For the food comparision, do you mean Chinese food here... or overseas? Because you're right, people eat it because it's cheap and 'somtimes' is appetizing depending where you get it. But if the restaurant is in the US, then they do have to follow US DOH standards.
"I do not believe an OEM is responsible for its suppliers' actions. I think business contracts should be limited to the agreement to supply and pay for goods or services between the customer and vendor."
I agree with that. However, in this particular case, I don't see how Apple can be blamed for the supplier's own practices that respond to a different culture and government regulations.
In fact, all this issue reminds me to all what I have seen about many Chinese being totally inhumane towards other species and same species to the point of making me question if they actually have some kind of code of ethics of some sort. I don't know the answer.
They don't have any code of ethics in the food industry, though. And I don't see anyone saying "I am not eating Chinese food anymore and will start eating other kind of more ethical food instead." They eat Chinese food because it's cheap. That's all. Who questions what happened to the food before the food was nicely served on the plate? It's just the same problem, and yet, some seem to insist on making a difference. Why?
Yes, customers and vendors alike. If you know that the manufacturer or vendor is doing unethical or no-so-good practices, don't buy from them. It's alot easier said than done, but you can begin the process of looking elsewhere to conduct your business.
"then hardly can OEM be blamed for that." Whatisgoingoninthenextdoorisourresponsibility,andasweareheadingtothefuture,wemustthrow awaythe"ostrichmethod"
Interesting debate. The reason we see so many Safe Harbor statements on financial releases is to protect companies from the type of criticism we discuss here. Effectively, safe harbor statements say "we can't be responsible for any decision you make based on the information we provide you." I believe that had companies taken the same approach to labor practices, we wouldn't be having this discussion. Stictly speaking, I do not believe an OEM is responsible for its suppliers' actions. I think business contracts should be limited to the agreement to supply and pay for goods or services between the customer and vendor. But many companies took it upon themselves to be the arbiters of right and wrong when they publicly declared their "values." Now, it's too late to turn back.
I will put the blame on the country's labor regulation authorities. Why this cannot happen in western countries? Because of the working condition standards and regulations in place in those countries.
EBN Dialogue enables and encourages you to participate in live chats with notable leaders and luminaries. Not only editors and journalists, but the entire EBN community is able to comment and ask questions. Listed below are upcoming and archived chats.
Archived Dialogues
Thailand Stages a Comeback Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Euro-Crisis: What It Means for High-Tech Firms Join EBN Editor in Chief Bolaji Ojo and Contributing Editor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday, July 12, at 10:00 a.m. EDT for a Live Chat on high-tech and Europe's economic difficulties.
Microsoft Surface: Potential Winners & Losers What are the implications for the electronics industry supply chain of Microsoft Corp.'s decision to launch its own tablet PC? Join industry veteran and EE Times' systems and OEM expert Rick Merritt on Tuesday, July 3, at 12:00 pm EDT for a Live Chat on this subject.
Join EBN contributor Jennifer Baljko on Thursday August 23, 2012, at 11:00 a.m. EST for a live chat on how electronic manufacturers in Thailand have shored up their supply chain to reduce the impact of future natural disasters.
Peter Drucker famously said "Trying to predict the future is like trying to drive down a country road at night with no lights while looking out the back window." Yet in the razor's-edge world of electronics—with a lean supply chain and just-in-time demands—the need to know the future is vital.
You've heard the saying "the No. 1 supply chain risk is your people." That hasn't always been the case. But today's complex global supply chain requires a new type of multitalented employee. It's one who understands, finance, marketing, economics, is savvy with technology, graceful with relationships and can think analytically.
Where are these people? Are universities properly preparing the next generation supply chain professionals? How do train your existing workforce for these new, demanding positions?
Brian Fuller, editor-in-chief of EBN, will lead a 60-minute Avnet Velocity panel discussion that will ask and answer these and other questions swirling around today's supply-chain talent challenges.
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