Ethics
Goldman Sachs Group is a leading player in the global finance industry. The core products of this American multinational firm include investment banking, securities, and financial services (Goldman Sachs, 2016). The success of the firm is attributable to its superior ethics program. Asif, Searcy, Zutshi, and Fisscher (2013) define business ethics as “a field that examines the moral and ethical principles arising from the internal and external conduct of a business organization” (p. 11).
The firm therefore uses the Business Integrity Program to support its workers and members of the public. The corporation takes the issue of business ethics seriously. At Goldman Sachs, integrity issues are monitored and reported by the Network Incorporation. This third party company is contracted to support Goldman Sachs’ ethics agenda. Additionally, the firm has a powerful code of conduct to dictate the performance of every employee. The code guides the employees to follow the existing policies. Goldman Sachs expects its workers to address the needs of the targeted customers in an ethical manner.
Social Responsibility
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a business theory that describes how a corporation acts ethically to make money and empower the surrounding communities (Asif et al., 2013). Goldman Sachs is categorized as a sustainable firm because of its positive approaches to CSR (Asif et al., 2013). The corporation is known to have an “interesting approach to market-based corporate social responsibility” (Skibola, 2011, para. 4). This organization uses the 10,000 Small Business Initiative program to support small-scale businesses. The program equips the targeted beneficiaries with adequate entrepreneurial skills and financial resources.
The company implemented the 10,000 Women in 2008 program to empower underprivileged females across the globe. The beneficiaries of the program have managed to start new businesses successfully. The trainees find it easier to become successful managers and entrepreneurs (Chiu, 2013). This company has been on the frontline to support the CSR efforts of different nonprofit agencies. This goal is achieved through the Goldman Sachs Gives program (Citizenship, 2016). This initiative is used to support the goals of different nonprofit agencies (Citizenship, 2016). The firm’s approach to social responsibility is also strengthened by its Community TeamWorks project. The initiative encourages employees to volunteer and support local non-government organizations (NGOs). This strategy has continued to support and empower more people across the globe.
Environmental Sustainability Practices
The natural environment is affected by different economic and business activities. Several companies have therefore implemented various strategies to promote environmental sustainability. The first approach undertaken by Goldman Sachs is reducing the negative impacts on the environment. The firm uses the concept of energy efficiency to minimize its overall carbon footprint (Citizenship, 2016). Green building materials and principles have been embraced by the firm. The corporation produces sustainable products while at the same time managing its wastes sustainably.
In 2005, Goldman Sachs implemented the Environmental Policy Framework to support the natural environment (Goldman Sachs, 2016). Since then, the program has presented sustainable solutions to address the major environmental issues affecting different communities. Stakeholder theory is embraced by Goldman Sachs to promote the idea of environmental conservation. This is the case because the firm liaises with different communities to deal with the environmental issues affecting them. The firm collaborates with companies such as John Deere to promote the use of renewable energy sources (Goldman Sachs, 2016). The corporation raises awareness on the importance of environmental sustainability and recycling (Environmental stewardship and sustainability summary of 2010 initiatives, 2012). This strategy has played a positive role towards restoring green spaces and parks.
References
Asif, M., Searcy, C., Zutshi, A., & Fisscher, O. (2013). An integrated management systems approach to corporate social responsibility. Journal of Cleaner Production, 56(1), 7-17.
Chiu, L. (2013). Goldman Sachs sets new standard for strategic philanthropy. Devex Impact. Web.
Citizenship. (2016). Web.
Environmental stewardship and sustainability summary of 2010 initiatives. (2012). Web.
Goldman Sachs. (2016). Goldman Sachs’ Environmental Policy Framework. Web.
Skibola, N. (2011). Can Goldman Sachs be socially responsible? Forbes. Web.