An Overview of Globalization

Globalization refers to the increasing interconnectedness of the world; this phenomenon manifests itself primarily in the business sector. Although globalization has facilitated exponential economic growth for most countries, it has also been arguably been responsible for the exploitation of disadvantaged workers, and an increasing income equality threatening to disrupt social cohesion.

The exploitation of workers has achieved high levels with the introduction of multinational corporations. Massive companies with colossal profit margins scour the globe to locate the cheapest resources, often with little regard to human rights. It is with this in mind that we investigate the multi-glomerate Starbucks, a company known for its iconic logo and anti-competitive practices.

Starbucks began in 1971 in Seattle, a single store at first Howard Schultz took over in 1982 and transformed the brand into that which can be seen on every street corner in NY. Starbucks today has over 17,000 retail stores in over 55 countries; its mission statement claims they hope “to inspire and nurture the human spirit- one person, one cup and one neighbourhood at a time”. However recent controversy has linked Starbucks with many other socially condemned MNC’s, inquiry into the company’s ethical sourcing, labour disputes and environmental stewardship programs suggest that Starbucks is not the ethical company it claims to be.

As consumers in modern society we have an obligation to hold MNC’s socially responsible for unethical practices, please find out more about Starbucks practices before deciding whether to promote the company with your consumer sovereignty.

Let’s find out the truth about Starbucks, this report will explore the environmental, ethical, labour and saturation concerns regarding Starbucks. Please evaluate this information carefully, and if you find Starbucks practices to be socially reprehensible send this to all of your friends, and expose the indecent practices of the self-proclaimed ‘Ethical Company’