Abstract
IBM has a responsibility of taking care of the society; it has a corporate social responsibility (CSR) of ensuring it tries its best to improve education standards of the people who live in the areas it conducts business.
There are various instances that encourage the company to uphold its social responsibility but other circumstances are meant to stop or discourage IBM from undertaking CSR.
IBM is said to be one of the best sources of cash, equipments and manpower that enable nonprofit making organizations to make contributions to help the society. It provides computer and software used in spreading information to less fortunate individuals in the society.
In addition, it also significantly contributes to education; the management of IBM is highly concerned about helping people use technology in order to improve their lives and the community (Brookfield, 2004, p. 204).
Do you think that IBM has the responsibility to support adult education in the communities that it does business? Explain
It is possible that IBM is in a capacity to promote adult education in the areas that it does business. This gives it the responsibility to take care of the society, it is important that it takes consideration of what the society wants.
IBM believes technology innovations can revolutionize business and provide important breakthroughs in the management of various projects.
The company is also committed to ensuring that other organizations involved with the administration of non-governmental organizations that address specific problems in the society are vetted (Albareda et al., 2006, p. 386).
The company’s responsibility is notable in many places of the society since it has a number of projects that target the betterment of the lives of challenged persons in the society.
IBM is currently working with KidSmart; a program running in at least 50 countries in the whole world. The project is meant to increase the efficiency of kids and hence the society. IBM has supplied close to fifty computers to all the teachers in their centers in the whole world.
Such a commitment indicates that it can also handle adult education in the same manner (Dilon & Cintron, 2002, p. 94). The most effective strategy towards achieving this goal would have been increasing the capital base of the intellectual adults in the society.
IBM can integrate technology into such a program, since it can create software that can be easy to use in teaching the elderly in the society and it is capable ensuring they get the required knowledge of computers and technology (Dilon & Cintron, 2002, p. 94).
The program is much appreciated by the Egyptians since it does not only teach children how to operate the computer, but also encourages them to learn new life skills, which are important in life management.
In addition, IBM can be able to handle the project since it has fully devoted workers who make sure they give their best at work (Dilon & Cintron, 2002, p. 94).
This was also confirmed by the company’s chairman who affirmed that the IBM is determined to maintain a sustainable environment to help those within the environment where it does its business (Albareda et al., 2006, p. 386).
Assuming that IBM has such responsibility, in what instance would it be relatively easy for the company to be committed to living up to it?
It would be easy for the company to continue with the project if the community turns out to be receptive. In case the community, which its staff personnel are working with, is not receptive, IBM would not consider continuing working with them (Russell, 2000, p. 13).
It would not be possible to determine the problem they are suffering from if they do not open up to the company’s projects. It would also be hard for the company to offer employment opportunities if they deny the fact that they need help from the corporate world.
The company would also feel encouraged to improve the lives of community (Russell, 2000, p. 13). The other things that would influence whether or not to carry out the project, is the availability of funds that are needed to keep it running. Lack of funds could make IBM lack the materials needed to keep the project running.
In addition, most of the workers working under the project would expect to be paid at the end of the project. However, lack of enough funds would only make IBM prepare its management to squeeze the budget so that it can accommodate all the activities that should be carried out to empower the society (Russell, 2000, p. 13).
The company should take up the responsibility to help the society; however, IBM should be careful not to compromise the profit margin of the shareholders and the employees’ wages (Brookfield, 2004, p. 204). The company should engage its social responsibility in a way that remains comprehensive and competent in its daily management.
IBM should get involved in activities that are meant to improve the image of the company. Despite the fact that it reduces the profit of the company in the initial stages, it boosts the sales and profits of the company (Brookfield, 200, p. 204).
After assessing the positive and negative effects of starting the project, the company can then decide whether to commence it or hold it back. If there are positive responses concerning the project; then the management of the company should not be hesitant in making up systems and strategies of running the project.
Assuming that IBM has such a responsibility, in what instances would it be relatively difficult for the company to be committed to living up to it?
One of the things that could make the company resistant to committing itself to the society is if the society is not interested in the projects it intends to carry out. If the company is experiencing a loss, it would be reluctant to engage in certain projects for the society (Brookfield, 2004, p. 204).
It is hard to compromise the profit margin of the company since shareholders are not interested in the company’s social responsibility.
The other thing that may restrict the company from commencing its responsibility to the society is if there are no proper organizations and strategies; the project is bound to fail terribly if started without a concrete plan. There is a need to have a specific plan that shows the society’s responsibility chart.
Before the project commences, it is important that the management and the society representatives have a mutual agreement; in order to agree on the things that should be included in the project (Brookfield, 2004, p. 204).
References
Albareda, L., Tencati, A., Lozano, J. M., & Perrini, F. (2006). The government’s role in promoting corporate responsibility: A comparative analysis of Italy and UK from the relational state perspective. Corporate Governance, 6(4), 386-400.
Brookfield, S. (2004). Tales from the dark side: a phenomenography of adult critical reflection. International Journal of Lifelong Education, 13(3), 203-216.
Dilon, C. L., & Cintron, R. (2002). Distance education and the community college: From convention to vision. New Directions for Community Colleges, 1997(99), 93-102.
Russell, M. (2000). Online learning communities: Implications for adult learning. Adult Learning, 10(1), 12-20.