Krugman vs. Marriott
Prepare
a 2-3 page paper using APA format discussing problem 1 in the “Problems to
Ponder” at the end of chapter 10. Be sure to address each question in this
problem. MUST INCLUDE 2 REFERENCES IN
APA FORMAT (NOT INTERNET REFERENCES).
PROBLEM 1:
Paul Krugman, Nobel economist at Princeton,
states, “At the heart of capitalism’s inhumanity – and no sensible person will
deny that the market is an amoral and often cruelly capricious master – is the
fact that it treats labor as a commodity.” (The
Accidental Theorist, Norton, 1998, p. 15)
Is it true that capitalist employers treat their workers
“commodities”? In what sense is the
marketplace “cruelly capricious”? Give
examples.
Contrast
Professor Krugman’s views with those of Bill Marriott, president of Marriott
Corporation, who said:
“One of the important things…is [to]
counter the notion that big corporations are faceless machines…When employees
know that their problems will be taken seriously, that their ideas and insights
matter, they’re more comfortable and confident.
In turn, they’re better equipped to deliver their best on the job and to
the customer. Everyone wins: the
company, the employee, the customer. The
philosophy of putting employees first is particularly important in our industry,
because Marriott is in the people business, not just the service business….I’ve
said again and again that our associates [employees] are number one. It won’t hurt to say it one more time. Without the hard work and dedication of our
team, Marriott wouldn’t exist.
Period. That’s why taking care of
our employees is a top priority for the organization.” (The
Spirit to Serve, HarperBusiness, 1997, pp.5, 35, 126-127)
Are
employees treated as “commodities” at Marriott?
Is their labor policy “cruelly capricious” or “caring”? Is Marriott the exception to the rule among
big companies?
