Mattel case study

Mattel, Inc. is the toy manufacturing company that produces toys and family products. In the case study, several products and brands of Mattel Company are discussed in detail to provide an overview of the business operations of the company. Somehow, the case study also represents the ethical and legal responsibilities for Mattel Company. In this assignment facts about Mattel Company are presented. Mattle Company has some special obligations such as producing products according to the cultural and ethical norms of the society  (danielsethics.mgt.unm.edu, 2019). While some other special obligations are particularly related to the consumers and society are also discussed in this assignment.

Facts

·         Mattel Company was started by Matt Matson and Elliot Handler in 1945.

·         Jill took responsibility as CEO of the company in 1997.

·         Company generate annual revenue of more than $5.9 billion    

·         In 2011 the company faced a legal issue of copyright as it is said that the company used fake business cards for the purpose to get entrance in the showrooms of their competitor company.  

·         The company pays attention to CSR; therefore, they established a Mattel Children's Foundation in 1978.

·         The company conducted the first ethical audit in 1977.

·         Mattel’s core products are Cabbage Patch Kids, Hot Wheels, and Barbie and American Girl.

·         The company earned a reputation as one of the top 100 best companies in 2011.

Question: 1

Mattel Company produces and sells the product for children. Working in this industry is not really easy. Organizations producing products for children have to work according to legal and ethical considerations. For instance, the company cannot produce such toys or products that are not appropriate for the children under the age of 18. There are some obligations and responsibilities that companies have to take while working in this market segment. As toys selling the company, Mattel has to avoid the use of such material that can be harmful to the children.

The company has to be careful about the use of such material or designs that are not appropriate for the physical and mental health of the children. For instance, a sharp knife of plastic or metal, arrows, and powerful toy guns can cause injury to the children while playing, therefore, it is the responsibility of the company to avoid producing such endangering products and toys for children. Moreover, toys such as bear and dolls produced with unwashed fabric can also cause health issues in children as immature children sometimes take toys in their mouth. Basically, it is reasonability of Mattel Company to manufacture safe products and toys for children.

The company has to take care of product quality and safety standards. While there are some ethical and social responsibilities also on which company cannot compromise to remain sustainable in the market. It is the responsibility of the company to provide privacy and security for customer data management  (danielsethics.mgt.unm.edu, 2019). The company operates in an international environment therefore while manufacturing toys and products they need to take the cultural differences into considerations. It is the obligation of the company to produce such toys and products that promote harmony and unity in the society rather than spreading and supporting discriminative and stereotyping related ideas. For instance, while producing Dolls if the company will produce dolls with only fair complexions then it is caused to hurt the feelings of black people living in that targeted market.

As an international toys manufacturing company Mattel Company should design and produce for all type of audience without discrimination. While they also have to take care of the other ethical issues as copyright or use of negative ways to get an advantage. In the past, the company tried to take advantage by getting information about the products of their competitor company that resulted in legal consequences. The company should try to avoid such situations in the future to get a reputation in society.   

 References of Mattel case study