Using your current work organization (or an organization of interest) and a second organization in the same industry as the subject matter, research the elements of business, compare and contrast the...

Running Head: ANALYSIS OF 2 ORGANIZATIONS IN THE SAME INDUSTRY
Running Head: ANALYSIS OF 2 ORGANIZATIONS IN THE SAME INDUSTRY
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ANALYSIS OF 2 ORGANIZATIONS IN THE SAME INDUSTRY
Analysis of 2 Organizations in the Same Industry
Name
Institution
Analysis of Hershey Company and Thorntons Company in the Confectionary Industry
Question 1
Legal Environment in which Hershey Company and Thorntons PLC Company Operate
Hershey Company operates under the legal system of Pennsylvania, North America. The company conforms to government regulations by submitting annually compliance reports to various regulators within the country. In addition, Hershey’s Code of Ethical Business Conduct applies to every officer, director, and employee. This code addresses a number of issues emanating from conflicts of interest, workplace diversity, supply chain management, and antitrust to fair trade (“The Hershey Company Corporate Social Responsibility Report,” 2009, pp. 11-12).
On the other hand, Thorntons PLC Company operates under the legal system of United Kingdom (UK). The company conforms to state laws and regulations by using a formal process in its planning activities, which stirs long-term goals attainment. Development reviews and management performance are conducted each financial year in order to abide by state laws. In addition, the company abides by the UK Corporate Governance Code whereby its board ensures that the organization meets the provisions outlined in Section 1 of the code (Thorntons, n.d).
Social Environment in which Hershey and Thorntons Operate
Hershey Company has a school by the name Milton Hershey School in which it not only conducts its business through direct partnership but also reaching out to both parents and students. For instance, various plants and departments within the company host career tours and days in the school. In addition, students from the school are offered internships at the company. Through the company’s “Project Fellowship” program, employees, in their various groups pair up with students’ parents for establishing mutual and fun relationships. The project fellowship program enhances the realization of global experience as well as establishing strong role models to the students (Hershey’s, n.d).
Thorntons Company is actively engaged in raising money to support children charity programs. For instance, in 2011, the company’s staff raised $ 81,445 to support needy children. The money included pension from suppliers and staff who participated in the London marathon, centenary celebration events conducted during the year, and collections from Charity Football Days that were conducted at Derby County’s football ground on several occasions. In addition, during festive seasons of the year, chocolates from Haiti were sold with 90% donation, raising money for the programme Save the Children of Haiti who involved in earthquake incident. The company’s Own Stores support local charitable activities (Thorntons, n.d).
Economic Environment in which Hershey Company and Thorntons Company Operate
Hershey Company operates in an economic environment governed by two indexes. They include Sustainable Asset Management Index and Dow Jones Index. These indices are referred to as The Dow Jones Sustainable Indexes. Hershey is committed to conducting its business in an economically responsible manner that conforms to these indexes. Through this, the company has managed to realise its business objectives, obtaining tangible results that support and help its global business growth. Besides, the company is committed to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its long-term business objectives, which contribute to realisation of positive business practices making it ranked as one of the best companies in Dow Jones’ list of classical sustainable organizations. In addition, the company has board of directors and managers who control business activities by maintaining internal processes carried out in the organization (“The Hershey Company CRS Progress Report,” 2011, pp. 2-3).
Thorntons Company operates in a control environment, which is responsible for economic activities. Just like Hershey, Thorntons has a board of managers and directors who are responsible for maintaining and establishing the company’s internal control system as well as reviewing its applicability and effectiveness. The company’s Board of directors provides leadership in a prudent manner designed to manage risks. In addition, the Board sets standards to that ensure compliance to outlined objectives. In addition, the set standards are mindful of the company’s stakeholders (Thorntons, n.d).
Question 2
Managerial, Operational, and Financial Issues that Affect the Organizations
Company Culture and Performance
Hershey’s company success is attributed to commitments devoted by employees.
The company has employees from diverse backgrounds who have varied interests and ideas. These employees are provided with equal opportunities to learn, shine, and grow, a factor that has stirred the company’s success. The company has diverse affinity and council groups, which provide forums through which employees discuss and give their...