Introduction
Corporate social responsibility is an essential aspect in the business world. It is an obligation for a business organization to pursue long term goals that are good for the society. It can also be termed as the continuing commitment by business firms to behave in an ethical manner and contribute to economic development while at the same time enhancing the quality of life of the employees and their families.
The business firm should also enhance the lives of the local community and the entire society around which it operates (Kotler, 2005). This piece of work looks at an individual, Karl Mark, evaluating him with respect to corporate social responsibility and its effects on his career.
Discussion
Abiding by corporate social responsibility practices is not only beneficial to a business organization but also to individuals who participate in it. An individual’s perception and view about the idea of corporate social responsibility influences ones life greatly in terms of career progression and the behavior of the general public towards the individual.
This therefore dictates that it is advisable to support the idea of corporate social responsibility for the sake of one’s prosperity as well as that of the society at large despite the cost that could be involved.
Karl Marx was an active economic activist and socialist who was involved with many activities during his lifetime. It is evident that Karl Marx would totally support the idea of corporate social responsibility.
This is because of his nature and how he perceived life in general. He cared more about the communities and would therefore support any effort aimed at supporting the society in any way. He was against capitalism and supported collective gain among the society members (Marx, not dated).
In his career, Karl Mark was able to succeed due to the support he gave to the society in regard to advocating for developmental projects aimed at helping members of the society in an effort to uplift their living standards. Karl Mark’s economic and socialist work gained considerable support from people due to the fact that the benefits associated with the activities were clear (Marx, Easton and Guddat, 1997).
Business organizations should operate bearing in mind that the society is a crucial element that contributes towards their success. Without the support of the people who surround a business organization, it is difficult for it to succeed in its undertakings. This is because it requires a symbiotic relationship to be established between a business enterprise and the society around it.
This is so as both need each other for success. A business organization may need the society as buyers as well suppliers. They could also be a source of workforce in various positions for example marketers bearing in mind that they are in a better position to reach as many clients as possible.
The business should therefore go an extra mile in providing services to the society as a way of fulfilling corporate social responsibility. This could be through undertaking of some developmental projects that aim at enhancing the lives of the people.
Throughout his entire life, Karl Marx attempted to gain a deeper understanding of the society and its nature in an effort to ensure that their rights are fulfilled. He for example supported aspects like education and enlightenment of the people so that they would be in a position to fight for their rights and social justice.
Provision of educative programs by business enterprises to the community is a form of corporate social responsibility and plays a great role in ensuring that members of the society are well equipped with some knowledge and skills which in turn allows them to live a better and sustainable life for instance through securing employment opportunities (Eastman, 1959).
There are various benefits associated with corporate social responsibility. For example, it avoids excessive regulation, it is ethical and improves an individual’s and firm’s public image, enhances the social environment and more so, some socially responsible actions are profitable. It is also a good way of correcting social problems that might have been caused by various activities.
In cases of a business, it provides a competitive advantage, attracts and retains employees through motivation and attracts investors. It therefore follows that business enterprises should always foster corporate social responsibility.
Although Karl Mark received a lot of objections from the authorities such as the governments, he tried his best to enhance the lives of the society and for this reason his name and work will live to be remembered over the years. This is more so because of his contribution towards the understanding of society (Foot, 2004).
Conclusion
From the above discussion, it is evident that corporate social responsibility is critical to economic development due to the fact that it empowers societies.
Abiding by corporate social responsibility practices is not only beneficial to a business organization but also to individuals who participate in it. An individual’s perception and view about the idea of corporate social responsibility influences his or her career and how the general public reacts towards him or her.
Reference List
Eastman, M. (1959). Capital, the Communist Manifesto and Other Writings. New York: Modern Library.
Foot, P. (2004). Karl Marx: the Best Hated Man, Socialist review. Web.
Kotler, P. (2005). Corporate Social Responsibility: Doing the Most Good for Your Company and Your Cause. New Jersey: John Wiley and Sons.
Marx, K. (n d). Economic and Philosophical Manuscripts of 1844. Web.
Marx K, Easton, D.L and Guddat H.K. (1997). Writings of the Young Marx on Philosophy and Society. New York: Hackett Publishing.