In class, we had another debate about whether corporations have social responsibility or not. I thought it was a very good topic and summed up a lot of what we have learned and talked about. As we prepared for this debate, I found that I thought both sides had a lot of information and fair points. The more I looked at my notes from our readings, I realized that my opinion was less clear than previously. I still believe corporations have social responsibility, but I can see the other side of the argument. I think it is interesting how some of the articles pointed out that corporations cannot have responsibility, and forcing managers to take on this responsibility leaves room for arbitrary decisions. I totally agree with that point and believe in the hands of managers, social responsibility would be abused.
In our internship seminar class, we discussed different types of communication. I never realized how, in the United States, we use low-context communication and specifically spell out what we mean. It is interesting to learn the history of why we do this. The United States is a melting pot of different cultures, and to adapt and understand each other, it is easier to say what you mean to get the message across. We also started working on a group project, and my group is looking at sustainability in Italy and its history. I am excited to interview my boss for this as he is very well-versed in sustainability in Italy.
Recently, there was a little miscommunication with my internship and when I was going to the office. This happened because every week, my boss changes when he wants me to come in, so there is no clear schedule. This means I have to be very flexible, which can sometimes get tricky with our class schedule and my boss’s traveling schedule. However, we were able to work it out, and since I could not go into the office this week, I created a write-up of my work progress and sent it to my boss. He was very appreciative of the work I did, and that made me feel valued and a part of the team!
Last weekend I went to Venice. We only took a day trip, which I felt was the perfect amount of time to be in Venice. I loved it and thought it was really cool how there were no cars and everyone traveled by water. We took a boat taxi and got to watch the other boats and gondolas. Also, my dad recommended we go to Harry’s bar, which he told me was famous and has had customers like Ernst Hemmingway. My dad told me to get their famous Bellini, and of course, when we showed up, we did not expect it to cost 24 euros. Charlie and I still ordered them, but the worst part was that they came in the smallest glasses I’ve ever seen. It was a really funny moment that I will never forget.
