While I too flinch at the Foxconn stories of mistreatment, a knee-jerk reaction to blame Apple for Foxconn’s transgressions doesn’t take into account:
·
the challenge of managing
cultural diversity and values in a global economy;
·
the negative impact on workers
if Apple were to stop doing business with Foxconn; and
·
the unprecedented initiatives undertaken
by Apple to improve the situation.
The efforts Apple has taken to support its supplier's
workers rather than focussing on punishing Foxconn, gets to the heart of the problem
-- worker empowerment and opportunity. Refusing
to do business with Foxconn would only result in Foxconn workers losing the powerful
advocate they have in Apple. It works the same way with us as consumers. By buying (or not boycotting) Apple products and voicing our expectations for the organizations we do business with, including organizations in the supply chain, we too can support the China workers.
Apple is fully aware that this issue is not going away, and of the enduring impact this could have on its reputation. Worst case is for Apple customers to feel guilty about buying products built by Foxconn. However, with its holistic approach to improve the plight of Foxconn workers, partnership with the Fair Labor Association, more stringent audit program and by enhancing transparency, Apple is raising the bar for model Corporate Social Responsibility.
The issue is still hot and continues to unfold. Boards of directors and CSR professionals would be wise to follow Apple's response and take note.
