Medrana, Meilin Denise D.

                                                                                       
AIS3B
 
Assignment #3

Identify the five most important stakeholders for Apple Inc. Briefly explain how
you selected these five stakeholders and why they are important to Apple. 
A large portion of Apple’s success is through its Corporate Social Responsibilities.
Through this action, they can communicate and address the concerns of its
stakeholders. Stakeholders play a large role when it comes to product enhancement,
customer needs, and sales. This is why these are the five most important stakeholders
for Apple because they determine and create a large impact on changes and
modifications.
 
 Customers/Consumers
I chose customers/consumers to be an important stakeholder for Apple because
customers are the main reason why the company is well-known. Customers consist
mainly of individual and organizational buyers. The reason why Apple is selling well in
the market despite its high price is because of Apple’s high quality-products,
minimalistic design, and unique technological features that the consumers seem to love.
Furthermore, they could also influence Apple’s manufacturing by listening to customer’s
environmental concerns. Also, the reason why any company values its customers is
because of brand loyalty. Customers can present themselves as advertisers that can
help Apple gain more popularity as well as profit. 
 
 Employees
It is no doubt that Apple’s employees are an essential part of the stakeholder group.
Employees are responsible for the movement of Apple’s foundation. Without them, the
company will have a hard time producing and creating their products for the customer’s
satisfaction. Another factor that yields them together is the inclusion of diversity. Apple
is making progress by hiring more women and ethnic minorities to their team. Because
of this, labor will continue to progress creating an innovative environment for all. Lastly,
employees help determine the problems and threats that arise in the business to try and
work on those to create strategic movements that will cater to the needs of its target
market.
 
 Investors
Investors also play a crucial role in Apple Inc. because they contribute to the success of
the business or in any business in general. Investors are there to support them when it
comes to financial backing. They are not just there for money; they are also relevant
because they can help the company grow and gain business experience. They also
help financially for continuous research development and marketing strategies because
Apple often releases new and unique products to the market. 
 
 Suppliers and Distributors
Inside any business, supply chain management is essential because they are in charge
of the production, consumption, and distribution of goods. Suppliers and distributors are
also important because they also influence the corporate social responsibility of Apple,
Inc. Other stakeholder groups (investors, employees, and consumers) rely on the good
ethical practices inside the business. Suppliers and distributors are essential because
this is where Apple determines if the materials are of high-quality and are
environmentally friendly. 

 Communities
Just like any company that values the importance of corporate social responsibility,
Apple also values its relationship with its community. Apple aims to create good
relationships not only with its existing customers but also to its potential ones. They
want to create an impact on the environment through the use of their available funds.

2. Describe the specific approach you believe Apple's management should

employ to engage with each of the five stakeholders you identified in
Requirement 1. For each stakeholder engagement approach, briefly explain the
type of information or performance measures that Apple's management team
should provide to the stakeholder (or receive from the stakeholder) to improve
the effectiveness of the engagement.

 Customers/Consumers 
For Apple to keep up with the current trends of its target market, it must first analyze the
needs and wants of its consumers. The opinions of their customers matter because they
can highly influence on how Apple can make strategically good decisions and achieve
customer satisfaction. An approach that Apple can do is physical and online surveys.
They must assess what is trending and what can make customers happy. As mentioned
in number one, Apple can strengthen their relationships through brand loyalty. Loyal
customers can be given discounts on certain products or freebies on their second
phone purchase.
 
 Employees
Employees contribute to the development and creation of the products. Thus, a way to
improve effectiveness is to conduct monthly meetings and create good relationships
with all of the employees. Since Apple values and practices diversity and inclusivity, as
mentioned in number one, this is a way for the management team to create a respectful
and free environment for all. Another approach they can do is to conduct get-togethers.
 
 Investors
For Apple to improve the effectiveness of its investors, they must be transparent with
their financial information. Investors contribute not only money but also learning
experiences. They also take part in examining the financial performance of Apple. Since
Apple is one of the most high-selling companies nowadays, they can successfully
satisfy their investors and other stakeholders. 
 
 Suppliers and distributors
Apple maintains its good relationships with its stakeholders by following rules and
policies. For suppliers and distributors, Apple provides a Supplier Code of Conduct
which the company implements to see if expectations are met and ethical principles are
practiced. It is good for the company to have good employee-employer relationships
because they can purchase the products at a considerable price while ensuring they sell
high-quality products so it is reasonable that the company sells flagship phones.
 
 Communities 
Apple engages with its communities by implementing and donating to social projects. A
good example of this is the issue with the COVID-19 pandemic. Apple supplies phones
which are named “Product Red”. All the proceeds of those collected in Product Red
shall be given to those who are affected. Furthermore, Apple also launched a project
wherein they will be giving phones for students who do not have resources for online
schooling.