Tuesday, 2 April 2013

Social Responsibility & Corporations

By Sebastian Troup


When it comes to public relations and the image that a corporation presents to the general public, the importance of taking a large role in socially responsible programs cannot be overlooked. The companies that move beyond their own corporate profit and goals and focus also on charitable and social causes not only help others, but also greatly improve their public image and enhance the effectiveness of their corporate branding. The bottom line is that people would rather do business with a company that takes its social responsibility seriously.

There are two main categories of corporate social responsibility (CSR) for companies to consider integrating into their business plan. The first is what we typically think about when we conjure up an image of corporate charitable endeavors. This consists of enlisting employees to donate their time to a charitable cause or perhaps providing financial support for a charity. While that is certainly highly worthwhile, a corporation also could create a more comprehensive CSR plan that truly transforms the company. For example, your CSR plan might include creating jobs and economic development, both locally and in other areas. The company also might consider improving its manufacturing standards, ensuring that materials are safer and the working conditions are the highest possible quality. Taking on the task of reducing a company's environmental footprint might be another area to address, as well, in your CSR strategies.

In order to truly make a significant social impact, a company needs to incorporate both corporative giving and the creation of a CSR plan. For example, your business can begin using sustainable materials when creating products, reduce the amount of packaging, develop a company-wide recycling program and use other products that limit the impact on the environment. In addition, you can also donate money to environmental causes and designate paid employee time for charitable causes. This demonstrates that your company takes its social responsibility seriously at every level.

The influence of social media provides huge public relations opportunities for companies, especially those that have created visible and comprehensive CSR programs. Social media provides an excellent method of spreading the word about your charitable and social programs which improves the public perception of your brand. Social media allows your potential and current customers to engage with the company in a much more meaningful and memorable way than to simply purchase your goods or services. Most consumers truly prefer doing business with companies that take their social responsibility seriously, it's as simple as that, and social media can help you spread the word about your corporate endeavors.

Never underestimate the impact of positive public relations. Using PR is an outstanding way to build up your company's image and brand. Companies should consistently promote their charitable actions and endeavors through social media and traditional print media in order to ensure that their efforts are visible to the public.

Aside from the fact that corporate social responsibility has a huge positive impact for whatever charities and causes you promote, a company with a visible CSR plan also generally finds it much easier to deal with regulators from the government, as well as politicians. Public service organizations and activists also rarely target companies with a brand or company that has a positive social image, so you also protect your company from negative publicity campaigns.

Not only will you be helping others by creating a CSR program, you will be helping your corporation. Companies that actively engage in social and charitable programs create a highly positive workplace environment. Employees are more enthusiastic if they work for a company with a social conscience, and this improves their work performance and fosters a true sense of community at every level of your corporation.




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