Nike is a Global Force and leading force for globalization in the world. Nike outsources its manufacturing and employs over 600 thousand workers throughout the world in over 600 factories. Nike has 20 billion in revenues each year and its brand has become one of the most recognized symbols in the world today. Nike focuses on marketing and design and employs such star athletes as Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, Carmelo Anthony and Kobe Bryant to market its products.
Nike has come into some controversy over the years over the conditions and practices of its manufacturing partners. Evidence suggests there were some violations of acceptable employment practices in the US while suspicion and accusations have been brutal. Nike has come under fire by many Human rights organizations, far left groups and the media for the practices that were employed by its manufacturers. Nike has made some efforts to shut down factories not compliant with American and European standards and have changed others to be compliant.
Nike was accused of many violations by various groups and to some extent these claims were merited. While some claims were erroneous it was revealed that Nike did its own research which showed some employment laws were in fact being violated and Nike claimed the internal investigation was launched to control and remedy these problems.
Nike hired former congressman Andrew Young of Atlanta to assess its operations around the Globe. Nike also joined a presidential task force in 1996 that was created to eliminate sweatshops in the clothing and shoe industry. Other notable measures Nike took its defense were hiring independent auditors, parting ways with non-compliant manufacturers and complying with OSHA standards for its global operations. Despite Nike’s efforts critics still argue they are nothing more than a smokescreen or effort to appease the public.
Despite Nikes efforts the debate still rages today. Nike by all appearances has