From the case study, it is evident that IKEA is an established brand. In the presented situation, there are concerns about the use of child labor by one of its Indian rugs supplier; Rangan Export. The matter elicits from one of the German Television stations which has produced a documentary in that effect. Furthermore, it has invited a representative of IKEA to attend an interview to be held on the day it is aired. The situation has left manager Marine Barner in a dilemma to whether to send a representative, how to deal with Rangan Exports; the mentioned supplier and to whether the current measures in place that involves IKEA reliance on “Rugmark” as proof of the rugs being produced child labor is effective. This excerpt presents the recommendation and conclusion for Marine Barner by stating the pros and cons of the recommendation.
The attendance of a representative during the airing of the documentary is likely to have the following advantage. It provides the viewer with IKEA side of the story. Although it is true, that is a possible use of child labor in the production of its Indian rugs. The company has evidence of being proactive in stopping it. First, the stated company has recently signed an addendum to end child labor. Secondly, it has engaged a watchdog that ascertains the production of its rugs is free from child labor by placing on the carpets a unique label “Rugmark”. And lastly, the business area's manager's knowledge on the child labor issue is likely to bring to light the intensity of the problem and how their presence in the Indian market is expected to solve the problem just like its previous cooperation with forestry organization.
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On the other hand, it is disadvantageous to attend having not watched the documentary. The representative is likely to be confronted with questions that might not be in the stated scope. Similarly, failure to send a representative is expected to live the viewer with a lot of unanswered question. First IKEA will miss a platform to state its position on the matter enjoying the same volume of audience. Secondly, it will not be clear whether IKEA is aware of the situation and have taken any steps given that the documentary targeted them individually and is likely to emphasize the negative side of the company.
In conclusion, IKEA should send a representative to the interview. The representative should be well versed with the problem and equipped on the knowledge on what they are doing about it. Some of the supporting information to carry includes the recently signed addendum with the company and the engagement with “Rugmark”. The attending representative should reassure the public that its presence in the Indian rugs market is the only way to have a direct impact in solving child labor because supplier will be forced to comply.
