Summary: Response to Criticism
It seems only reasonable that a response to the criticism to Starbucks should be offered, in view of the overwhelming evidence to the contrary opinions. Taking into consideration the fact that Starbucks was awarded by a recognized authority among its peers for Corporate Responsibility (Adams [1-77]) as well as evidence showing that Starbucks constantly seeks to establish a responsible relationship with its “partners” and environment it must be conjectured that there is a discrepancy in communication between those who interpret Starbucks business practices and the Starbucks Corporation that communicates these business decisions and practices. In fact, Starbucks is open to discuss with all persons these issues, rumors and results of its business (Adams 77).
What are these discrepancies? This seems to be one of the key factors in this report and analysis of Starbucks ongoing development and efforts to grow both with an expanding multicultural environment as well as with a highly sophisticated and multi-faceted population. Not only are non-profit organizations such as Greenpeace, March of Dimes or United Way, Roman Catholic Church the recipients of criticisms, but also for profit Corporations have much more reason to be criticized on all levels. As we have shown in this analysis, Starbucks, even being listed as one of the major 100 Corporate Responsible institutions in America, still falls under heavy criticism. As with every criticism that comes, there is also a response. What better response could Starbucks make than that of openness to its critics and assure its present Shareholders that it desires to excel in providing world-class coffee and service, to change its corporate managerial team to provide more quality service, have a greater accountability that others can verify for themselves, be open to dialogue with media and public and to stand its ground with a steady professionalism wherever it places its stores.
I believe that it will always be inevitable that large corporations will be the object of both praise and blame, as well as reflect the critical mindset that surrounds it. Furthermore, this kind of criticism cannot go unnoticed, nor can it be disregarded lest the people that it seeks to serve will get the message that it cares little about the personal interests of those whom it serves. In the words of Mr. Moss Adams LLP what Starbucks reported in it s CSR is a “fair representation of. …Performance and activities…reasonable supported by documentation, internal processes and activities, and information provided by external parties” (Adams 77). Lastly, what may be considered as criticism to one person, may on the other hand be actually an honest assessment of natural growth by another or be seen as normal reactions or indicators of healthy public opinion to normal business practices-at the corporate level. The Starbucks Experience may have to constantly revise its ability to take in multicultural attitudes as well as constantly expose itself to a vast array of personal or private opinions from professional not for profit organizations, governments and critics, but this is not an indicator that its business methods are wrong or unethical, despite the contrary, as long as it can indicate, document, assess and report its growth in clear and reasonable methods of accountability. After all even the original owners didn't think that selling specialty coffees would be profitable (Wikipedia Starbucks).
Starbucks Corp. [SBUX] seeks to provide world class coffee and food items to its multicultural customers at a premium price; simultaneously incorporating into its corporate infrastructure methods of applying and replying to rumors, criticism and areas needed to come serve its customers. It seeks to demonstrate a willingness to understand its multicultural customers and expand when possible in order to incorporate its “partners” into its multicultural Starbucks Experience.
Its criticisms awaken in its management a more whole and natural growth which gives evidence of its is ever-widening service to its global customers. In its growth it seeks to benefit those around it by sharing its resources with those environments for a mutual partnership in bringing its products to its customers. Meanwhile, it seeks to adapt to each culture with the mentality and talents of those whom its corporate principles seek to serve. It demonstrates to shareholders, customers and the world it serves that the Starbucks Experience is unique and accessible to every culture.
