Essay Example on Apple's Code of Conduct

Section I: Introduction

Apple Inc is one of the most successful Companies in the world. Apple Inc Company mainly deals with the design and innovation of digital electronics such as laptops, iPad, smartphones, and smartwatches. I have chosen Apple Inc for my research because, firstly, it is one of the best Companies which have reflected intensive growth since its formation in 1976. Also, the success of Apple Inc has been influenced by its tradition to comply with essential business ethics on how they conduct their business. Therefore, my focus is to understand how Apple's business ethics impact the success of the Company.

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Apple's mission statement

Apple's mission statement has changed from time to time. The changes are influenced by the changes in the business landscape, competition from other technological Companies, and variation in consumer needs. Currently, Apple's mission statement is "Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork, and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad."

Apple vision statement

Apple vision statement aims at influencing the decisions being made at the Company to achieve long-term leadership which drives the Company closer to its objectives. Apple Inc's vision statement was designed under the leadership of Tim Cook who stated: "We believe that we are on the face of the earth to make great products and that's not changing. We are constantly focusing on innovating. We believe in the simple, not the complex. We believe that we need to own and control the primary technologies behind the products that we make and participate only in markets where we can make a significant contribution. We believe in saying no to thousands of projects so that we can really focus on the few that are truly important and meaningful to us. We believe in deep collaboration and cross-pollination of our groups, which allow us to innovate in a way that others cannot. And frankly, we don't settle for anything less than excellence in every group in the company, and we have the self-honesty to admit when we're wrong and the courage to change. And I think regardless of who is in what job those values are so embedded in this company that Apple will do extremely well."

Section II: Content of Apple's Code of Conduct

To ensure Apple remains within the boundaries of integrity, it has stipulated guidelines of the code of conducts which apply to individual employees, contractors, government, and consultants. Apple requires all the stakeholders to follow and comply with the code of conduct. In case of any violation of ten principles, Apple has the right to investigate and punish the parties involved.

Contents of Apple's code of conduct

Individual code of conduct

The individual code of conduct aims at guiding the employees on how to conduct themselves in the day to day operations of apple. The individual code of conduct constitutes of the following codes.

Conflict of interests

The codes warn the employees against creating conflicts of interests which opposes Apple's interests. The employees have been warned against conducting business with family members. Also, the employees should not obtain any favors to a person of interests when hiring, giving out contracts, during promotional exercise, and in investment opportunities.

Workplace relationship

The code guides the individual employees on how to handle conflicts arising at the workplace. For instance, relationships in the workplace should not interfere with their work or in decision making.

Harassment and discrimination.

Apple is against any type of harassment and discrimination among its employees. Apple focuses on creating a culturally diverse environment for every employee at the workplace.

Workplace privacy

Apple has stipulated privacy rights which allows the Company to access employees' work or equipment at any time.

Drug abuse

Employees have been warned against manufacturing, possessing, dispensing, or using any drug in the workplace. The code aims at ensuring the employees have good judgment in making better decisions.

Responsibilities to Apple

The responsibilities to Apple refer to the code of conducts which stipulates the obligations other stakeholders owes to Apple Company.

Protecting Apple's assets and information

Employees and other stakeholders should protect Apple's property and assets.

Confidential Apple information

The code limits stakeholders from disclosing confidential information concerning its financial, trade assets, product information, or any other business information.

Apple's Identity and Trademarks

The code warns other business corporations against copying Apple's identity symbols such as logo, products names, business name, and service names

Apple Inventions, Patents, And Copyrights

The code of conduct guides the employees involved in the implementation of Apple's products to contact legal actions concerning their work. Also, Apple products should have copyright information.

Customer and Business Relationships

Apple's products and services are meant to be enjoyed by the customer. Apple focuses to satisfy their customers' needs by providing quality products within the integrity measures. To achieve the objective, Apple has setup code of conducts which protect Apple's customers.

Confidential agreements

The suppliers or vendors are warned against sharing Apple's confidential information without approval.

Obtaining business intelligence

Apple seeks information from customers about their products and services by following the correct legal procedure.

Government as Customers

Governments are one of the major customers for Apple. Apple has stipulated code of conducts which guides the government and Apple Inc during business transitions.

No Bribery/Corruption

Apple Inc does not offer or accept bribes of any type.

Political contributions

Apple is not involved in any political contribution.

Hiring Government Employees

Apple follows laws while hiring former government employees. Also, Apple prohibits its employees from negotiating with other business entities while still involved in Apple's operations.

Export and Import Controls

Apple follows the guidelines set up by different governments while importing spares or exporting its products to other countries.

Healthy and Environment Safety

Apple conducts its operations in a way that it protects both the environment and its employees from health hazards.

Section III: Training New Employees

Apple's business ethics and code of conduct aimed at defining "The way we do business worldwide" Apple's main objective is to create and innovate quality products and services while demonstrating the highest level of integrity. The objective is guided by four main principles including honesty, respect, confidentiality, and compliance. To ensure Apple remains within the boundaries of the four principles, it has invested in training new employees on the ethics code conducts. Every time Apple hires new employees, it incorporates its mission, vision, and business ethics to the training session of the employees.

Additionally, as business landscape changes across the world, Apple updates its employees on the new code of conduct through emails or training programs. The main objective of training new employees is to ensure the Company maintains its reputation for following the law. As a result, Apple's employees are among the most productive compared to employees of Apple's competitors.

Section IV: Recommendations

Apple's mission statement, vision statement, and code of conducts provides a comprehensive guideline for the success for the Company. However, I would recommend some improvements on the way the Apple Inc communicates the changes in mission, vision, and code of conducts to its stakeholders. Recently, Apple communicated on change of code of conducts to its employees through an email. I don't think that the use of an email is a convenient communication channel for informing its employees on the changes because the message may fail to express the seriousness in the changes. I would recommend Apple to communicate changes in vision, mission, and code of conducts through open meetings. In open meetings, it is easier for Apple to deliver the message concerning the changes. Also, there will be a positive impact on the message because the employees will hear, see, and feel what the Company is saying.

I would also recommend changes in the vision statement of the Company. Apple Inc's vision should be concise instead of providing a lot of details on values and beliefs. Making the vision statement concise will influence easier understanding and application by the employees on their day to day activities at the workplace.

Work Cited

"Business Conduct: The way we do business worldwide." Files.shareholder.com. Apple Inc. October 2015. Retrieved from http://files.shareholder.com/downloads/AAPL/1220508115x0x443008/5F38B1E6-2F9C-4518-B691-13A29AC90501/business_conduct_policy.pdf