The following work deals with the topic of backgrounds of outsourced production in Asian countries at the example of Nike.
According to philosophers like Thomas Hobbes and Karl Marx, humans have a self-interested nature because they first think about their own advantages without thinking about consequences of their behaviour when they save costs. Companies like Nike save costs by outsourcing their production into Asian countries, and consumers save costs by spending as little money as possible.
The negative consequences of that are the employer’s bad working conditions which include a poor place of work with too little space, too many working hours per day despite low salaries and the risk of health problems due to work with glue. Moreover, this causes a bad reputation for Nike itself. A more general disadvantage is the widening gap between rich and poor, which leads to inequality and a lack of motivation of the poorer people.
Nevertheless, there are advantages for the Asian countries. Companies and factories are created and by that, places of employment are created which means a regular income and the possibility of exportation of products. Furthermore, the factories have to pay taxes which can be invested into a social system and the infrastructure. In spite of these advantages, there is the need of improving the conditions of outsourcing the production.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Concepts of men
- Thomas Hobbes
- Karl Marx
- Where does Nike produce its products and why?
- What exactly are the consequences of cheap production in Asia?
- Do advantages exist about the production in third world countries?
- Disadvantages
- Solution
Objectives and Key Themes
This report aims to examine the reasons behind Nike's outsourcing of its production to Asian countries, analyzing the consequences for both the company and the workers involved. It explores the philosophical underpinnings of self-interested behavior in business decisions, using the examples of Thomas Hobbes and Karl Marx. The report also investigates the broader societal impact, including the widening gap between rich and poor.
- The ethical implications of outsourcing production to developing countries.
- The economic consequences of cost-cutting measures in the globalized marketplace.
- Philosophical perspectives on human nature and their relation to business practices.
- The impact of outsourcing on the working conditions of employees in developing nations.
- The socio-economic effects of global production disparities.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces the central theme of the report: the reasons why companies, particularly Nike, outsource their production to developing countries in Asia and the resulting consequences. It establishes the connection between globalization, cost-saving measures, and the ethical implications of these practices. The author frames the discussion around the concept of self-interested behavior, previewing the philosophical arguments presented in the following chapter. The chapter also lays out the scope of the report, indicating a focus on the working conditions of employees in Asian factories and the wider socioeconomic impacts of these practices, while acknowledging the potential for positive outcomes in the host countries.
Concepts of men: This chapter explores contrasting philosophical perspectives on human nature, drawing on the works of Thomas Hobbes and Karl Marx. Hobbes' concept of inherently self-interested individuals pursuing self-preservation and power is presented, and its application to business practices is discussed, highlighting competition for profit and reputation. In contrast, Marx's analysis of the conflict between basic needs and the capitalist drive for accumulation is explored. This comparison serves as a framework for understanding the motivations behind corporate outsourcing decisions and their consequences.
Where does Nike produce its products and why?: This chapter delves into the specifics of Nike's production practices. It examines the locations of Nike's manufacturing facilities and explains the company's reasons for choosing these locations. The chapter will likely detail the cost advantages of outsourcing to Asia and will analyze the specific negative consequences of low-cost production. A crucial element is the exploration of potential benefits for the Asian countries involved, including job creation, tax revenue, and export opportunities, fostering a balanced perspective.
Disadvantages: This chapter is dedicated to a thorough examination of the negative consequences of Nike's outsourcing practices. It would detail the poor working conditions faced by employees in Asian factories, highlighting issues such as inadequate workspace, excessive working hours, low wages, and health risks. This section will likely provide specific examples and data to support these claims, emphasizing the exploitation of workers and the human cost of cheap production.
Keywords
Outsourcing, Nike, Asian production, globalisation, ethical implications, working conditions, self-interest, Thomas Hobbes, Karl Marx, economic inequality, cost-cutting, developing countries, socio-economic impact.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview on Nike's Outsourcing Practices
What is the main topic of this report?
The report examines Nike's outsourcing of production to Asian countries, analyzing the consequences for the company, workers, and society. It connects this practice to broader themes of globalization, ethical implications, and philosophical perspectives on human nature.
What are the key themes explored in the report?
Key themes include the ethical implications of outsourcing to developing countries, the economic consequences of cost-cutting measures, philosophical perspectives on self-interest (using Hobbes and Marx as examples), the impact on worker conditions in Asian factories, and the socio-economic effects of global production disparities.
Which philosophical perspectives are discussed?
The report contrasts the views of Thomas Hobbes (focus on self-interest and the pursuit of power) and Karl Marx (focus on class conflict and capitalist exploitation) to understand the motivations behind corporate outsourcing decisions and their consequences.
What are the reasons behind Nike's outsourcing to Asia?
The report investigates the reasons why Nike outsources its production to Asia, likely focusing on cost advantages and the economic benefits for the company. It will also likely explore potential benefits for Asian countries, such as job creation and economic growth, to offer a balanced perspective.
What are the negative consequences of Nike's outsourcing practices?
The report details the negative consequences, such as poor working conditions in Asian factories (including low wages, excessive hours, unsafe conditions, and health risks). It will likely provide specific examples and data to support these claims.
What solutions or recommendations are offered?
While the provided text preview doesn't explicitly detail solutions, the report likely aims to raise awareness of the ethical and social issues surrounding outsourcing and encourages further discussion and potential solutions.
What is included in the "Concepts of Men" chapter?
This chapter compares the philosophies of Thomas Hobbes and Karl Marx, contrasting their views on human nature and self-interest. This comparison serves as a framework for understanding the motivations behind corporate decisions and their consequences.
What does the chapter "Where does Nike produce its products and why?" cover?
This chapter focuses on the specific locations of Nike's factories and the reasons for choosing those locations. It will likely analyze the cost advantages of Asian production and explore potential benefits for the host countries.
What are the keywords associated with this report?
Keywords include outsourcing, Nike, Asian production, globalization, ethical implications, working conditions, self-interest, Thomas Hobbes, Karl Marx, economic inequality, cost-cutting, developing countries, and socio-economic impact.
What is the overall purpose of this report?
The report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of Nike's outsourcing practices, examining the ethical, economic, and social consequences. It uses philosophical perspectives to provide a deeper understanding of the motivations and impacts of these practices.
- Citar trabajo
- Lea Tappert (Autor), 2018, The Real Costs of Nike Air Max. Why Companies Outsource Their Production, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1033809
