The issue of corporate social responsibility has recently become the point of the renewed discussion. The following two articles, though both of them can be criticized, disclose some aspects of the corporate social responsibility and socially responsible projects developed by different organizations.
The first article under consideration is “Corporate Responsibility is Shaking off Its Fuzzy Label and Becoming a Strategic Imperative” by Melissa Wilkinson. This article is about climate change and corporate social responsibility which most of the modern organizations seem to ignore. The main purpose of this article is to raise the readers’ awareness about the issue of corporate social responsibility and to prove that climate change is indeed a serious problem which will soon affect the world economy and the life of every citizen. Wilkinson emphasizes that the companies will have to work out strategies to fight with greenhouse gas effect, to develop energy- and resources-saving programs, and to focus on sustainability in general. Thus, the article stresses the necessity to be a responsible corporate citizen.
The second article is “Good Citizenship” by Samuel Greengard. This article is about the value of the socially responsible projects. The writer begins with stating that it is important for some employees to work namely for socially responsible organizations; he mentions that three out of five employees agree to work only for those companies whose values are similar with theirs. Then the author describes the “Everybody Counts” program launched by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in 2006. Basing on this program, Greengard gives some guidelines on how to organize a socially responsible project which will pay off. The author stresses that the companies organize such projects for the sake of profits and improvement of the partner relationships, as well as for other benefits rather than environmental conscience.
Criticizing the article by Melissa Wilkinson, it can be stated that not all the facts presented in it can be agreed with. Climate change, though a rather serious and important problem to deal with, is not “the biggest challenge facing the planet” (Wilkinson 2007, p. 38). There are a number of problems that, if unsolved, may be more dangerous for the world. Among these are poverty, HIV transmission, racial discrimination, and a number of others. Of course, it is hard to disagree that living and doing business in the world that is not functioning is possible, but should all the money be spent for fighting with climate change? Wilkinson seems too preoccupied with this issue; she almost forces the organizations to be socially responsible, whereas this should be voluntary.
Greengard’s article also deserves some critique. The author’s concern with the climate change and the necessity of socially responsible projects is evident, but he seems to be too convinced that the companies practice corporate social responsibility only for the sake of profits. He does not even assume that some companies can really care about the world and are able to spend extra money for socially responsible projects, rather than parties and unnecessary advertising. Greengard sees thepurpose of such projects only in meeting political objectives, establishing partner relationships, remaining flexible, etc. He sees political and sociological implications everywhere as if refusing to believe that some organizations may indeed pursue the noble goals when developing socially responsible programs. This is why Greengard’s article also deserves critique.
Thus, much has been written on the issue of corporate social responsibility. Different authors have different ideas as to why the organizations implement socially responsible projects. However, everyone has his/her own opinion regarding this issue and the articles reviewed have proved this.