Est Task 1

Being a small local grocery store chain in a major metropolitan area poses many challenges.   Large national and regional chains have greater buying power and multi-city experience that gives them a strong competitive edge.   Small grocery stores have to emphasize and practice strong social responsibility in order to remain competitive.   Company Q has recently closed two of their stores in higher crime rate areas due to losing money.   Where they not profitable simple because of their location?   It would be justifiable if location were the cause of the lack of profits but the scenario gives several other details that are the probable cause of the store closers.  

Many products that the grocery stores offer will be the same in all of their locations.   A percentage of the grocery stores products should be tailored to the needs of the local consumers.   Not all products will be profitable in all locations as the consumers’ needs may be different.   The manager should communicate with customers to discover what the needs are of the community and respond to them in an efficient time period.   By doing this, the grocery stores is meeting will be meeting the desired product needs of the local community and building a report.   Company Q is not being socially responsible to the needs of their primary stakeholder.   It took several years and numerous requests from the customers to partially respond to their needs.   In a competitive market this lack of social responsibility will not lead to long term success and the consumer will find and alternative way to meet their needs.

The management of Company Q has decided to decline the request of a local food bank for donations of day old products.   Instead of donating the day old products, they will be thrown away and thus producing more waste.   Employees are unhappy about management’s decision to not donate and are stealing food to donate to the food bank.   This social irresponsibility will affect them on multiple levels.   If...