How could your company help maintain the balance of our world?
I have been doing organizational development consulting for about 9 years. That's enough time to get to see a lot of good and bad things when it comes to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
What is CSR?
This is a concept whereby organizations consider the interests of society by taking responsibility for the impact of their activities on customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders, communities and other stakeholders, as well as the environment.
To me, every single company has a certain degree of CSR involved. Why?
Because with our businesses we are creating jobs (which means helping entire families), improving the economy of our country (and the others involved), satisfying people's needs (customers), helping other companies survive (our suppliers -direct and indirect-).
So, if you are a business owner, you are helping your country, your people, our world. Good for you!
The thing here is how we potentiate the benefits we are causing to go to the next level and affect positively even more people? How could your company help maintain the balance of our world?
I invite you to share with us your ideas in this blog. Let's improve our world!
Here is the first one:
*Giving back a percentage of the profit of the company. This is a very good way to improve your communities, the education of its people, the environment by planting trees... you name it! I think it is very important to link it with the core business of your company so it makes more sense. It is also a good idea to make it part of a plan and not just spend $1000 in a random effort that doesn't impact the real needs.
*What do you think? Share your ideas.
What is CSR?
This is a concept whereby organizations consider the interests of society by taking responsibility for the impact of their activities on customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders, communities and other stakeholders, as well as the environment.
To me, every single company has a certain degree of CSR involved. Why?
Because with our businesses we are creating jobs (which means helping entire families), improving the economy of our country (and the others involved), satisfying people's needs (customers), helping other companies survive (our suppliers -direct and indirect-).
So, if you are a business owner, you are helping your country, your people, our world. Good for you!
The thing here is how we potentiate the benefits we are causing to go to the next level and affect positively even more people? How could your company help maintain the balance of our world?
I invite you to share with us your ideas in this blog. Let's improve our world!
Here is the first one:
*Giving back a percentage of the profit of the company. This is a very good way to improve your communities, the education of its people, the environment by planting trees... you name it! I think it is very important to link it with the core business of your company so it makes more sense. It is also a good idea to make it part of a plan and not just spend $1000 in a random effort that doesn't impact the real needs.
*What do you think? Share your ideas.
Tags: balance, business-owner, corporate-social-responsibi..., environment, giving-back
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Tina Unique Faith on -
YES! Give more in value and quality than you receive in pay. I whole heartedly believe that giving back to the community IS money well invested.
Giving doesn't have to cost anything, excellent service, a smile, a helpful hand, hold open a door, and so many other ways to give to others are just as important. At our weekly company meetings the first 10 minutes are invested by having each employee share (what we call) a 'gift of love' story, either their own or anothers and how it made them feel. It not only teaches our employees the value of giving and great customer service, more importantly it shows how to feel good and the benefits of a happier way of life.
Great Discussion!
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Permalink Reply by Jonathan Sibaja on -
You've got it Tina!
That's the magic of what we do and can do with our companies. Every small thing counts.
I've learned that the sum of small parts is by far more powerful than big parts. And it calls for SINERGY too! This makes it even bigger.
Let's continue adding value to people's lifes.
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Permalink Reply by Ted Duboise on -
I think a business has to give back to the community - in a lot of ways. Being a good corp citizen requires employing the local workers, buying from local suppliers as much as possible, supporting charitable events, and - yes - making sure to not damage the environment by polluting or discharging chemicals into the water, soil or air. Absolutely, every company has a Corporate Social Responsibility.
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Permalink Reply by Ted Duboise on
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Here is a news service I am subscribed to which fits your discussion. http://www.csrwire.com
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Permalink Reply by Jonathan Sibaja on
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Thanks a lot Ted. I am going to check it out.
Peace,
Jonathan
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Permalink Reply by David Connor on -
Great piece Jonathan!
I agree whole heartedly.
There are so many ways to use the concept of CSR to add value to your business, as long as it is aligned to the core commercial objectives.
My suggestion would be to attempt to engage as many of your employees, clients and suppliers as possible to determine similarities in priorities for any initiatives, i.e. environmental support, employee volunteering, supply chain management, philanthropic programmes. This way you get to make a difference in the world, improve communications internally & externally and stimulate productivity.
It's nice to leave work at the end of the day with a pay packet AND a smile!
David
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Permalink Reply by Jonathan Sibaja on
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Thanks David.
Your point is definitely the key for the CSR to work: we are people, serving and affecting other people.
So our employees, clients and suppliers are fundamental to make things happen. It goes way beyond money!
Jonathan
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Permalink Reply by Jonathan Sibaja on
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*Generate synergy. The most effective way to take advantage of the potential of people is to focus on their strengths and combine efforts to generate synergy. You can do this not only with employees, but also with suppliers, customers, communities...
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