Mattel Inc Social Responsibility

Social Responsibility: Mattel Inc.

Business is one sector that must help take a lead in building a better future. Corporate social responsibility is now booming in the business world. Everything is changing, so businesses have to learn how to adapt to these changes. Companies are becoming more socially responsible, "going green" is something everybody is doing and talking about. Jeffrey Hollender, author of "The Responsibility Revolution" and cofounder of Seventh generation, which is a company that is coming up with innovative products such as recycled paper towels and tissues to biodegradable detergents. He communicates in his book about the six core principles necessary for a business to become more socially responsible. These are mission, collaboration, transparency, authenticity, community, and consciousness. Hollender stated: "We all have the ability to change the world into a more sustainable place; we just need to ask ourselves, what does the world most need that I am uniquely able to provide?"

In 1945, Ruth and Elliot Handler and Harold "Matt" Matson launch a new company named Mattel. "Mattel's Corporate Responsibility mission is to positively impact our people, our products our planet by playing responsibly" (Mattel, 2011). At Mattel, the safety of the toys is the number one priority. This company has created the most beloved toys over the past years, but their main goal is their products' quality and safety. The company's commitments are: "Play fair by continually encouraging the Mattel organization to align decision-making with the company's values. Play Together by working with employees, partners, vendors and regulators to bring the world safe toys that grown-ups trust and children love. Play to Grow by committing to a sustainable future through efforts to work smarter and reduce our impact on the environment. Play with Passion by volunteering in our communities and helping underserved children experience the joy of play" (Mattel, 2011).

Licensors such as Disney and Sesame Workshop, The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) are some of Mattel's primary stakeholders. This means that they have invested on Mattel's project or economy, with their attention, time and money. These are the stakeholders that are directly impacted by a certain subject if something happens to Mattel. Other primary stakeholders are customers, shareholders, employees, suppliers, retailers, both the American and Chinese Government. These individuals or groups are not directly affected by the result of the project, but they have some significance. Stakeholders are the main groups that have a risk in the organization and who are affected by the company's proceedings.