LINK: http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=55564
This is an article about a woman who was extremely offended by a quote on the side of the Starbucks cup. In an effort to display different opinions by different individuals, Starbucks has allowed people to send in their own little opinions on different things to put on the cups of Starbucks customers. The quote basically questioned why people go to God in difficult situations. Yes, there is the issue of freedom of speech, but for someone who is really in love with God, this is really hard to see. I agree with this woman completely because i feel like she does. I could not enjoy a cup of coffee that was demeaning God in such a way, since He is our creator. It is cool to see the opinions of people around the world, but to me this is repetative. We all know there are people who don't believe in the power of God, we don't need to read it while we sip our coffee. I think Starbucks should do a better job of screening what goes on the cups in order to prevent a loss of customers. In another instance in the same article, Baylor University, a baptist university in Waco, TX refused to use a cup which included a quote by a homosexual. The quote reffered to his homosexuality basically encouraging people to come “out of the closet” and not to repress it. To me, this is also a very personal issue and shouldn’t be printed on my cup of coffee. This is a moral issue and putting these words on the cup only encourage people to believe this is right. Whether it is or not, Starbucks is not repecting the opinions of it’s customers by adding these quotes. I now have a new view of the company because I know the words on these cups were chosen by a Starbucks individual and probably reflect the company in some way.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Evil Starbucks Non-Recyclable Cup
In a presumably biased internet news source, Cat Lincoln speaks of the “Evil Starbucks non-recyclable cup issue”. Cat explains two main problems she has with this issue. The first one is that Starbucks tries to get around the issue by explaining that their present cups are 10% post consumer waste, but the problem with this is that consumers go through 2 billion of those cups a year, and the only place for them to go is in a landfill. The second issue Lincoln finds is that although Starbucks is promising to change to recyclable cups in 2015, there has already been cups made that serve the purpose of holding hot drinks and are recyclable, so what is holding Starbucks back from using these?
In Starbucks defense, I’m sure they aren’t willing to give up the quality of the cups they presently use, which keep coffee hot for a long period of time. Starbucks prides themselves on the quality and “experience” of their coffee. These cups coincide with this goal. On the other hand, we, an consumers, are paying a pretty penny for the coffee and Starbucks does in a sense “owe” us this one favor. They seem to keep avoiding the issue because it is obvious there are alternatives to the cup so why not do something about it? I would need to look more into the cost of each cup to completely understand what’s going on. But, if the prices were similar, it seems to me a “no-brainer” that Starbucks begin using these new cups just to calm all the fuss. Overall, though, Starbucks does a great job at keeping up the quality of their corporation and I would never want that to change about it. In other words, if the new cup causes Starbucks to cut down in other areas, it’s not worth it.
In Starbucks defense, I’m sure they aren’t willing to give up the quality of the cups they presently use, which keep coffee hot for a long period of time. Starbucks prides themselves on the quality and “experience” of their coffee. These cups coincide with this goal. On the other hand, we, an consumers, are paying a pretty penny for the coffee and Starbucks does in a sense “owe” us this one favor. They seem to keep avoiding the issue because it is obvious there are alternatives to the cup so why not do something about it? I would need to look more into the cost of each cup to completely understand what’s going on. But, if the prices were similar, it seems to me a “no-brainer” that Starbucks begin using these new cups just to calm all the fuss. Overall, though, Starbucks does a great job at keeping up the quality of their corporation and I would never want that to change about it. In other words, if the new cup causes Starbucks to cut down in other areas, it’s not worth it.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Starbucks Coffee, Now in Instant
LINK: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/18/business/18sbux.html?_r=1In a recent New York Times article, the CEO of starbucks is quoted again, regarding the new instant coffee and the quality of Starbucks. This is somewhat of a follow up on my previous blog which was about similar issues. Although this doesn’t directly relate to the ethics of the company. I think this really shows the motives of the company. Ethics does have a lot to do with customer satisfaction.
The new instant coffee really does solve the problem of cost. Of course, not everyone will want the instant coffee over the freshly brewed coffee but for some it makes a world of difference. Not only is the instant coffee solving problems but Starbucks is starting new value meal where you can get a drink and a meal for $3.95. Cost has been the main setback with all of Starbucks products, so this will make a big difference, I believe. I am personally very excited about the new instant coffee! It sounds really good and convenient. The coolest part about it is the price. The small packages will average under a dollar per packet. You can keep the packets with you whenever and just add hot or cold water and you will have yourself a cup of coffee.
Scuhultz stirs up converstaion about the new type of coffee responding to critics who say this is “off-brand” for the corporation. Many critics say this is a desperate move for Starbucks. He explains that they are going to reivnent the type of coffee saying, “this is not your mother’s instant coffee”. There will be multiple different flavors which will be nice as well.
Overall, I believe this is a great new idea for Starbucks and it will hopefully be a huge hit. Instant coffee is a huge part of the coffee industry world-wide and Schultz is hoping it will be a huge hit in Europe as well. I guess we will all just have to try it and see for ourselves!
The new instant coffee really does solve the problem of cost. Of course, not everyone will want the instant coffee over the freshly brewed coffee but for some it makes a world of difference. Not only is the instant coffee solving problems but Starbucks is starting new value meal where you can get a drink and a meal for $3.95. Cost has been the main setback with all of Starbucks products, so this will make a big difference, I believe. I am personally very excited about the new instant coffee! It sounds really good and convenient. The coolest part about it is the price. The small packages will average under a dollar per packet. You can keep the packets with you whenever and just add hot or cold water and you will have yourself a cup of coffee.
Scuhultz stirs up converstaion about the new type of coffee responding to critics who say this is “off-brand” for the corporation. Many critics say this is a desperate move for Starbucks. He explains that they are going to reivnent the type of coffee saying, “this is not your mother’s instant coffee”. There will be multiple different flavors which will be nice as well.
Overall, I believe this is a great new idea for Starbucks and it will hopefully be a huge hit. Instant coffee is a huge part of the coffee industry world-wide and Schultz is hoping it will be a huge hit in Europe as well. I guess we will all just have to try it and see for ourselves!
Starbucks CEO: 'We want to be trusted'
LINK:http://www.seattlepi.com/business/403964_starbucks18ww.html
In a local Seattle Newspaper, Andrea James spoke of Schultz, the CEO of Starbucks Cofee Co, and his recent concerns about the company. Often, people write off Starbucks Coffee, speaking of their $4 cup of coffee. Schultz refuted that argument by saying that half the beverages sold cost less than $3, and one-third cost less than $2. He argues that there is also a reason why their coffee costs so much, their coffee is very good and different from any other company. In order to prevent this "deception" about the corporation, many different websites and blogs have been created explaining the quality of coffee and the company.
I agree and disagree with Schultz and his arguments, he complains that because of the economy, a morning cup of coffee for most Americans at Starbucks is the first thing to go. This makes total sense and I don’t blame the American public for it. Why spend three bucks on a cup of coffee when you can make it at home for a quarter, especially considering the amount of Americans in debt? I also think that Starbucks prices are a little too high. Yes, there coffee is very good and one of a kind, but there are plenty of places with quality goods who charge a normal amount.
Schultz mentions that all Starbucks wants as a corporation is to be trusted and valued. These are great goals and I believe they are really accomplishing them. You can always count on a good cup of Starbucks coffee when you go. But, this issue is completely separate from cost. I completely trust and value Prada, but that doesn’t mean I will go and spend $4,000 on a hand bag.
To conclude, Starbucks has really become an American trademark and symbol so despite the high prices, I think it’s every capable American’s responsibility to buy coffee from Starbucks when able.
In a local Seattle Newspaper, Andrea James spoke of Schultz, the CEO of Starbucks Cofee Co, and his recent concerns about the company. Often, people write off Starbucks Coffee, speaking of their $4 cup of coffee. Schultz refuted that argument by saying that half the beverages sold cost less than $3, and one-third cost less than $2. He argues that there is also a reason why their coffee costs so much, their coffee is very good and different from any other company. In order to prevent this "deception" about the corporation, many different websites and blogs have been created explaining the quality of coffee and the company.
I agree and disagree with Schultz and his arguments, he complains that because of the economy, a morning cup of coffee for most Americans at Starbucks is the first thing to go. This makes total sense and I don’t blame the American public for it. Why spend three bucks on a cup of coffee when you can make it at home for a quarter, especially considering the amount of Americans in debt? I also think that Starbucks prices are a little too high. Yes, there coffee is very good and one of a kind, but there are plenty of places with quality goods who charge a normal amount.
Schultz mentions that all Starbucks wants as a corporation is to be trusted and valued. These are great goals and I believe they are really accomplishing them. You can always count on a good cup of Starbucks coffee when you go. But, this issue is completely separate from cost. I completely trust and value Prada, but that doesn’t mean I will go and spend $4,000 on a hand bag.
To conclude, Starbucks has really become an American trademark and symbol so despite the high prices, I think it’s every capable American’s responsibility to buy coffee from Starbucks when able.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Business Ethics and Compliance
http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/businessethicsandcompliance.asp
As I was cruising through cyberspace, I came across an article on the Starbucks Website full of zeal and questionable claims. The title read “Business ethics and compliance”. Of course, the title caught my attention since it had the words ethics and business in it. I read the short 3 paragraph description of Starbucks “commitment” to doing what’s right. Right off the bat, I had a problem with this, and it had directly to do with our second writing project concerning ethics. In this excerpt, Starbucks claims to have “everything” in common with business ethics. But, who defines business ethics? How many different things must a company do to become ethical, and how do we know that what Starbucks is doing is “ethical”? You can’t call yourself something that can’t be measured. Meriam dictionary defines ethical as accepted standards of conduct. What is acceptable? Something may be acceptable for one person, but completely unacceptable for another. The second sentence in the first paragraph says “We are committed to doing what's right - from the way we source our coffee to the way we treat our partners, customers, shareholders, and business partners” What is right? In our world people have all different measures of what is right and wrong. Now, obviously, there are certain things in this world that are naturally right and wrong, and most people would agree with the practices of Starbucks being “right” or “good”, but no one and nothing is completely, 100% right, or good. Everyone and everything has bad qualities. I have read way too many criticisms of the company and the way they operate to believe they are completely committed to doing what’s right in every area. I ran into a girl yesterday and was chatting with her about Starbucks. She had only worked there for 2 months after quitting because she hated it. I asked her what made it so bad and she explained the pay was not worth the work and the schedule imposed on her. This is just one of many examples of Starbucks falling short of their commitment to business ethics. I am not in any way putting the corporation down for all the things they have done to change the way corporations operate, but one must look into the reality of the corporation before accepting the claims presented here.
As I was cruising through cyberspace, I came across an article on the Starbucks Website full of zeal and questionable claims. The title read “Business ethics and compliance”. Of course, the title caught my attention since it had the words ethics and business in it. I read the short 3 paragraph description of Starbucks “commitment” to doing what’s right. Right off the bat, I had a problem with this, and it had directly to do with our second writing project concerning ethics. In this excerpt, Starbucks claims to have “everything” in common with business ethics. But, who defines business ethics? How many different things must a company do to become ethical, and how do we know that what Starbucks is doing is “ethical”? You can’t call yourself something that can’t be measured. Meriam dictionary defines ethical as accepted standards of conduct. What is acceptable? Something may be acceptable for one person, but completely unacceptable for another. The second sentence in the first paragraph says “We are committed to doing what's right - from the way we source our coffee to the way we treat our partners, customers, shareholders, and business partners” What is right? In our world people have all different measures of what is right and wrong. Now, obviously, there are certain things in this world that are naturally right and wrong, and most people would agree with the practices of Starbucks being “right” or “good”, but no one and nothing is completely, 100% right, or good. Everyone and everything has bad qualities. I have read way too many criticisms of the company and the way they operate to believe they are completely committed to doing what’s right in every area. I ran into a girl yesterday and was chatting with her about Starbucks. She had only worked there for 2 months after quitting because she hated it. I asked her what made it so bad and she explained the pay was not worth the work and the schedule imposed on her. This is just one of many examples of Starbucks falling short of their commitment to business ethics. I am not in any way putting the corporation down for all the things they have done to change the way corporations operate, but one must look into the reality of the corporation before accepting the claims presented here.
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