Decisions in Paradise

Everyone’s image of paradise is different in one way or another. Some people believe that he or she may already live in such a place. Others often dream of what could be. Although paradise can be many different things to different people, we all hope to reach that place some day. But, does such a place really exist? Take Kava for instance, from the outside a seemingly perfect environment filled with southern pacific culture. But the swaying palm trees and tropical breeze can be deceiving. Paradise, can such a place really exist?

A company with plans to trade or open retail outlets in Kava has issued a challenge to the management team; to become a stronger force with more of a presence in Kava. A country that has strong ties to the oil industry as well an inexpensive labor that produces many consumer products can be a challenge to infiltrate. With strong ties to the southern pacific country the inhabitants could resist the introduction to a new company in their region.

The company has several traits that make it a desirable part of the Kava economy. Being an effective, well managed organization has many benefits to the island countries current organizational structure. The goods and services produced on Kava also impact the company directly as well as consumers in other countries. Also, the financial impact for all stakeholders is that money sometimes can be a deciding factor.

Since Kava is located in the south pacific, it is often a target of natural disaster. The environmental impact on Kava could greatly contribute to the success or failure of the company’s plans to expand. Tidal waves, typhoons, floods, and earthquakes are all examples of how rapidly the surrounding environment in Kava can change. During the company’s plans to expand, natural disasters have already torn headquarters apart more than once.

Other factors that can both help and hurt the expansion process are sickness and disease and indigenous people and their cultures. Being in the south pacific, Kava does not have the latest medical technology available to its people. With the mix of Asian, African, French, and Spanish cultures the techniques used in some modern medicines would not be accepted by some cultures. Over 50 percent of the entire population is under 15 years old. Added to that is the mix of religious beliefs including Christian, Buddhist, Islamic and over 50 percent indigenous faiths. This could prove to be an obstacle for the company. Different cultures can vary largely and work ethics can differ drastically from one group of people to another. Overall there are many possible obstacles preventing or inhibiting the company’s expansion in Kava.

The companies approach to defining the issues that have the most impact on the expansion are consistent and systematic in the approach. Deciding what the issues are by using critical thinking will ultimately point the company in the direction fro a solution.

Now that the company has defined the issues that could prevent the company’s expansion, overcoming the obstacles will be clearer in a systematic approach. Although the company’s expansion plans include coexisting with the people of Kava, some factors have to be dealt with on a case by case instance. For example, learning more about the native cultures can help the company to work with the people, but no amount of knowledge can prevent an earthquake. The company can choose to be an active member of Kava in such disasters, by being a considerate and compassionate company will help to build the company in this region not only for financial reasons, but also because it is the right thing to do. By adapting to the culture in a professional manner, the company can utilize the surrounding community to help in the growth process, incorporating some cultural influences into the company. The people of Kava will grow to see the company as one of their own.

By using these resources, the company will be on the road to expansion as well as foreseeing into the future to predict some of the upcoming obstacles. By evaluating the current obstacles and determining how to overcome the issues, the corporate development issues will be attainable. Expansion in this region can be achieved, but it will take work on both the company and the people of Kava’s part.

The stakeholders in Kava are all parties affected by the expansion. The boost to the local economy and increase in job availability will positively affect the people of Kava. The low priced quality labor enables the North American portion of the company to outsource some of the goods and services from the United States and relocate them in Kava. This low cost labor yields a higher profit margin to the company’s investors and stakeholders.

The impact the natural environment has on the company’s location can not be avoided. Although the impact the manufacturing location has on the local environment can be addressed and evaluated to make the most minimal impact. Increased waste and use of natural resources will impact the local region in a negative way. Being aware of such issues, the company has the responsibility to ensure the minimal amount of damage to the environment. By establishing the impacts this change will have on all affected parties, the company can be empathetic to the needs of the stakeholders and provide support when needed. The satisfaction of the completed project will be beneficial to the team as well as the stakeholders both financially and as moral builder to the community and people of Kava.

The company’s decision making processes are efficient and consistent. By evaluating the current conditions, defining the issues and possible outcomes, the company has a clear view of the current atmosphere in Kava. By developing processes to prevent some of the issues that have been present in the past, the company has the ability to lead by example to some of the other industries in Kava. Choosing a timeline, gathering a team of company representatives and local people, and sharing information are all variables to make a successful expansion. Using critical thinking will allow the company to use the knowledge base of the employees and the inhabitants of Kava to address this issue and provide beneficial results. By thinking this process through from beginning to end, some of the unseen issues that may have presented themselves can now be avoided. By expanding the company’s presence in Kava, they intend to bring hope and prosperity to a naturally abused environment. The company feels that it is the right thing to do, both ethically and economically.

References

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Tim Jamison (18 March). Tax breaks approved for business expansions. McClatchy - Tribune Business News, Retrieved March 25, 2008, from Business Dateline database. (Document ID: 1447738301).

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