic practices implemented throughout these companies. Most companies publish these practices to show what they are doing to help. I will be looking at one specific international retail company’s practices and how they have ethically served their social responsibility.

Amongst the international retail giants, one affordable company is on the rise, that company is Uniqlo. Uniqlo is a Japanese clothing brand that started in 1949. It now has over 1000 stores worldwide.This puts the company in a position to affect many social situations in the countries that house their stores. Some of the social situations they address are refugee support efforts, economic development of Bangladesh, and supporting the special olympics and a children’s hospice in Tsurumi Japan. In Bangladesh they have opened 15 stores that produce and sell all products in Bangladesh. All profits made from those stores are reinvested in the stores and factories to boost the nation’s economy and help it grow. Along with their social responsibilities they address sustainability issues pertaining to clothing production as a retail company. They have implemented a clothing recycling program for their clothes to help reduce their carbon footprint. They also contribute to preserving the environment of coastal Japan while producing clothes with fabrics that have a longer life cycle. These are attempts to make a social impact on an international scale. Due to regulations in different countries they cannot have a singular model to implement across the countries. This is why they focus on their sustainable production practices and spreading knowledge on their clothing recycling programs as well as leading the front on new retail technology. 

Observing the positions this company focuses on, I do have some recommendations that would help further the impact they wish to make. Beginning with their recycling programs. I do believe they should include it more in their marketing. This can bring people to inquire about the programs. Such as their clothing recycling collection areas that exist in some of their stores. While the desire to sustain the environment of your home country is understandable, there is a large opportunity to do the same in other countries. Also, upon their support to the Tsurumi children’s hospice, It would be awesome if they can do that with other hospice or to build some in countries that could need them. As well as publishing the experience the children are having and the successful parts of the practices to share with other international children’s hospitals.They have done some great things in Bangladesh and it would be awesome to see other companies do the same with other countries. Even though it is difficult to do the same due to political situations in most of those nations. But if each major clothing company would follow this example there can be a greater impact made in developing nations. Though they do have great practices the main thing I would work on is sharing the information and spreading the word on how to do the same for many companies to follow. Such as their many refugee aiding programs are wonderful yet not known. Making these known, not just for the social impact points, but for the benefit of showing other companies options on how to ethically help the societies they are in. Through sharing the knowledge of how they have succeeded in some of these things, it teaches other companies the steps to follow or look into to do the same. Being a clothing company there is always room for improvement in sustainability practices. However there are several setbacks since they also cater to an international market that differs from country to country. Also though I can make these recommendations from an external perspective, I do understand that there can be setbacks due to political scenarios and not knowing how much of their profits can be allocated to these endeavors.

Kevin Pena

HI Everybody,

I'm Kevin and i am a business administration major. I love to go out and enjoy this great city of New York. That includes the random events that pop up around the city and embrace the amazing food culture that exists throughout the city. I have been an active manager and brand developer in the previous companies of employment. This is why i decided to switch from a science major over to a business major since it is what i was already doing day to day. Hope we all have a great class and wish you all the best of luck!.

Gratefully,
Kevin J Pena Here’s my BMCC email: kevin.pena@stu.bmcc.cuny.edu