Ethical criticism of nestle marketing of infant formula

Assignment Help Operation Management
Reference no: EM132198184

Nestle and the ongoing infant formula controversy

Nestlé was one of the most successful food-based companies in the world. Set up by Henri Nestlé in 1867, in Vevey, Switzerland, Nestlé grew over the decades by acquiring smaller companies to become the largest company in Switzerland by the 1960s. Nestlé's product portfolio included soluble and roast coffee, other beverages like tea and health drinks, several mineral water brands, dairy products, chocolates and confectionery, ice cream, frozen food, culinary products, breakfast cereals, infant food, pet care, pharmaceutical products and cosmetics. By the end of 2002, the company employed more than 250,000 people in 508 factories around the world. Although it was one of the most successful companies in the world, Nestlé was frequently criticized for using unethical marketing practices to promote the sales of some of its products.

It was ironical that the biggest controversy in Nestlé's history involved the product on which the company was built. Critics said that Nestlé had promoted the use of infant milk formula (which many experts believed, was harmful to the health of the mother as well as the child), in developing countries, in an unethical manner. The company was criticized particularly for its promotions which implied that women in westernized countries routinely used the formula as a substitute for mother's milk. It was also alleged that Nestlé subtly developed the belief that using the formula was more beneficial to the mother as well as the child. This type of promotion was in violation of the 'International Code of Marketing Breast-Milk Substitutes' of the WHO /UNICEF...

The company was severely condemned by health agencies around the world for its marketing of infant formula in developing countries, by conveying the message that the formula was better for babies than mothers' milk.

For Discussions

1. Set out the ethical criticism of Nestlé’s marketing of infant formula. Which consumer rights are these practices failing to respect?

2. What is the impact on a company's image and credibility?

3. What are the major abuses of advertising by Nestle from your own observations and experiences?

4. Discuss the ethical elements that can help corporations to better understand the issue of product quality.

Reference no: EM132198184

Questions Cloud

Statements about costs associated with process variability : Which one of the following statements about costs associated with process variability is true? Which of following statements is false about concept of kaizen?
Music retailer engaging in price promotion strategy : What factors would you want to consider in evaluating profitability if you were a DVD movie and CD music retailer engaging in a price promotion strategy?
Factor considered in shaping the distribution mix : Which of the following is a factor considered in shaping the distribution mix? Which of the following influences pricing?
Silicon valley-based tech venture capital firm : Silicon Valley-based tech venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers (Kleiner Perkins), on grounds of gender discrimination.
Ethical criticism of nestle marketing of infant formula : Set out the ethical criticism of Nestlé’s marketing of infant formula. Which consumer rights are these practices failing to respect?
Trespassing on competitor property taking photos : If you are trespassing on a competitor's property taking photos--this aspect wouldn't be legal, right,
Impact of increasing fuel prices on logistics network design : Discuss the impact of increasing fuel prices on logistics network design?
Identify critical gaps in the skills-competencies : Identify critical gaps in the skills, competencies, and capabilities that Trader Joe's currently has versus what you think they will need in the future.
Formulate strategies that support portfolio company mission : A SWOT analysis of internal strengths & weaknesses and external opportunities & threats helps to formulate strategies that support the portfolio company mission

Reviews

Write a Review

Operation Management Questions & Answers

  Book review - the goal

Operations Management is about a book review. Title of the book is "Goal". This book has been written by Dr. Eliyahu Goldartt. The book has been appreciated by many as one of those books which offers an insight into the operations and strategic capac..

  Operational plan in hospitality enterprise

Operational plan pertaining to a hospitality enterprise is given in detail in the solution. The operational plan is an important plan or preparation which gives guidelines regarding the role and responsibilities of each and every operation at all lev..

  Managing operations and information

Recognise the importance of a strategic approach to the development and deployment of organisational information systems. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of databases and their integration to the organisation's overall information mana..

  A make-or-buy analysis

An analysis of the holding costs, including the appropriate annual holding cost rate.

  Evolution and contributor of operations management

Briefly explain Evolution and contributor of Operations management.

  Functions and responsibilities of an operations manager

A number of drivers of change have transformed the roles, functions and responsibilities of an operations manager over recent years. These drivers have not only been based on technological innovations but also on the need for organisations to develop..

  Compute the optimal order quantity

Compute the Optimal Order quantity of DVD players. Determine the appropriate reorder point.

  Relationship to operations practice in the organisation

Evaluate problems in operations and identify approaches to overcoming them. Critically evaluate operating plans and identify areas for improvement. Justify, implement and evaluate changes to operations in line with modern approaches.

  A make or buy analysis

Develop a report for Figi Fabricating that will address the question of whether the company should continue to purchase the part from the supplier or begin to produce the part itself.

  Prepare a staffing plan

Prepare a staffing plan showing the change of your unit from medical/surgical staffing to oncology staffing.

  Leadership styles in different organizations

Ccompare the effectiveness of different leadership styles in different organizations

  Risk management tools and models

Be able to understand the concept of risk, roles and responsibilities for risk management and risk management tools and models.

Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd