Problem
Apple is not only one of the world's most valuable companies, but is also a hallmark of how information technology could change lives. The company was founded in 1976 and started to encroach into the personal computer market from the late 1980s and early 1990s onward. After the company nearly experienced a total collapse, it convinced co-founder Steve Jobs to return in 1997 to revive the company. Jobs and his team succeeded with great verve, launching such innovative products as the Smart Phone, iPod and the iPad.
Despite this remarkable business achievement and positive impact on the future of civilization, it was reported in the media that the multinational technology company (Apple Inc.) was implicated in alleged human rights violations at Pegatron, a large Taiwanese supplier that assembled Apple's iPhones. The allegations followed similar, well-publicized violations at another Taiwan-based Apple supplier, Foxconn. In both cases, a variety of poor practices were exposed. For example, workers had to hand in their identification cards before entering the factory, were given no basic health and safety training, and had to work excessive hours - up to 16 hours a day, which would sometimes continue for 18 consecutive days. According to a BBC documentary, workers' requests for a day off were routinely ignored. Another scene showed workers who could not help but fall asleep in the middle of a busy production line. The quality of life outside the factory was also criticized. Dormitories were overcrowded, and consisted of nothing but 12 tiny beds placed end to end.
Although Apple had promised to improve its practices, doing so had clearly proven to be a difficult task.
Task
• How should Apple respond to these allegations knowing that they are true?
• Should it evade the accusations and instead point to its existing efforts?