Nike Case College Essay Example

conditions”, Michael Jordan refused to take ownership and Nike refused to let Jesse Jackson tour its plant 1996: Nike established labor practices department.

Late 90’s: government got involved to develop AIP (apparel industry partnership) 1998: Knight announced a series of sweeping reforms, including raising the minimum age of all sneaker workers to 18 and apparel workers to 16; adopting U.S. OSHA clean air standards in all its factories; expanding its monitoring program; expanding educational programs for workers; and making micro loans available to workers.

4. How well has Nike responded? Phil Knight, CEO, could have immediately taken responsibility for their perceived actions. Perception is reality and reality is what drives consumerism. The unfortunate perception, whether real or not, in the industry and with consumers is that Nike was failing to operate its company and product manufacturing under ethical standards. This perception plagued Nike for many years, including their downturn in 1998. After years of denying and avoiding the issues, Phil Knight finally took ownership and responsibility of the problem as Nike’s and began addressing the criticism head on. He could have done that from the get go and avoided some of the years of negative press.

5. What do you recommend to Nike going forward? Continue to cooperate with government and activist. Become more transparent in their operations overseas. Be open to criticism and listen to the statement prior to reacting.