Case Synopsis: In 2007, Mattel issued a series of recalls of children’s toys man

Question

Case Synopsis: In 2007, Mattel issued a series of recalls of children’s toys manufactured in China. Some of the toys were coated with dangerous lead paint, and others contained small but powerful magnets that could cause intestinal blockage or perforation if swallowed. The recalls alarmed parents and consumer activists, as well as the toy industry, retailers who marketed their products, and product safety regulators in both China and the United States. The case describes the toy recalls and presents excerpts from testimony given by a range of concerned stakeholders at a U.S. Senate hearing in September, 2007. It challenges students to consider how business and society can best assure the safety of children’s toys.

1. Do you believe that Mattel acted in a socially responsible and ethical manner with regard to the safety of its toys? Why or why not? What should or could Mattel have done differently, if anything?

2. Who or what do you believe was responsible for the fact that children were exposed to potentially dangerous toys? Why do you think so?

3. What do you think is the best way for society to protect children from harmful toys? Specifically, what are the appropriate roles for various stakeholders in this process?

Explanation / Answer

NO
Mattel failed to behave ethically. As a organisation it must act responsively to all its stakeholder, including public, customers and other interest parties they are either directly or indirectly associated with the business.

2. The products which are causing harm to the end users must be banned. it is not ethical from the part of the company to sell products to child which may cause intestinal blockage if it smallowed.
3. The best way is to create regulation on the models. The firms has to get approval from the government to sell her any model to the child. It may be difficult in some countries, at this time they can think about of introducing some controls on it, like the amount of lead to be used in a toy, etc.

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