Question

Are Drivers or Smartphones to Blame? Top-level leaders at a company that manufactures smartphones, tablet computers, and portable music players, among other electronic devices held a one-day retreat. The purpose was to think though how well the company was contributing to society. Technology chief, Olivia, commented, "I am very proud of us as a company. Think of what we have done for the world. Because of our products, people are more productive, smarter, and happier. At any time of the day, millions of users can access the information they need, and get in touch with whoever they want. Furthermore, they don't have to clutter their minds with facts, or even know how to spell correctly, or do basic math. With the tap of a few buttons, or touching a screen, they get all the information they need." CEO Raphael added, "You are so right Olivia. Also, people don't even have to pay for landline telephones any longer. And think of how hundreds of companies can hire fewer people because of our devices. I learned recently that many car dealerships have laid off many of their in-store sales reps because a good deal of car purchasing is now done over the Internet. And people don't have to purchase those ink-laden newspapers because they can get all the information they need on a hand-held device." Derek, the marketing manager, with a worried look said to the group. "We all make a great living from the electronic devices we make and sell, and so do our competitors. The information technology industry has created millions of jobs. And maybe we have also eliminated millions of jobs. However, I want us as industry leaders to focus on one issue right now."

Answer 1

Answer 1

The industry leaders play a vital role in introduction  of  a product , its promotion via advertising and its further development.Thus industry leader should also encourage safer use of smartphone .This is because these industry leaders are the ones who create the needs in the customers . They introduce the consumers to the new products and then induce them to buy it. If the leaders would make it an initiative to warn people against the harmful consequences of smartphones then it would have more impact on the customers .The customers would from the inception, carefully use the smartphones .This could be done by the leaders in two ways

1. they can provide a disclaimer along the advertisement of their smartphone in the newspaper , televisions and other media just in the way the disclaimer for alcohol products are given or for the unsuitability of certain toys for children below a certain age is given
2. They can also introduce new APP or technology to detect when a person is driving and then during this time automatically disable chatting options to avoid some of the accidents

However the most influential would be convincing the customers to use the smartphones in the way they are supposed to use

Answer 2

Although the perspective of Derek seems negative about smartphones but it is merely stating facts about the smartphones.Derek openly supports the uses of smartphones and the industry which provides a lot of jobs to people however it being a social responsibility of the industry to aware the possible cons of the product which the industry is selling.So it is advisable to keep Derek on the position of Marketing manager as he is supporting the smartphones but with caution .

Answer 3

The opinions of Olivia and Raphael are seemingly unethical and irresponsible as they are both adamant on denial of any responsibility  caused by the deaths of people because of smartphones .They should both acknowledge this fact and try to persuade people to use the smartphones in smart ways