Introduction
Today, many large and small organizations start paying attention to the idea of being socially responsible. However, in some cases, companies are not ready to accept all the principles of social responsibility because of the lack of knowledge, unwillingness to put their incomes under threat, or the inability to predict future risks and benefits. Company Q is one of such organizations with a vague attitude toward social responsibility.
Instead of protecting the interests of society like employees or customers, Company Q focuses on its values and profits. As a result, poor staff relationships, complaints, and mutual disappointments occur. In this paper, the evaluation of the current attitude of Company Q toward social responsibility will be discussed to develop several recommendations and improve the interior and exterior environment in the organization.
Evaluation
Social responsibility in business is also known as corporate social responsibility aims at directing companies to behave and organize their business in an ethically correct way in regards to social, economic, and environmental factors. In this case, Company Q focuses only on the economic benefits for its shareholders by closing the stores in higher-crime-rate areas and reducing the amount of high-margin health-conscious products. There are no intentions to join a global movement, attract new customers, or differentiate products from competitors (Elsey, 2018). Instead of searching for some solutions, improvements in society, and participating in voluntary or gratuitous activities, Company Q prefers to avoid problematic areas and reduce its chances to become a socially responsible facility.
Determination
Taking into consideration the current situation of Company Q, several ways to improve its social responsibility from different perspectives exist. For example, its shareholders may agree to cooperate with the food bank and donate unused food to those who are actually in need. However, the lack of trust in employees’ relationships and poor communication prevents them from taking this step. Many local citizens expect Company Q to enlarge its products and services and offer more health-conscious and organic products. The investigations of Gagliardi (2015) showed that people are ready to pay more for healthy food in case they have credible access to it. Still, the company limits its products and cites worries about lost revenues.
Reasoning
There are several reasons for not defining Company Q as a socially responsible organization. Firstly, the staff is aware of the existing crime-related problems in the city and does nothing to change the situation. Socially responsible organizations have to make this world better all the time (Elsey, 2018). The shareholders put their financial needs and economic benefits in the first place and keep away from unpredictable losses. Secondly, problems in the relationships between the employees and shareholders exist and cannot be ignored. Company Q management is not confident in its employees and predicts the possibility of stealing. Finally, its reluctance to sell healthy food and take care of customers despite increased global sales plays an important role (Gagliardi, 2015). New perspectives and approaches have to be discovered to make Company Q smart and competitive.
Recommendations
In general, many modern employers and employees want to become socially responsible as they believe that this approach promotes organizational culture, stabilizes staff relationships, and increases client databases. Company Q can improve its attitude toward social responsibility by establishing a culture of trust between the shareholders and employees. Open communication and discussion of all working and personal issues are possible during regular (monthly) meetings. Another approach is to participate in several volunteer programs and demonstrate its care for the environment and society.
Finally, the re-organization of products and services and analysis of current revenues and losses by a new team of managers is required. A fresh look at old problems and concerns is the best solution for Company Q to become a good example for its competitors and supporters.
References
Elsey, W. (2018). Why your company should be more socially responsible. Forbes. Web.
Gagliardi, N. (2015). Consumers want healthy foods – and will pay more for them. Forbes. Web.