Toms of Maine and especially its founder, Tom Chappell, appears to take a very proactive strategy to his ethical behavior. As reflected in his mission statement and his business practices, the company appears to weigh social concerns over economic concerns. this is most characteristic in the event concerning the toothpaste, which cost Tom Chappell 10 times the usual sum to get the [ADA]s seal of approvel.

2. What potential dilemma did Tom Chappell face in the mid-1980s?

            In the mid-1980s Tom began to become confused and derailed by success. He was becoming overwhelmed with its obligations and chose to attend Harvard Divinity School. Through this time he learned skills equivalent to those who were assisting in running his business. He was able to make better business decisions and understand that workings of the marketplace better. As a result he formed a mission statement for the company in order to set out the values of the company for the future.

3. How important were Tom Chappells personal views in helping Toms of Maine to be successful?

            Toms own personal views impeded the business as well as pushed its success. Concerning the project with the deodorant, Toms own decision to push it resulted in his business losing 30% of his companys profits. But on the other hand, Toms decision to push his toothpaste and test it on the markets, even the his consulters proclaimed that they did not know how it could sell, resulted in Tom producing one of their most profitable products.

4. Find five internet sites that discuss ethics and social responsibility.

http://www.mapnp.org/library/ethics/ethics.htm

http://bsr.org/

http://www.business-ethics.com/

http://www.buck.ac.uk/management/undergrad/courses/ethics.html

http://personal.ashland.edu/~eakers/MBA/NewSession2.htm