Environmental factors and behavioral management for Mars. Introduction Based on the study, the worldwide chocolate compa

Environmental factors and behavioral management for Mars.

Introduction

Based on the study, the worldwide chocolate company received over one hundred billion dollars in revenue annually. Despite the profit, there are issues relating to the ethics of the company, especially the exploitation of child labor during the production of cocoa. Although companies like Mars have developed CSR programs, other companies like Nestle and Hershey's have continuously used child labor in Western Africa. This paper will evaluate the complex situation surrounding the supply chain of cocoa and methods to combat it. (Guriel, 2024). The first question will analyze environmental factors relating to Mars, while the second will analyze behavior management for the company.

The environmental factors affecting Mars.

Economic factors.

The economic conditions affect the monetary condition of an organization; Mars Company has been affected by the cocoa production economic conditions. The article evaluates exporting cocoa, especially from nations like Ghana and Ivory Coast, which are major producers of the raw material. (Guriel, 2024). Although cocoa is important in producing chocolate, the farmers in western Africa earn below one dollar per day, meaning they live below the poverty line. The economic hardships have forced farmers to use children, thus reducing production costs and being competitive.

Political factors

The actions of the governments and political instabilities for nations that produce cocoa have played essential roles in Mars Company. According to the article, the regional police, especially in Ivory Coast, have been involved in efforts to reduce child trafficking, where victims have been rescued and perpetrators arrested. However, there are limited government resources and poor child workers laws thus preventing legal actions against perpetrators. Since Mars operates in politically unstable areas, there is a need for additional advocacy programs and governance to ensure compliance.

Legal factors

The brand reputation of Mars has been hindered by legal challenges; an example, international rights advocates filed a lawsuit to ensure the United States federal government prevents the importation of cocoa harvested by children. Mars and other companies were affected by eight cases filed by retired child employees, which alleged that the company neglected to rescue victims despite being aware of the child abuse. (Guriel, 2024). The litigation shows that Mars is exposed to legal threats that may negatively affect its supply chain process. There is a need for Mars to engage in due diligence while adhering to international labor regulations to prevent similar litigations.

Technological factors

The technology adoption has affected Mars's ability to trace its supply chain and audit the process to ensure child trafficking is avoided. Although the essay read does not elaborate more on technology, there is a need to adopt adequate tech by Mars to trade the origins of cocoa and prevent child trafficking. Since the company is committed to preventing child exploitation, technology could be used in actively monitoring the supply chain processes to ensure accountability.

Social factors

The Mars Company is affected by the expectations and awareness of the consumers. According to the essay, there has been increased scrutiny from human rights advocates and journalists to ensure child rights are respected in cocoa production. The public can access scrutiny findings from news sources like the CBS investigation, which could damage Mars' reputation for engaging in child labor. The social factors ensure that Mars sources its raw materials ethically to protect its reputation.

Environmental factors

For the cocoa industry, sustainability is an essential issue; Mars is committed to the protection of the environment which could be observed in its investment of one billion dollars towards sustainability. The sustainability will reduce child labor and ensure farmers use environmental protection methods like fewer pesticides and fertilizers. Through solving the ecological factors, unethical labor practices will be solved gradually.

Usage of behavioral management approach

Behavioral management is geared towards the improvement of organizational behavior through communication, motivation, and leadership. The company could use behavioral management through employee and supplier motivation to increase their productivity and ensure organizational goals are achieved. Mars could use motivational approaches to encourage ethical practices, especially from the suppliers. An example of increasing the reward for great quality would motivate suppliers to deliver better raw materials while using qualified adults in the production process. Since Mars insists on is commitment towards child labor laws achievement, benefits could be provided to suppliers such that child laborers are not used in the farms.

Behavioral management could be achieved through an effective leadership approach. Mars could use leaders who are committed to an ethical production process, which could change the organizational culture. There could be training programs geared to ensure ensuring managers meet the labor standards. An example, currently, the reading insists that leaders from Mars do not visit the farms. The leadership could walk-the-talk by inspecting suppliers and active involvement in the supply chain evaluation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mars Company is involved in the underpayment of farmers who are involved in cocoa production. To meet the demand, farmers employ children, which has increased child labor. There is a need for reward systems, and effective behavioral management approaches to show commitment towards ethical production.

Reference

Guriel, N. (2024). Mars and the global chocolate industry.