Inside the Iconic Blue Box

Our assessment required us to choose an organisation or company that we consider to be a global citizen. We had to create a research poster and present our findings to the class. I decided to research Tiffany & Co., which is a multinational company that specialises in luxury jewellery, stationery, personal accessories and fragrances.

 Tiffany & Co. states that…“Corporate social responsibility is fully integrated into every aspect of the company” (Tiffany & Co. 2013) 

I truly believe with the quote above because I was browsing the companies website and I was surprised to see that Tiffany & Co. really prides itself on protecting the environment, their employees and the community at large. Over the years, Tiffany & Co. has introduced many programs so I will just mention the ones that I feel have been the most successful. In regards to the environment, Tiffany & Co. has implemented many successful initiatives to reduce the company’s paper resources. In 2008, they introduced a program called ‘The Catalog Choice’ which allows customers to select the type and number of catalogues they receive. Additionally, Tiffany & Co. resorts to using email communications and electronic catalogues for customers who prefer digital media.

Tiffany & Co. ensures that it operates at a high standard through implementing programs that address social issues such as protecting basic human rights, providing grants to non-profit organisations, making charitable donations to local and international organisations, and having a zero tolerance policy towards blood or conflict diamonds. Tiffany & Co. welcomes diversity in all forms and operates a respectful and fair working environment. The company really values their employee’s well-being and safety, the skills they bring to the company and any issues that are important to them whether it’s personal, medical, financial or legal issues.

I think every girls dream is to own a piece of Tiffany & Co. jewellery (I know that it was mine) because they sell such iconic and classic pieces. But, next time you’re buying a piece of jewellery, ask yourself ‘how environmentally friendly is their packaging and paper?’ or ‘where do they actually source their diamonds from?’ or ‘do they respect their employees?’. I fully admit that I was extremely naïve when it came to thinking about these questions… I never asked myself these questions because I just thought that all organisations were “good”, honest and responsible. Well, I know that isn’t the case but listening to other groups presentations really opened my eyes to how some multinational organisations operate. 

References

Tiffany & Co. 2013, Tiffany & Co. Corporate Responsibility, T&CO., accessed 18 January 2014, <http://www.tiffany.com.au/CSR/>.  

Until next time! :)