[Ailist] Cadbury, Dr Martans, Re: What is the Life Force (Vital energy/Prana) ofBusiness?

[Lionel Boxer]

I visited Cadburys in Birmingham and London as well as Dr Martens
(Griggs) in 2000 as part of my PhD research.  Cadburys were all Quakers,
which is important, because none of us are Quakers and we cannot be
expected to behave with such moral rectitude.  Note below, recent
Cadbury practice has been to push chocolate in schools.

From: http://intergon.net/phd/phdch2.doc

2.2.2	Quakerism

Originally known as the ‘Religious Society of Friends’, an assembly of
religious enthusiasts was founded in the mid 17th century.  Curious
onlookers, in mocking the zeal with which members would tremble with
enthusiasm, coined the term Quakers.  In a show of defiant strength, the
assembly took what was intended to be defamatory as their own.  Apart
from rebellious religious doctrine, the Quakers were convinced that an
aggregate of benefits would ensue from both concern for the environment
and removal of causes of conflict (Walvin 1997).  While their perception
of benefits likely placed a low priority on economic performance, it
could be implied that that they considered economic stability would
better enable spiritual pursuits.  In assembling an interpretive
framework for the observation of pro-sustainability business leaders,
Quarter (2000, p. 175) views some aspects as being derived from
Quakerism and notes the direct influence on at least one participant in
his research.

Cadbury literature explains that, in 1847, two Quaker brothers started
Cadbury Brothers of Birmingham.  As such, it is founded on principles of
social responsibility and environmental ethics congruent with Quakerism.
 This literature refers to over a hundred years of social and
environmental responsibility.  Similar to Owen at New Lanark, Cadbury
built schools, homes and churches as a service to its employees.  What
is new, however, is that the company is today looking at corporate
citizenship as it applies globally.  For example, during floods in
Poland, in 1999, Cadbury vans were donated to move people’s furniture
and belongings.  This was viewed as being good for community cohesion.

While Cadbury has been criticized for appearing to sell chocolate to
schools, the company’s work with schools is said to be motivated by
altruism.  Cadbury’s educational partnerships reflect a desire to enable
people to have disposable income and a more rewarding lifestyle.


Lionel Boxer CD PhD MBA BTech(IndEng) - 0411267256
Associate of RMIT University - lionel.boxer at rmit.edu.au
Graduate School of Business
my "Assessment of Quality Systems with Positioning Theory" 
now in a googe book - see link at http://intergon.net
>>> "Roger Davies" <rdavies at rtpcompany.com> 11/11/09 9:20 AM >>>
Good point Rob,

The Cadbury family were very much focused on bettering the lives of
their
employees. They built the village of Bournville near to the factory in
the
West Midlands of the UK to house them. They have been profitable and
well
respected since 1824. Their focus has always been quality, desirable
products and care for their employees. I wonder where the Kraft village
is?