The company's social responsibility policies in today's world
In todays business world there are a lot of strategies being used to run business such as special loyalty programmes, express delivery and mobile-friendly shopping experience. It goes without saying that these offerings are very important, however, it is getting more and more difficult for businesses to conciliate a new consumer as the latter has a plethora of options. The thing that can tip the scales in favour of a business is using profits to do good in the world and benefit society. Therefore, the topic of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is becoming more and more popular. Nowadays, corporate social responsibility is an essential part of many business organizations, especially for big corporations. Generally speaking, it ensures that a businesss activities comply with the law, ethical standards and international norms. Implementation of these policies is becoming almost an obligation in a range of countries. Corporate social responsibility is aimed at keeping both environmental and business sustainability sound. To develop economic sustainability, a company should take into account the interests of its employees, consumers and society in general, as they affect directly companys image, profits and appeal for investors. Adopting corporate social responsibility has a number of advantages. First of all, it can help shareholders. Despite the fact that socially responsible actions may reduce a companys profits, they can greatly enhance a companys reputation and broaden the marketability of its stock to potential investors as many of them view social responsibility as an investment prerequisite. Thus, implementation of social responsibility policies may provide an access to investment and funding opportunities. It addition to this, it can generate positive publicity and media opportunities as today media is very interested in ethical business activities. For example, the problem of exploitation of cheap labour force in developing countries without providing proper working conditions and wages. Moreover, adopting corporate social responsibility can stimulate a positive climate in a company, as employees feel that their work makes an impact, what is important for their happiness. Hence, it may strengthen their loyalty to a company and enhance productivity of their work what will influence positively a companys profits and reputation. Although there are a lot of obvious advantages of adopting social responsible policies, there are some people who claim that social responsible policies have some drawbacks. Some companies may use social responsibility policies to direct consumers attention from more serious and harmful businesss practices. For instance, McDonalds corporation - a well-known fast food chain that has restaurants all over the world actively claims that they conduct social responsibility policies. However, McDonalds meals have been accused of promoting poor eating habits, unhealthy lifestyle and using poor ingredients for its products. Thus, it is possible to say that some company may abuse social responsibility policies to switch publics attention away from significant problems.
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In conclusion, this work has shown that corporate social responsibility is a vital element for any businesses to be able to withstand competition. Despite the fact that some corporations may abuse corporate social responsibility policies to hide some drawbacks and negative practices of their business, it actually produces favorable results for consumers, stakeholders and a company itself. Big corporations are important institutions and, therefore, can contribute significantly to the well-being of society and environmental sustainability.
After All, The More Visible and Successful A Corporation Is, The More Responsibility It Has To Set Standards of Ethical Behavior For Its Peers, Competition, and Industry