Presentation of Mattel, Barbie

Mattel

The subject of our presentation is Mattel.

We divided our talk in several parts :

• The presentation  of Mattel
• The organization of this company
• Marketing strategies
• The problem of the exploitation of Chinese workers
• One focus on Barbie

1. Presentation of Mattel

Mattel is an American company. It is specialized in toys and games.

It has been created in 1945 by Harold Matson and Elliot Handler and is the world leader in this sector. The company’s name is derived from Harold “Mat”son and “El”liot Handler = MATTEL.

Mattel has different brands like Coroll, Polly Pocket, Fisher Price & Barbie.

1. The organization of this company

1. Marketing strategies

1. The exploitation of Chinese workers

An investigation report shows that in one year, six Chinese factories making toys for Mattel deprived their employees of 6 to 8 millions of salaries and social security contributions.

Indeed, it is only by having recourse to fraudulent practices that suppliers can accept low prices imposed on them by Mattel.

Due to the sharp increase in raw material costs in China and due to the requirements of the brand in terms of safety and quality toys, suppliers can maintain low production costs only degrading working conditions.

We can give examples of legal or ethical violations observed by the investigators:

• Discrimination in hiring :

Some providers of Mattel establish an age limit for the recruitment, refuse the nomination of pregnant women, people with tattoos or men with long hair.

•  Violation of etablisment rules  of the employment contract:

Some providers of Mattel establish incomplete contracts, others do not sign any contract or do not sign the final contract before being an employees.

• Excessive overtime :

Workers  perform more than 84 to 110 additional hours per month that is two to three times the limit which is  permitted by the Chinese labor code.

• Exceeding the maximum working time.

 Some men and women workers are forced to work standing for 10 to 13 hours a day

• Delays in payment of wages :

 Some companies pay wages nearly a month late.

Mattel has full knowledge of illegal practices but takes no action to prevent fraud on wages and abuse.

1. Focus on Barbie

Now, we would like to talk about Barbie.

Barbie has been created in 1959 by a business woman, Ruth Handler. Before, the most children toy’s were representation of infants

The inspiration of Barbie is a German doll of the 50’s called “Lili” that Ruth Handler had offered to her daughter Barbara. The name of Barbie comes Barbara, the name of Ruth Handler’s daughter

The typical Barbie is a blonde girl with long hair and is like en European girl.

In 1967, the color of her hair or her ethnic group have started to change. In 1968, the first black Barbie is created

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