Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an act that plenty of businesses do nowadays. Whether the business is internationally renowned or merely a local business getting by, holding their own selves responsible for any actions the business has done in the name of profit is the correct course of action. It is a model wherein the corporation or the business integrates good business practices and societal issues into its profit paradigm. These to-be implemented policies greatly impact the way the corporation moves and acts. It enables the business and its employees to connect with the community around them. Through milestones, the business gives back to its community by setting up projects and activities that help their immediate community grow with them.
Businessmen, lately, have had a bad reputation these past few decades. They are mostly associated with the greed that accompanies basic money-making and profiteering. They are the ones blamed for the inequalities of wealth in the world. While some of these are true, they are not one to blame alone. These businessmen were once experiencing financial hardships similar to average people. They simply lucked out and strived out with what they have and struck whilst the iron was hot.
Good business practice is one that takes into account social repair and the inequalities of life. The concept is rooted in the fact that the members of the community are the ones who pay for the business’ services and products. Business owners have the responsibility to give the same patronage back to their market. Even small actions matter for even the smallest communities.
In this ever-changing world, what are the future-proof good business practices businesses should exercise to be able to give back to their community?
Involving Workers in Management Decisions
Feel the pulse of the community by involving workers in the majority of the management decisions. Workers are the ones who feel the pulse of the community — they are the front liners and the first people who interact with your market while doing you are business. Involving your employees in making management decisions is not only extremely motivating, the workers, as a group of stakeholders to the survival of your business, will have a say in the direction of the company. Getting their opinion is vital because their perspective is a reflection of the views your market holds. They feel the beat of the pulse of your market directly.
Reducing Your Business’ Carbon Footprints
Reducing the company’s carbon footprints is a good business practice everybody should get on board with. Climate change is taking over as the number one issue our world faces. Due to the increased manufacturing large businesses do, we are putting out unprecedented amounts of carbon dioxide back into our environment. Ever since the great big boom of the industrial revolution, we have been non-stop polluting our oceans and our air. Thankfully, a lot of engineers and scientists are paying attention. Now, we have ways to reduce our carbon footprint through the acquisition of earth-friendly machines and products such as packaging materials that are attentive to the carbon footprint we leave. Reducing our carbon footprint should be a priority as a responsible and good business owner.
Airtight Involvement and Coverage for Employees and Consumers
Similar to car insurance that will pay for your car accident attorney, coverage for any mishaps that can happen to your employees and customers is essential for a business that exercises good business ethics. It is simply ethical for businesses to show the necessary care and security for anything that might happen to their employees and customers involving their line of work. Making sure you are covered against any kind of liability is necessary for you to abate the cost of going into any kind of litigation or sudden expense.
Economic Responsibility Through Job Creation
The greatest gift you could give back to your community is by creating more jobs through the opening of more businesses. Economic Responsibility means not raking in all the profits to yourself but also taking advantage of the opportunity given to you by doing more business. Doing more business does not only net you more profits, but it also gives you the opportunity to provide more jobs for the members of your local community. Employment provides financial freedom and career achievement. It gives people a sense of purpose to move forward through their days.
Entrepreneurship comes with a lot of social responsibility. It is not only about turning a profit; it is also about caring for the market that sustains you and your business. Practicing good business habits is a way of showing that you care for the symbiotic relationship between your business and your community.