Corporate Social Responsibility

I think CSR programs are a win-win situation for both businesses and society. Some of the arguments of CSR as stated in Public Relations-Critical Debates and Contemporary Practice, is that businesses participate in CSR activities for economical and reputational reasons. My response is so what, if it helps companies improve their reputation or gain more revenue, these critics are missing out on the big picture. It is great that companies are trying to be more socially responsible and create sustainable programs to make people aware of environmental causes and trying to improve the future.

In America it is very common for companies to invest in programs that help society. All throughout my childhood my schools received their computers through Dell or Microsoft companies. Coming from a low economic school district without these companies help, my schools wouldn’t have had that many computers in our classrooms, so it helped students. Because of this and the good things companies try to do for my society, I am more willing to buy products from a company that is committed to helping social and environmental issues.

For example, Toyota was the first car company to create Hybrid cars which is fuel efficient and its emission is cleaner than other cars. By Toyota creating the first Hybrid car in 1995, more car manufacturers have followed in their footsteps. I don’t see how CSR can be bad, if car companies are trying to promote cars that emit and use less gas which help the environment. I can understand that some critics say that cars are still emitting dangerous gases however, cars will still be produced due to supply and demand. If these car manufacturers are going to produce cars at least they are cleaner and use less gas. Toyota didn’t have to create these Hybrid cars but decided to commit to good ethical behaviour through CSR. Yes, it helped increase their sales but these cars are at least safer for the environment. That is why these cars have become popular because they are more environmental friendly.

I think more consumers are becoming aware of CSR and support companies that provide sustainable programs. Although CSR can help businesses appear more social responsible, my argument again is its a win-win situation for society. These CSR programs will have a lasting impact on society and its future, so I don’t understand how it could be considered bad. I think if businesses gain economical profit because of their good causes, I don’t have a problem with it because they are at least doing something to help society. More companies should commit to CSR programs because they are in the spotlight and consumers trust them, so they should be giving back to society.

Source: Toyota: http://www.toyota.com/about/our_commitment/environment/vehicles/hybrids.html