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

[Roger Davies]

It is also interesting to note that a member of the Cadbury family has
always sat on the board of directors. I wonder how much this contributes to
keeping their ethic alive and vibrant within their organization.

Thanks for the additional information Lionel.

Roger 

-----Original Message-----
From: Lionel Boxer [mailto:lionel.boxer at rmit.edu.au] 
Sent: Wednesday, November 11, 2009 12:02 AM
To: bruce at bruceelkin.com; cheri.torres at gmail.com;
ailist at lists.business.utah.edu; rdavies at rtpcompany.com;
mail at sachinchavan.com; robvoyle at voyle.com
Subject: Cadbury, Dr Martans, Re: [Ailist] What is the Life Force(Vital
energy/Prana) ofBusiness?

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?