Video-Theo Chocolate
Managing Social Ethics and Social Responsibility
Summary:
Joe Whinney exudes a sense of mission in everything he does. After a trip to cacao farms in Central America, Whinney decided to build the first organic fair trade chocoloate factory in the U.S. By building the first sustainable chocolate maker in the nation, Whinney hoped to help solve social and environmental issues by operating a profitable and ethical business. While Theo Chocolate is finding good success in the organic foods industry, perhaps the most exciting thing for "Theonistas" is that the company is being hailed as a voice for change. Employees say they have gained a loyal following for their efforts in the developing world, and business success has opened up new opportunities for sharing their vision of a better world.
1. Explain a company's total social responsibilities. How does Theo Chocolate respond to these? Visit www.theochocolate.com for your information.
Chapter 6: Video--Profile on Theo Chocolate
Summary:
When Theo Chocolate first starated its production, the company offered an exotic line of dark chocolate and milk chocolae bars and truffles. Thse early treats had unusual names such as the 3400 Phinney Bar, and they were wrapped in artistic watercolor packaging with whimisical cover designs. Thught he chocolate was well received by critics and organic food enthusiasts, it was not popular with mainstream consumers. Founder Joe Whinney began working on a new strategy, creating classic milk chocolate bards as a gateway product that would attract consumers more easily. The end result is that Theo now offers two distinct product lines for two different market segments-a Classic line of milk chocolate bars for mainstream customers, and Fantasy Flavors for more adventurous eaters.
2. Evaluate Theo's news strategy in light of the company's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.
3. What is a competitive advantage? What is Theo's competitive advantage? Is it sustainable? Why or why not?
4. Which of the three competitive strategies-differentiation, cost leadership, or focus-do you think is right for Theo Chocolate? Explain.
Chapter 5: Video-Profile on Plant Fantasies
Summary:
Teresa Carleo, owner of Plant Fantasies, is the gardener for such well-known New York properties as the Trump Organization, John Jay College, and Jack Resnick & Sons. While some decisions involve plant colors and types, others involve complex negotiation with people such as when Plant Fantasies builds designs created by out landscape architects. Despite Carleo's confidence in her own decision making, the Plat Fantasies owner understands the benefits of empowering others. But regardless of who makes decisions, Carleo expects all her employees to share her high standards for quality.
5. Did Plant Fantasies owner Teresa Carleo follow the rational decision-making process to launch Plant Fantasies?
6. List an example of a programmed decision at Plant Fantasies. Identify a nonprogrammed decision at Plant Fantasies. Explain.
7. Describe the decision-making process. How could you apply this to a decision you have to make either at work or at home?