Oakwood University Wk 2 The Role of Ethics and Social Responsibility Discussion

Many MNEs and SMEs are beginning to see a benefit from taking on more accountability for the social landscape in international markets in order to build and maintain a competitive advantage. Figure 1 below identifies the essential components required to gain a competitive advantage (Pearson Education Inc., 2020).

This week’s readings in Chapter 4 of the text presents Coca-Cola (Coke), one of the largest beverage companies in the world, as an example of how corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability can be managed to build a competitive advantage. This global firm had been criticized for endangering water supplies, marketing soft drinks to teenagers, and inferior workplace conditions (bottlers) in some developing economies. Coca-Cola has 125,000 employees and more than 900 bottling and manufacturing facilities worldwide, generating 80 percent of its more than $46 billion in sales from international markets, all having a significant impact on human and natural environments.

For this discussion, briefly describe the concepts of sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Then discuss the proactive manner in which Coke has initiated efforts to enhance its image as a socially responsible corporate player in consideration of the components for building a competitive advantage: Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability in all value chain activities.