Do you know that your organization has the morale obligation to contribute positively to its community?
What was once the responsibility of only the large Multinational energy firms has now become the responsibility of every firm. I am talking about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Your organization has the morale and often legal responsibility to be accountable to the environment, its employees, its customers, its shareholders and society in general. It must act as a good corporate citizen and ensure that all of its employees, affiliates, suppliers and partners act responsibly on a global basis.
You, as a leader or team member, must also ensure that you and your team act responsibly on a global basis. Information can be found all over the internet about firms that act responsibly. Even more information can be found on websites, media articles and blogs of organizations or individuals that do not act responsibly. Consumers are increasingly basing their purchasing decisions on criteria such as CSR and are influencing buying decisions on a global basis.
The organizations that prosper are the ones that quickly realize that CSR is not for public relations purposes but instead just smart business. The Dow Jones Sustainability Index proves that corporations that ‘step up’ and practice effective stewardship over The Triple Bottom Line, over time, have consistently outperformed competing organizations.
Putting It Into Action:
If CSR is new to you, research and get up to speed quickly on the issues. Look for an area of the organization where others may interpret a lack of ethical behaviour. Take steps to communicate widely what you and your organization are doing, which should reverse those negative perceptions.
With you along the path towards success,
Joseph