3-1 Small Group Discussion: The Current Starbucks Sourcing Plan

Review the following videos that outline the Starbucks sourcing philosophy:

• Video 1: Starbucks Ethically Sources Its Arabica Coffee to Offer Sustainable Products (2:00)
• Video 2: C.A.F.E. Practices: An Overview (1:57)
• Video 3: What Is an Agronomist? (1:18)

How will the company’s philosophy affect the cost and efficiency of its operation? Is Starbucks able to balance the triple bottom line and reinforce its culture of corporate and social responsibility? In other words, does Starbucks successfully fulfill environmental and social responsibilities while maintaining financial success? How should Starbucks prioritize its financial, environmental, and social investments to achieve long-term success?

In your responses to your peers’ posts, comment on whether you think their prioritizations will be successful in the long term. Have your peers placed too much emphasis on one element of the triple bottom line over another? How is this going to impact the sustainability of their operations?

Refer to the Small Group Discussion Guidelines and Rubric for directions on completing these discussions.