What are 4 examples of social responsibility?

All businesses must do more than seek strong profit margins for success; being socially responsible is part of business survival in today's economy. Companies should take a stance on important social issues to build a brand that consumers trust and respect. As a business leader, consider these four types of corporate social responsibility and how you can implement programs that are good for the community and good for your company.

The four types of Corporate Social Responsibility are philanthropy, environment conservation, diversity and labor practices, and volunteerism.

The largest companies in the world are aligned with philanthropic efforts. Microsoft works closely with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to bring technology to communities around the world. The company understands that its success requires not just continued innovation, but building a next generation capable of understanding, using and improving technology.

Even small companies benefit from aligning with philanthropic causes. A local car wash might offer schools a platform to host fundraisers for sports teams. Restaurants have fundraising nights when proceeds benefit a local school or charity. Supporting these causes happens to also be good marketing, because the community is invited into the business, has a good experience and sees the company in a positive light.

Environmental concerns regularly make the headlines, whether a long-term problem like global climate change or a more local issue such as a toxic chemical spill. Companies that align themselves in these efforts help minimize environmental problems by taking steps such as reducing their overall carbon footprint. Although major corporations get most of the attention for their environmental commitments — General Mills has committed to a 28 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, for example — there are plenty of opportunities for small and mid-sized business as well.

Does your business have an active recycling program on site? Have you considered using alternative energy sources like solar and wind to help power your operations? There are plenty of "green cleaning" alternatives that can help reduce your use of harsh toxic cleaning chemicals. All these steps can make a small but significant contribution to improving the environment. You can also ask your suppliers to do the same, letting them know that their environmental measures will be a factor in your purchasing decisions. By doing so, your environmental commitments are multiplied along the supply chain.

Business leaders realize that diversity in the workplace is beneficial when everyone is getting along and working as a team. However, labor policies must apply to all employees, even those at the highest levels of the company. The scandals with Harvey Weinstein and Steve Wynn show that no company is impervious to the ramifications of sexual harassment. This movement has also given rise to other diversity issues in the workplace that need attention and consistent action. As a business leader, review your own diversity policies and protocol to address any complaints and violations. This is not only good for your company image, it also helps build a positive company culture with good morale and high productivity.

Local communities and charities always need help. Smart business leaders know that being involved in the community in a productive way is good for the company too. Give employees the opportunity to help a local school plant trees or work with the city council on addressing homelessness in the area. Business leaders have the opportunity to choose where to spend volunteer efforts to best help the local area along with the company. The important thing for businesses is to choose a cause and contribute time.

1. Career development
2. What Is Social Responsibility? Types and Examples

By Indeed Editorial Team

Updated August 24, 2021 | Published February 4, 2020

Updated August 24, 2021

Published February 4, 2020

From increased productivity to attracting top talent, there are numerous benefits to adding social responsibility initiatives within an organization. It also allows you to improve your organization's overall reputation, which can open doors for unlimited new opportunities. Choosing which initiative is most appropriate for your organization requires careful consideration, as the endeavor can become costly.

In this article, we discuss what social responsibility is, how social responsibility and ethics are closely connected and the advantages and disadvantages of social responsibility. We also cover a variety of examples of social responsibility that many companies are choosing to initiate.

Related: What Is Corporate Social Responsibility

What is social responsibility?

Social responsibility is an ethical framework in which individuals or corporations are accountable for fulfilling their civic duty and taking actions that will benefit society as a whole. If a company or person is considering taking actions that could harm the environment or society, then those actions are considered socially irresponsible. According to this concept, managers must make decisions that not only maximize profits but also protect the interests of the community and society as a whole.

Social responsibility and ethics

Ethics refer to a set of moral principles that govern a company's or person's behavior. Companies should incorporate ethics into their daily actions, particularly those decisions that affect other people or the environment. A code of social responsibility and ethical behavior should be applied within an organization as well as during interactions with others outside of the company. As long as a company upholds strong ethical standards and maintains social responsibility within the company, then the environment and employees are held as equals to the focus on profitability. However, if the company ignores its ethical standards and takes actions that are socially irresponsible, such as disregarding environmental regulations to increase profitability, government interference is often necessary.

Advantages of social responsibility

There are a number of advantages when a company chooses to be socially responsible, such as:

• Gives a company a competitive edge

• Attracts strong candidates and increases retention

• Makes your business attractive to investors

• Improves business culture

• Increases customer loyalty and advocacy

• Improves company reputation

• Improves profitability and value

Gives a company a competitive edge

Most customers today agree that social responsibility is a top criterion when choosing a company to shop from or do business with. Being a socially responsible company is also a message you can use in your brand position and marketing.

Attracts strong candidates and increases retention

The success of your company is strongly impacted by the people who work for you. If you consistently provide a socially responsible culture for your employees, and you have a reputation for doing so, you can attract and retain top talent to your organization.

Related: Human Resources: Definition and How It Works

Makes your business attractive to investors

Investors generally believe that a commitment to social change is a great way to position a company for long-term success. While there must be a balancing act between focusing on the profitability of an organization and social initiatives, doing so successfully can create endless opportunities for companies.

Improves business culture

Your employees are likely to be more motivated and have a greater commitment to the organization if they see the social initiatives are in place. Providing time for employees to support their own social initiatives can also build pride, loyalty and motivation among members of your team. This, in turn, makes everyone more engaged and productive.

Related: Tips To Demonstrate Work Ethic

Increases customer loyalty and advocacy

Consumers are drawn to companies that have a reputation for being a good corporate citizen. Moreover, customer advocacy is key to attracting new customers. As your loyal customers talk to people they know about your product and share positive reviews, they will drive more business your way.

Improves company reputation

If your organization is continually participating in social initiatives, it gives an impression to customers, investors and the world as a whole that your organization is financially viable. This, in turn, can attract new investors and investors alike.

Improves profitability and value

In many cases, companies find that when they introduce more energy-efficient methods and begin recycling they actually cut operational costs and benefit the environment. Social responsibility also increases transparency with investment analysts, shareholders and community members, which in turn improves the company's reputation and increases the overall value.

Disadvantages of social responsibility

While corporate social responsibility is generally advantageous for organizations, there are a few drawbacks. Here are the primary disadvantages to consider:

Costs money to implement

While large organizations can afford to allocate a budget to corporate social responsibility reporting, this can be financially taxing on smaller organizations. While smaller companies can use social media to share any social responsibility policies or initiatives with customers and community members, monitoring these channels takes time and resources. It may require the company to hire extra employees to manage the process effectively, which can be challenging for small businesses.

Impacts profitability

A company has a fiduciary duty to its shareholders and costly social responsibility initiatives can impact this directly. This conflict can be challenging for managers, who may feel compelled to choose between socially responsible decisions or initiatives and focusing on the company's profitability.

Greenwashing

In some cases, social responsibility initiatives have been used as a ploy to improve a company's image even though no real change has been made. For this reason, it's important to consider what social responsibility initiatives you're going to take and evaluate the impact that they will have on the organization.

Examples of social responsibility in corporations

Here are a few examples of corporate social responsibility initiatives that companies have taken:

• Charitable giving and volunteer efforts: Companies are giving employees time off for volunteering every year and also donating portions of revenue to a charitable organization.
  

• Changes to company policies in an effort to improve or benefit the environment: Companies are holding tree-planting events, minimizing paper waste, switching to energy-saving bulbs, setting up recycling bins and allowing remote work to reduce the negative impact of commuter traffic.
  

• Improving labor policies and embracing fair trade: Brands are striving to improve working conditions and the well-being of employees. They are giving parents significant periods of paid leave, unlimited vacation time, more natural lighting, soft seating and plants to boost energy and morale.