Social Responsibility
One of the core reasons the company is so focused on social responsibility is because the enterprise is trying to uphold its reputation. It is so important because the company has been criticized for its competitive behavior, and a focus on activities that are related to social responsibility allows improving the image of the enterprise. Another reason that is worth noting is that it can be viewed as a way to avoid a negative perception of the company. It is paramount to mention that it is essential for Starbucks because it has to deal with numerous protests and meetings, and it is not an easy task for such an enterprise to reduce the negative impact.
Another reason the company is focused on social responsibility is that it is concerned about the environment, clients, communities, and suppliers. It is necessary to mention that some of the activities that Starbucks supports can be regarded as beneficial in the long-term. For example, support that is offered to coffee growing communities is essential because it helps to develop relationships that are useful for the business. Another reason that should be noted is that the company attempts to make sure that the rights of employees are considered, and living conditions are outstanding. It is necessary to mention that the CEO of the company views it as a top priority.
The fact that social responsibility allows to create an atmosphere for the customers that is comfortable is also critical because such aspects are highly valued by most clients. It is necessary to mention that it is a core part of the business strategy because most individuals are inclined to support the enterprise that is socially responsible. Another reason that needs to be discussed is that this approach is an essential part of the company’s mission statement, and the enterprise values the needs of the people much more than profits.
The fact that annual reports are reviewed by shareholders is also essential because they have high expectations and care about social responsibility, and it is one of the core reasons the company is so concerned about such aspects. The fact that the company has launched such initiative as Shared Planet also needs to be considered. It is necessary to mention that it is a smart business move because it has drawn a significant amount of attention towards the company, and the company needs to maintain this commitment. Another reason that is worth noting is that the company attempts to increase the involvement of the community because it helps to increase the profit, and preserve the environment at the same time.
It is also imperative to say that the company has joined the Product Red project that is determined to increase the awareness of such issues as HIV and aids and attempts to generate the funds. It is so important because it helps to increase revenue while such activities are socially responsible at the same time. Another reason that needs to be discussed is that the company supports philanthropy and does not want to receive anything back in some cases. Agricultural practices that help to reduce deforestation also should be considered because it is evident that the company understands that such activities may affect the company because such resources are vital most of the time. Also, it is necessary to mention that the company recognizes that it has damaged the environment, and attempts to reverse some of the damage that has been done because Starbucks is environmentally conscious.
Benefits for Employees
The fact that the company provides its employees with a broad range of unique benefits should not be overlooked. First of all, it is imperative to mention that most other companies offer health coverage only for workers that perform more than thirty hours a week. On the other hand, Starbucks offers it to individuals that work more than twenty. Such an approach is unique because it can be viewed as unnecessary most of the time, but it is evident that the enterprise does not try to minimize the expenses on healthcare. It is necessary to mention that such an aspect should not be overlooked because other companies are worried only about their revenue.
Most other companies do not offer support to employees that are part-time, and it was one of the first enterprises in this sector that have developed a comprehensive package of benefits. Another unique aspect that needs to be discussed is that Starbucks offers dental coverage to its employees. Costs of some of the procedures are covered, and preventive visits are also taken into account. It is so important because the cost of such operations is incredibly high most of the time, and other companies offer only basic coverage.
The fact that the company supports vision insurance is also vital. One of the most significant aspects that should not be disregarded is that only a small percentage of enterprises offer such benefit is relatively small because it is viewed as not essential. On the other hand, Starbucks understands that the fact that vision problems may affect the performance of workers is critical. It needs to be said that this approach is unique because an enterprise has the vision of what is truly important. Overall, it is evident that the company values its employees, and is determined to provide them with a set of benefits to ensure that they are retained.
Starbucks Growth
It is necessary to say that the growth of the company has been mostly caused by the fact that Starbucks has paid enormous attention to activities that can be regarded as socially responsible. One of the core aspects that should not be disregarded is that clients are determined to support the enterprise that is socially responsible, and it has helped Starbucks to develop a loyal base of customers. The growth of the company may also be explained by the fact that the role of ethics has been increasing over time, and it is one of the first enterprises that has focused on such aspects. The trust of people is also essential most of the time, and the focus on social responsibility has helped the company to expand.
It can be said that social responsibility has become a core part of the image of the company at this point, and a significant percentage of the customers prefer Starbucks over its competitors because they know that the company takes ethical aspects into account. It is necessary to mention that the focus on such activities can be regarded as a significant competitive advantage most of the time, and it can be said that it is one of the core reasons the company is as successful as it is now.