Business Social Responsibility; The Necessary Evil?

Ethics when coquetted in terms of business can be compositely termed as Business Social responsibility.

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We all understand that social responsibility can be defined as an ideological theory where anyone be it the government, any firm, an organization or some individual has a responsibility towards the society, direct or indirect. In social terms this responsibility can be differentiated as a negative or positive social responsibility but when associated with business or governmental practices, it becomes more of a management theory.

On a social scale, this responsibility can mean elimination of any corrupt, irresponsible or unethical practice or behavior going on which if not controlled can prove harmful for the community, people or environment. But today not only a society but even a business firm or organization needs to retain and follow ethical beliefs in order to flourish. Rather today management of companies makes sure that they are following the so-termed business social responsibilities. This brings us to question like- what are these ethics that a business firm needs to follow, are they profitable, how does the company following these profit and finally, can a business be socially responsible? Undoubtedly, as each business has a different scale and a different goal, the measure of responsibility varies too.

Management, following these business social responsibilities benefit in three main ways- increased productivity, a good and trusted image and less intervention from the government. Being business social responsible doesn't mean being a kind of NGO (non-governmental organization) but applying and maintaining simple ethics that won't cost you but will definitely benefit the community and the environment in the long run, needless to mention even your business. A profitable business is indeed synonymous to a socially responsible management. Having a management that is business social responsible, will also help you to cope with the new laws and restrictions, this will enhance your business performance.

It also helps firms build a reputation of a responsible business and when you are once termed as trusted, business actually grows by leaps and bounds. No wonders, consumers will always prefer a trusted brand, just as a management prefers responsible suppliers. Even the upcoming 'green customers' prefer to deal with companies who are environmental friendly and are environment conscious as well, for example Ben & Jerry's ice cream. The question-whether a firm is doing something additional for the environment or towards the community comes pretty late! Moreover, reduction in emissions or wastes also cuts the firm's own bills. Other benefits like maintenance of employees of high standards, motivated or quality labor, positive relationships and environments follow. The employer can motivate its employees for an environmental friendly usage. Even the minutest acts like switching off lights, fans, not let water running off without nay use can help a business firm grow both economically and socially. After doing your bit, the managements can also hold seminars or work with the local communities to make them more aware about the business social responsibility and its various advantages. This won't only build a good reputation but even get you awards and more business. Last but not the least, firms should always keep a measure of the effectiveness of the social responsibility played by them and sidewise keep a check the profits as well, which will give way for future endeavors indeed.

The bottom-line of business social responsibility is the healthy and trusted relationship between the management, the employer, the employees, the suppliers and the customers and nonetheless the environment.