Homework: The Business Ethics Memo
You are the owner of a company (306 SPORTS INC.) that produces a new, technologically advanced skateboard. This board is smaller and much faster than any skateboard ever created. Your creation has become the best selling sports product in the country, with many extreme sports stars buying, using, and promoting your new skateboard. You are making millions for you and your shareholders!
Because of its capability for tremendous speed, the "Rocket Board" is considered an extremely dangerous board. In the past year, several customers, some as young as 5 years old, have been injured while riding the "Rocket Board." Injuries range from bumps and bruises, to broken arms and legs, to concussions.
Some pediatricians and politicians claim your product should be recommended only for advanced riders, preferably over the age of 18. And, they want a warning label printed on the package. But, these restrictions and warnings would, of course, hurt your sales and profits.
Your company also faces several lawsuits and tremendous public criticism because of the injuries sustained by some users of your product. The public is calling for you and your company to take responsibility for the injuries your product has caused.
Some want 306 SPORTS INC. held financially responsible for creating a product that you knew to be dangerous to many users/customers. Many critics have said creating a product such as the "Rocket Board" is unethical because skateboards are traditionally children's toys and your product is causing harm to many young consumers.
As owner of 306, it is time to answer your critics. How do you plan on defending your company and its reputation and make critics happy? How do you plan to maintain sales and keep employees, investors, and shareholders happy?
YOU HAVE TO:
1. Explain your plan to answer your critics who claim you are responsible for the injuries and your company has behaved unethically.
2. Explain what you are going to do about the current lawsuits filed against your company and any lawsuits moving forward.
3. Finally, explain what steps you are going to take to make sure the Rocket Board's sales continue to grow and your company remains profitable so your investors and shareholders have confidence in your leadership.
This is how I want you to approach the research aspect of this homework. Find three or four sources that help you make your case to the reader.
So, you are required to do several things - anwer your critics about the safety of the Rocket Board and the "ethical" nature of your company; explain what you are going to do about the current lawsuts; and what you plan to do moving forward to keep 306 SPORTS INC profitable. You need to use research to convince the readers (306 SPORTS INC community) your plans and ideas are sound. The research you add is, of course, up to you, but I want it to be legitimate. Find actual sources that support your ideas.
Write a properly formatted memo to the 306 Sports Inc. Community. The readers include shareholders, employees, and even critics. Your memo must explain your position and answer all of their concerns. Your memo should be well-written and detailed. Give as many specific examples that you deem necessary.
Format your homework according to the give formatting requirements:
1. The answer must be double spaced, typed, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
2. The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the course title, the student's name, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
3. Also include a reference page. The references and Citations should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.