HB Fuller Children of Honduras Case Study
H. B. Fuller in Honduras Analytic Essay
Glenn T. Jones
University of Redlands, Riverside Campus
When it comes to business ethics, the H.B. Fuller Company, a leading manufacturer of industrial glues, coatings and paints is one of the most esteemed organizations in the United States. Awards, honors and inclusion in various socially conscious mutual funds attest to its standing as a good corporate citizen.
The two objectives in the company’s mission statement states: “The H. B. Fuller corporate mission is to be a leading and profitable worldwide formulator, manufacturer, and marketer of quality specialty chemicals, emphasizing service to customers and managed in accordance with a strategic plan. H. B. Fuller Company is committed to its responsibilities, in order of priority, to its customers, employees and shareholders. H. B. Fuller will conduct business legally and ethically, support the activities of its employees in their communities, and be a responsible corporate citizen. (Bowie, 1985, pp. 30) Clearly a “managing for stakeholders” form of business ethics, the company mission statement objectives equally emphasizes profit and the responsibilities to customers, employees and stakeholders
The company’s good reputation is being compromised by their handling of a stubborn image-staining problem: the illegal abuse of its shoemaker 's glue by countless children in Honduras, who have become addicted to the product 's intoxicating but dangerous fumes. Some child welfare advocates and investors have demanded for years that the company add a noxious oil to its glue to discourage abusers. The company has resisted that approach. H. B. Fuller will only claim that it is doing all it reasonably can to prevent abuse.
When considering a “Managing for Stakeholder” approach as defined by R. Edward Freeman, Corporate Citizenship is a recognition that a business or corporation has social, cultural and environmental responsibilities to the community in which it seeks to
Glenn T. Jones
University of Redlands, Riverside Campus
When it comes to business ethics, the H.B. Fuller Company, a leading manufacturer of industrial glues, coatings and paints is one of the most esteemed organizations in the United States. Awards, honors and inclusion in various socially conscious mutual funds attest to its standing as a good corporate citizen.
The two objectives in the company’s mission statement states: “The H. B. Fuller corporate mission is to be a leading and profitable worldwide formulator, manufacturer, and marketer of quality specialty chemicals, emphasizing service to customers and managed in accordance with a strategic plan. H. B. Fuller Company is committed to its responsibilities, in order of priority, to its customers, employees and shareholders. H. B. Fuller will conduct business legally and ethically, support the activities of its employees in their communities, and be a responsible corporate citizen. (Bowie, 1985, pp. 30) Clearly a “managing for stakeholders” form of business ethics, the company mission statement objectives equally emphasizes profit and the responsibilities to customers, employees and stakeholders
The company’s good reputation is being compromised by their handling of a stubborn image-staining problem: the illegal abuse of its shoemaker 's glue by countless children in Honduras, who have become addicted to the product 's intoxicating but dangerous fumes. Some child welfare advocates and investors have demanded for years that the company add a noxious oil to its glue to discourage abusers. The company has resisted that approach. H. B. Fuller will only claim that it is doing all it reasonably can to prevent abuse.
When considering a “Managing for Stakeholder” approach as defined by R. Edward Freeman, Corporate Citizenship is a recognition that a business or corporation has social, cultural and environmental responsibilities to the community in which it seeks to
References: Bowie, N. E. & Lenway, S. A. (1985). H. B. Fuller in Honduras: Street Children and Substance Abuse. In Donaldson, T., Werhane, P., & Van Zandt, J. (Eds) Ethical issues in business: A philosophical approach (8th ed., pp. 21-33). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson/Prentice Hall. Freeman, R. E. (2007). Managing for Stakeholders. In Donaldson, T., Werhane, P., & Van Zandt, J. (Eds). Ethical issues in business: A philosophical approach (8th ed., pp. 39-52). Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson/Prentice Hall.