starbucks china 2009
Thursday, January 21st, 2010
Is Starbucks ethical?
I would like to hear your opinions on the following (this is for a survey):
Lots of people go to Starbucks. Is it because of their coffee, or is it because of the environment Starbucks provide? Do you like Starbucks? Why or why not?
Starbucks is producing coffee beans in Yunnan in China starting 2009. Do you think this is going to have an effect on sales? How do you feel about this? Do you think there would be a difference in quality?
Starbucks is paying very little to its workers and earning a lot. What do you think about this? Is Starbucks ethical?
Thanks in advance.
If you are going to ask this question, let me ask you one first.
Where are your clothes made? Look at the tag on your shirt. Most of the clothes you buy (even from high-end stores) are manufactured from third-world countries. They pay VERY little labor cost, and sell the goods for a much higher price. And it’s actually a good thing for the third world countries, where education is pretty tough to maintain and it offers a job for the poor to support themselves.
Now answering your question, I do like Starbucks. I like the atmosphere and the coffee. It is overpriced, so it’s not regular for me. I go there once in a while. I think their business plan is clever. Even if they are growing coffee in china for little price and selling for more, china might actually benefit from this.
Now, is Starbucks ethical? Depends on your point of view. You certainly don’t think so. But I think both parties are at benefit, so yes it is.
星巴克 Starbucks – Howard Schultz @ APEC SME Summit 2009 China