1. Internet Exercise
   

   www.timberland.com

   www.timberlandserve.com

   The Timberland Company is an outdoor footwear and apparel company that was founded in 1918 by Nathan Swartz in Boston Massachusetts. Originally, the company produced only leather boots, but over the years, it has expanded to various kinds of footwear and clothing that are in high demand globally. Timberland has been extremely active in community involvement and environmental sustainability. The company offers paid time off to employees for performing community service throughout New England. In addition, Timberland monitors global labor standards to ensure that its products are made in workplaces that are fair, safe and non-discriminatory. Today, under the leadership of Jeffrey Swartz, Timberland is considered a modern example for socially responsible corporations around the world.

   Explore the site in detail to prepare a two page report indicating your responses to the following questions. Which managerial approach to social responsibility does The Timberland Company incorporate in its day-to-day management. What stakeholder groups benefit from Timberland's social responsibility? What groups might be negatively affected?

   
   
2. Internet Exercise
   

   In the headlines of American newspapers in the early days of 2002 was the unfolding story of the Enron debacle. This scandal raised issues about ethics in the workplace, managers' relationships with stakeholders, the social responsibility of companies to their environment, the role of the government in overseeing corporate activities, and the entrepreneurial spirit gone awry. Managers of companies have been put on notice that ethics and social responsibility are important and need attention.

   The OD-Online Organization Health Survey at http://www.od-online.com/toxic_org.asp?redirect=htm lets you take an assessment of your company and its activities. If you are not currently working, think of a job you have held in the past and use that as the organization you are assessing. Answer the questions on the Web site and then submit the results for your score and an interpretation of that score.

Questions for Discussion:

1. Do you think that all companies should have a form such as this filled out by employees regularly so there is feedback from all stakeholders within the company? Explain.
2. Do you think that companies can be ethical and socially responsible in these competitive "survival of the fittest" days? Why or why not?