Mattel & Toy Safety

Mattel & Toy Safety

Introduction

Mattel has been one of the leading toy manufacturers in USA. It enjoys a reputable standard in the Toy industry. Many of Mattel's products are being demanded regularly by customers.

Toy Industry has been booming at a rapid pace not only in USA but throughout the world. More recently Mattel has been facing some serious problems pertaining to their social and ethical responsibility (Mattel, 2008).

Their products have been filled with alarmingly high levels of lead which is having an adverse effect on their consumers. Since their consumers are mainly toddlers and children, they are exposed to various health hazards. It has been observed that many children have been adversely affected by the negative effects of lead in the toys (Hurley, 2012).

Discussion

The prevalence of high levels of lead poses major concerns for Mattel. The decision makers have to confront this situation and employ strategic decision making in order to tackle the situation. We would discuss the intricacies associated with the case at great length. The social and ethical dilemma facing Mattel must be addressed immediately (Kerr, J. C, 2009).

Ethical and Social Responsibility

Mattel failed miserably in acting according to a socially responsible and ethical Organization. Its products were contributing adversely to the society and the children were increasingly exposed to health hazards with the toys (T.Lawrence, A., & James Weber, 2011).

Mattel had failed to recognize the role of alarmingly high levels of Lead and it contributed immensely in safety issues. Children have been known to have fatal problems in their intestinal conditions because of the major significance of Lead in toys. It failed to meet the standards set by regulatory Organizations and this is now in such a situation.

Ethical context demands that an Organization should focus on addressing the ethical issues on an immediate basis. Mattel should have focused on lawful practices for the betterment of society.

With increased illnesses being caused to children and the fatal causes at stake, Mattel has worked unethically and has failed to address the social responsibility. Society is getting adversely affected and many parents do not allow their children to use toys (YCharts, 2012).

Mattel should have focused on addressing the core elements of its toys. It had failed to critically analyze the effect of lead on its consumers. When such a core element is becoming dangerous, Organizations should be quick to eliminate it from its products.

Mattel should have devised some warnings for parents that the toys might contain a certain volume of Lead. They should have minimized or completely eliminated the role of Lead in its toys (Amato et al, 2009).

Mattel should have focused on critically testing the toys so that the risks associated with Lead can be minimized. It believed on its supplier and did not conduct any internal assessment of the toys. There was no quality assurance check in place. There should have been adequate importance stressed upon testing the toys in an exhaustive manner.

Role of Suppliers

The suppliers were largely ...