Reference no: EM132241833
Chick-Fil-A
Dan Cathy, CEO of Chick-Fil-A, unwittingly ignited a firestorm of controversy on July 16, 2012, when he responded to a question related to his definition of marriage which came from a journalist who was interviewing him for an article in the Baptist Press. Cathy' response indicated that he supported the Biblical definition of marriage. The implication of that statement was that he believed marriage was between a woman and a man.
In the following days and weeks, activists accused Cathy of being insensitive to those who supported other definitions of marriage. This case recounts the experience of Dan Cathy who publicly expressed his personal values, and the criticism that he received from expressing those values.
Three issues the company faced:
1. Company need to deal with an expected social uprising
2. Company dealt with the philosophical and financial implications
3. Comments from Dan Cathy might be promoting or reinforcing values that are important to Chick-Fil-A stakeholders
Goal: Analyze the costs and benefits to an individual and an organization of giving public expression to one's personal values. An additional goal is to highlight the ability of activists' threats to alter an organization's professed social values.
Adapted from Marlene M. Reed, Mitchell Neubert, and Ted Waldron. Baylor University Journal of Business Ethics Education (JBEE) 2015
Your Task:
Dan Cathy of Chick-Fil-A has hired you as a business consultant. Cathy is not sure what he should do moving forward with this issue. What advice will you offer him?
Your analysis should clearly and concisely state the business problem, identify relevant case issues, state a measurable goal for any solution, analyze the advantages and disadvantages of two possible solutions to the problem, and finally recommend the solution that will best meet the business objectives.
Other instructions:
• Do not write a memo.
• In left or right top margin type your name, class section, and the date.
• Center a title at the top of the page.
• Use one-inch margins and size 11 or 12 fonts
• Spell check and proof-read your work carefully.
• Do not exceed 1 page.
Expected Student Outcomes
Students will demonstrate insight into a multi-faceted, complex issue, recognizing underlying issues in addition to surface problems. Students are also expected to use the basic elements of communication in a sophisticated manner. Do NOT copy case language.
Assessment Measures: Content, Literacy, Audience, Strategy, and Style.