Principles of Management

This quarter I am taking the Principles of Management class and I just wanted to share how this class has helped me realize some important things. We have different assignments and some of the have us analyze businesses and their ethical behavior. I found it very interesting when I found out how some of my favorite stores compare ethically. What I am trying to say is, it made me realize the huge impact consumers can have on companies. For example, I am very interested in animals and protecting them. Unfortunately I don't have much extra money to donate to animal causes while I am still a student, but there are other ways I can make a difference. I can choose to buy only from companies that do not use animal testing on their products (think make-up, beauty products, cleaning supplies). That way, even though I am not donating to a good cause, at least I am not supporting a company that mistreats animals. Another example is getting informed on how your favorite clothing store treats its employees. Do they manufacture by using child labor? Do they only pay minimum wage? Some companies are committed to treating their factory workers with dignity, and even though their products are a little bit more expensive, I like the fact that I am not supporting child labor.
These are just two examples on how you can make a difference.
This class has also taught me what a good manager should do and not do, and it makes me appreciate my former manager so much more! Understanding how things work can make a difference in your work life or your choice of company you work for. You have choices, and sometimes it is not worth working for a company that does not treat you the way they should. One of the main reasons I went to get a new degree is because I wanted to have a choice in where I work, and be able to walk away from a bad work environment. Having a degree opens up choices that people without a good education don't have.

Claudia (July post #1)