Individualism vs. Collectivism. US. vs. Europe. I wonder, are my opinions totally European? I am well aware of my culture being different compared to the American, but I have always liked the idea of doing business in the US. But after a discussion in class today I had a change of thought. Never would I believe our ways of thinking could differ that much. I don't want to generalize, but after being me against everyone else, me being the only European, I discovered how different we can observe our world.
No one agreed with me in today's discussion about Social Responsibility, in my marketing class. For me it is obvious, all companies should care and be responsible for their society. My professor, however, explained for us that it is all about Profit Responsibility. If the company forgets about their economy, everyone else will suffer. An example is GM. They lost track of their economy, many people became unemployed, and small retailers had to end their businesses. The society lost. I can agree this far. But who says that company can't care about their profit AND their society? Why can't companies be responsible for their production at the same as they make sure their numbers are profitable?
My professor continued: "it is up to the costumers to decide". The companies will produce after demand, and if their customers are requesting a fair and responsible production, such as sustainable, environmental etc, the businesses will follow. My question is then, what if the costumers don't ask for it, they don't know what to ask for? Who is responsible for keeping the market educated? How will we make sure there is no child labor, animal abuse, or other horrible working conditions? Who will be responsible if the businesses aren't?
Free Market was what my teacher referred to. A market where we have no specific regulations from the government, a market where demand and supply controls.
In my opinion, we can't rely on the customers. We can not trust the people in the market to be educated enough to make the right decisions to affect our suppliers to have an ethical behavior. We are all human, and act for our own best. We rather choose a cheap option if the outcome is the same. And once again, why is there always a cheap option?
9/15/2010
9/02/2010
Welcome
It took me ten days of vacation in Daytona Beach to be convinced to enroll at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. As a second semester sophomore, I am very pleased with my decision.
My name is Beatrice Enckell. I am majoring in Business Management with a minor in Communication at Embry Riddle Aeuronautical University. I grew up in Sweden with my parents and two siblings. At the age of 15, I got accepted to a high school focused on business and track and field. Since I always liked doing sports, but also had an interest in business, I found this as a great opportunity. Even though the decision included moving away from home I accepted the offer.
Living by myself was a great experience, and I learned quickly to better appreciate the small things. After three years in high school, graduating with top grades, I got a job offer at a bank in Sweden, Nordea. I received education in finance and the stock market, and after a couple of weeks I worked with customer service, including financial investment advice. I stayed with Nordea for one and a half years until I decided to begin my bachelor degree.
I had one specific goal with my university degree: to improve my English. The world is globalized and appropriate and professional English skills will be required from me wherever I apply for a job in the future.
I came to Daytona for vacation with my family in the spring of 2008. After a meeting with the president of Embry Riddle, and the head coach of Track and Field, I was not only convinced but also very motivated to begin at the university.
This is the first message on my weblog. When I come across something that interests or surprises me, I will post an update. Welcome to my page, I hope you will find what you are looking for. Feel free to leave comments or contact me through my email.
Best Regards
Beatrice Enckell
My name is Beatrice Enckell. I am majoring in Business Management with a minor in Communication at Embry Riddle Aeuronautical University. I grew up in Sweden with my parents and two siblings. At the age of 15, I got accepted to a high school focused on business and track and field. Since I always liked doing sports, but also had an interest in business, I found this as a great opportunity. Even though the decision included moving away from home I accepted the offer.
Living by myself was a great experience, and I learned quickly to better appreciate the small things. After three years in high school, graduating with top grades, I got a job offer at a bank in Sweden, Nordea. I received education in finance and the stock market, and after a couple of weeks I worked with customer service, including financial investment advice. I stayed with Nordea for one and a half years until I decided to begin my bachelor degree.
I had one specific goal with my university degree: to improve my English. The world is globalized and appropriate and professional English skills will be required from me wherever I apply for a job in the future.
I came to Daytona for vacation with my family in the spring of 2008. After a meeting with the president of Embry Riddle, and the head coach of Track and Field, I was not only convinced but also very motivated to begin at the university.
This is the first message on my weblog. When I come across something that interests or surprises me, I will post an update. Welcome to my page, I hope you will find what you are looking for. Feel free to leave comments or contact me through my email.
Best Regards
Beatrice Enckell
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