Business and Social Integration

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     The other day I was taking the time to think about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This is a concept that can be explained as follows:

"Corporate social responsiveness refers to the capacity of a corporation to respond to social pressures. The literal act to responding, or achieving a generally responsive posture, to society ifs the focus ... One searches the organizations for mechanisms, procedures, arrangement, and behavioral patterns that taken collectively, would mark the organization as more or less capable of responding to social pressures" (Frederick, 1994).

I read about the idea of business / organizations giving back to society earlier, and I had also researched / written about the idea of business organizations that are connected with the Government. Who also fill the vision or mission of the Government of the day, or a political party that they are associated with. Governments look to business for the purposes of economic growth, jobs creation. This contributes to the economic health and wellness of a nation. It makes sense because if we think about it, an administration or the Government of the day has to foster these types of partnerships. It is in the best interests at the national and international level. Businesses or corporations that possess a high dollar value or market shares are viewed as assets, but also seemingly possess more power than that of the Government. This is where laws are put in place so that foul play is reduced, or eliminated completely. We can think of these restrictions / controls as necessary, because whilst a Government should seek out partnerships with businesses and corporations, it also has a duty to protect all hierarchies of the populations, including low-income segments, the poor, needy and those who are simply trying to make it. 

     I also think that a businesses goals when starting out is to cover costs, break the even point, and eventually make some return upon what was invested in the business. A successful business eventually does branch towards the point of giving back to society, or doing some sort of social good. This does not have to be on a large scale either. Its simply what a business can do with the means it has, and the desire to contribute. This is also a natural endeavor. We see this through various initiatives businesses take, and even large scale corporations such as the NHL, MLB, or NBA. Who have formed charitable giving organizations as well.

     These thoughts can also be transferred to companies who desire to invest in foreign nations, whose economy is at a lower level than that of America, or any other wealthy western nation. It is beneficial to both company and foreign lands that are entered, to create ethical business practices, that are in synthesis with a companies mission, and also do not hurt and harm local populations. The same can also be said of the recent deal between America, Mexico, and Canada. While it is good for nations to engage in healthy trading relations, and agreements, we have to also ensure that Mexico is not exploited and that the new deal also benefits Mexico as much as America and Canada.

     Resources were made and created for sharing. However, we have to also ensure that these agreements / relations don't turn in to those of power relations. By remaining committed and maintaining agreements, one builds trust. This is not to say that an agreement is always in a state of perfection. Maintaining communication, revisions, or obtaining feedback can also allow business, organizations of national and international agreements to understand where revisions are needed, and the positives as well.

Further Reading:

*Gallery Furniture (G|F) Your Support Allows Gallery Furniture To Give Back To The Community
*Sam Malone Show, Texas Radio Hall of Fame, Diamond Cutters International. 
*The New York Times - U.S. and Canada Reach Trade Deal to Salvage Nafta
*Kareem Jackson Foundation

Reference:

Frederick, W. C., Davis, K. and Post, J. E. 1998. Business and Society, 6th edition. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill

My thoughts to share with love & kindness! :)

Notes These thoughts were originally hand written on October 2nd, 2018.
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