By Rusen Kumar
Society and business must collaborate to derive mutual benefit.
Every leader in business should think for the welfare of society where they exist and operate. At the same time, they must apply their wisdom and optimum efforts for further improvement.
It is no truism that people live because society exists. People are crops of our society. Society is fundamental. Society is a foundation for all human needs. Environment and society have the capability to fulfill all human needs.
Nurturing environment and society is a moral duty of every human. To make an organization better, vibrant and fertile is a responsibility for all. Every business and corporate leader must have adequate understanding and knowledge of the history of society, community, and societal setups. Business leaders must acquire knowledge and keep updating their knowledge of social changes and reforms. Business leaders must also learn from social workers, who have long years of practical experience on various aspects of social affairs. Cross learning for business leaders is essential and valuable.
The prime responsibility of the business is to protect human rights and at the same time, fulfill their needs. Business leaders must see store as a way to serve the society and humanity.
Success of Business and Society
The success of business and development of society are interdependent. A business needs a progressive community. The society too needs a good business and competent business leaders. Good business leaders are trustees of wealth, knowledge, and wisdom. Therefore, they must promote the understanding and spread it.
Need For Good Business Leaders
Ability to run a business is an excellent capability. It can positively impact society. However, they can go beyond and can help in creating a conducive environment around their business. After all, a good company is also a by-product of a good society. Good leaders also need a good community where they can apply their wisdom—for further growth of their business.
Business and Power
Business bestows power. It is a subset of various powerful elements. However, one should keep in mind that business is not above society. As firm has acquired enough power in this globalized and liberalized world, it should influence the environment, society, governments, and markets. Those are in control, they must take care of the environment and culture around them.
Justice and Corporate Social Responsibility
Humanity needs justice. People are deprived of justice for ages. Across the world, people are struggling for their basic needs such as food, garments, and shelters. Injustice produces various societal challenges.
But who will give justice? Justice is provided by the powerful to those who are less privileged due to various barriers. Our society has so many layers with diversity at every level. What is required, therefore, is justice.
Justice is required everywhere. Business leaders must see Corporate Social Responsibility as a way to give justice to fellow citizens who are deprived of food, garments, shelters, and education. Business leaders have to think good for the community and bring necessary arrangements to upgrade social and economic infrastructure around them. The prosperity of society and business must go in parallel.
Society and business must collaborate to derive mutual benefit. Community and business must take care of each other’s interests. Reducing the conflict of interest is the responsibility for both.
I firmly believe that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an appropriate vehicle to do good—and reap an abundant harvest from the engagement in the long-term. Just responding to social, economic, and environmental challenges is not enough. The impact should be visible.
(Rusen Kumar is the author and founder of India CSR Network, regularly writes on Corporate Social Responsibility.)
Views are personal.
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