The Word That Nike Wouldn't Wear

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In 1998, Nike began a program of global monitoring visits to all the factories that are located in the developing countries, to put their codes of conduct in place. However, some activists have found flaws in the monitoring system and claims that Nike only uses this on selected factories. Nike employs thousands of workers in 700 factories around the world. We do not know much about all the other components that also are important for the monitoring visits. The problem with the sub supplier is that many of the factory owners will lie to the monitoring teams and the workers do not dare to speak in fear of their employer.

6. Account for the main points made by activists and Oxfam.

Oxfam Australia has been running a Nikewatch campaign for the past six years. Oxfam Australia is a nonprofit organization fighting against poverty. They aim to give disadvantaged people improved access to social services, an effecting voice in decision, equal rights and status, and safety from conflict and disaster. The organization claims that some of the workers that are working at the factories are still required to work more than 60 hours per week. They are either harassed or threatened if they refuse overtime. This campaign has been all over the media, and more than 400.000 people have now called on Nike to change their labor practices immediately. They do not want to boycott Nike, but instead try to set a public pressure on them, so they can take on the responsibility.

7. What does the article conclude:

The article conclude the success behind Nike. They are obviously hiding all the bad stuff from the public, to avoid the bad reputation. I am very disappointed with the way Nike handled the issue with Peretti. The way Nike handled it helped, Peretti to make headlines across the world and activist groups to attack Nike’s image. Especially in this type of market for sport clothing, it is very important to have a good image since Nike is one of the most preferred brands. The competition is very intensive on the market, so when you have a bad reputation it is very hard to compete with other brands.

8. Based on your above findings, please explain the purpose of the article.

To run a successful business you need to earn the consumers credibility. The main purpose of this article is to make a controversial debate, and to clarify Nike’s code of conduct. The consumers need to know all the secrets behind the success, because somebody have to pay for it. This article made me think more about how Nike actually produce all their products and I might not support their child labor any longer.