ASSIGNMENT 04
C01 Introduction to Business
Directions: Be sure to save an electronic copy of your answer before
submitting it to Ashworth College for grading. Unless otherwise stated,
answer in complete sentences, and be sure to use correct English, spelling
and grammar. Sources must be cited in APA format. Your response should be
four (4) double-spaced pages; refer to the "Assignment Format" page located
on the Course Home page for specific format requirements.
Part A
MKD Transportation owns and operates a fleet of container ships and tankers
that transport goods around the globe. Company executives have just been
contacted by the media with a credible report that one of their ships is
leaking an oily substance off the coast of Belize. If true, some of the world’s
most beautiful coral reefs could be in danger. On the other hand, the captain
of the ship in question has not notified the company of any problem, and
cleanup could be very costly. Environmental groups and the government of
Belize have demanded that the company admit responsibility and
immediately begin cleanup.
1. Managers at MKD claim to exercise ethical behavior toward their
employees. Describe three (3) matters this behavior might cover.
2. What might the general public begin to think about MKD’s
responsibilities toward the environment? Provide one (1) example.
3. If MKD adopts an obstructionist stance, how will the company respond
to this media report? Provide one (1) supporting fact.
4. If MKD adopts a defensive stance, how will the company respond to
this situation? Provide one (1) supporting fact.
5. If MKD adopts an accommodative stance, how will the company
respond to the media and demands by the government of Belize and
environmental groups? Provide one (1) supporting fact.
6. How might this situation have been different in the event that MKD had
initially adopted a proactive stance to social responsibility? Provide one
(1) supporting fact.
7.
Part B
Describe one (1) example of a situation in which a company might adopt a
pricing objective other than profit maximization. Provide two (2) supporting
facts.
Grading Rubric
Please refer to the rubric on the following page for the grading criteria for
this assignment.
