By Nes Lopez
Corporate Social Responsibility refers to the way a corporation “gives back” to society. This focus usually includes contributions of time and money, a duty to provide environmentally friendly solutions and services and a desire to improve the way the society is living on a global and local stage. Socially responsible corporations see to it that this belief filters to everything they do.
Social responsibility can be effectively incorporated with effective strategies to advance goodwill, while building sustainable and impactful businesses. They provide the leadership to demonstrate how employees can pursue both objectives simultaneously. As such, socially conscious companies have stepped up their efforts with increasing effectiveness and productivity. It is an impressive movement and one that invites society at large to do even more.
Corporations that are serious about undertaking a socially responsible and sustainable approach often have to battle the fact that other corporations have used this approach as a ploy or as a marketing scheme, or have questionable motives to engage in corporate social responsibility by jumping on the bandwagon and take advantage of the fad.
Another issue is that corporate social responsibility is far from being consistent and universal. There are many non-governmental agencies that are taking an increasing role in pressuring major corporations to behave responsibly. Even though there is no consistency in government regulations regarding social responsibility and legislation can vary vastly between regions, it is really up to the company to go on its own and find a strategy that works for their individual line of business or needs, either by following in the footsteps of other businesses that have successfully adopted social responsibility and sustainability approaches or work with consultants and subject matter experts.
One of the main reasons corporate social responsibility and sustainability has become such a “hot topic” is the issue that other topics such as global warming, pollution, carbon emissions, and deforestation are a daily and common occurrence in our media outlets. Even though these aspects are highly important, there are also other features regarding social responsibilities that are often not as well publicized and communicated, such as ethics, diversity, and disabilities in the business environment.
If a business is dedicated to really being socially responsible and sustainable, the company culture will carry on to its employees and society will take notice. There will be no need to auto-publicize or fabricate marketing ploys to show how “green” they are, or how many carbon credits they’ve earned; or how hiring minorities and disabled individuals makes them more socially responsible and aware, if an individual is capable of effectively performing their role, it should not matter if they come from a different background or if they have a disability.
Every business can find ways to be socially responsible, just by making the earnest and sincere decision to take on this challenge.
Nes Lopez is a Senior Account Manager with a technical background in web and software development. Considerable experience managing projects from start to bottom with direct client interaction.
