Government regulation and public awareness are external forces that have increased the social responsibility of business. But business decisions are made within the company. Two contrasting philosophies, or models, define the range of management attitudes toward social responsibility; the economic and the socioeconomic model.

According to the traditional concept of business, a firm exists to produce quality goods and services, earn a reasonable profit and provide jobs. In line with this concept, the economic model of social responsibility holds that society will benefit more when business is left alone to produce and market profitable products that society needs. To the manager who adopts this traditional attitude, social responsibility is someone else’s job. After all, stockholders invest in a corporation to earn a return on their investment, not because the firm is socially responsible and the firm is legally obligated to act in the economic interest of its stockholders.

In contrast, some managers believe they have the responsibility not only to stockholders, but also to customers, employees, suppliers, and the general public. This broader view is referred to as the socioeconomic model of social responsibility. It places emphasis not only on profits but also on the impact of business decisions on society. Recently, increasing numbers of managers and firms have adopted the socioeconomic model and they have done so for at least three reasons. First, a business is dominated by the corporate form of ownership and the corporation is a creation of society. Second, many firms are beginning to take pride in their social responsibility records. Third, many business people believe it is in their best interest to take the initiative in this area, prior to their competitors.

The merits of the economic and the socioeconomic models have been debated for years by business owners, managers, customers, and government officials. Each side seems to have four major arguments to reinforce its viewpoint. Proponents of the socioeconomic model maintain that a business must be more than simply seek profits to support their position and they offer that businesses cannot ignore social issues because a business is a part of our society. Moreover, a business has the technical, financial, and managerial resources that are needed to tackle today’s complex social issues. Additionally, by helping resolve social issues, business can create a more stable environment for long-term profitability. Finally, proponents of socially responsible decision making practices argue that these types of tactics can prevent increased government intervention, which would force businesses to do what they fail to do voluntarily. All these arguments are based on the assumption that a business has a responsibility not only to stockholders but also to customers, employees, suppliers and the general public.

Opponents of the socioeconomic model argue that a business should do what it does best; earn a profit by manufacturing and marketing products that people want. Those who support their position argue that business managers are primarily responsible to stockholders, so management must be concerned with providing a return on owners’ investment. Furthermore, corporate time, money and talent should be used to maximize profits, not to solve society’s problems. Also, social problems affect society in general, so individual businesses should not be expected to sole these problems. In addition, social issues are the responsibility of government officials who are elected for that purpose and who are accountable to the voters for their decision. These arguments are obviously based on the assumption that the primary objective of business is to earn profits, whereas government and social institutions should deal with social problems.

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Employment, Business, and Real Estate

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Jorge was a young construction worker, sitting near the front of the bus. Natasha was an older lady confined to a wheelchair. She asked him about his orange safety vest, “Where do you get those?”

The vests are highly reflective and are easily seen by oncoming automobile traffic. Natasha thought that a similar vest might protect her as she crossed the street from the bus stop to her house in the evening.

Jorge stood up, took the vest off, and presented it to Natasha as a gift.

In a world that seems less concerned with the well being of others, than with grabbing what you can, Jorge’s selflessness stands out as a welcome gesture.

In our personal lives and the business world there is room for improvement in manners and etiquette. In the business etiquette training video America the Rude, the lack of good manners and honesty is pointed out as a growing problem.

“As common courtesy becomes less common and good taste is all but a contradiction of terms, Americans continue to push the envelope of socially acceptable behavior. Does the Golden Rule still apply, or are people too busy to care about the feelings of others? This program probes the apparent erosion of decorum in the United States, which has had a profound impact on respect for authority, trust for one another, and willingness to give a helping hand. Experts include Professor Stephen Carter, of Yale University; psychologist Arnold Nerenberg, author of Overcoming Road Rage; and Pier Forni, of Johns Hopkins University’s Civility Project.”
– Ad copy for America the Rude

Doing nice things for people should be the norm, not the exception. In our shrinking world, we need to make the effort. We still need to adhere to the golden rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Is that really so hard? Of course, if were easy, we wouldn’t need training videos like America the Rude, which is actually the first tape in a two-part series called Truth and Consequences: Is America Going Downhill? The second video is called Liar, Liar, Pants on Fire.

Lies and rudeness seem to be so prevalent that small courtesies really stand out. This is good for people and businesses that do practice polite customs like expressing pleasantries and sending thank you notes.

Who really wants to be an oaf or a bumpkin? In today’s world it’s easier than ever to be a gentleman or a lady. Sometimes all it takes is a smile, a nod of recognition, or the gift of a used plastic vest.

Don Doman is a published author, video producer, and corporate trainer. He owns the business training site Ideas and Training, which he says is the home of the no-hassle “free preview” for business training videos. He also owns Human Resources Radio, which broadcasts HR and business training information, program previews, and training samples from some of the world’s great training speakers twenty-four hours a day. You can listen and learn on Human Resources Radio.

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Tags: ethical, news, perspectives, articles, issue

That’s right – you read correctly. I don’t want you to forgive them.

I want you to thank them.

Every day, in my head, I thank the people who said I wouldn’t be able to start my first business at age 15. Every day I thank the people who thought I would fail opening a real estate agency at 21.

When people expect you to fail or don’t support your endeavours you can do two things. You can believe them. Or you can show them. I know which I chose to do. What’s your choice going to be?

I chose to use their negativity as fuel for my energy and drive. I used their words as motivation when I was feeling low. I decided that success was the best and only form of revenge I would ever enact on these people.

In life you are always going to encounter negative people. If you don’t meet these negative people you will never know the following:

* How much you should love and appreciate the positive and supportive people in your life
* How good you’re going to feel by becoming successful and proving them wrong

You can get angry, you can try and get even – OR you can get on with it and become an unequivocal success. Two options will get you tired, probably bitter and will usually prove the doubters right.

Remember – Success is the only acceptable form of revenge.

Kirsty Dunphey has first and foremost always been entrepreneurial. From her start at an early age working in her parents small businesses or opening her first business at 15 – she’s had the bug her whole life.

With two businesses and two part time jobs under her belt by the age of 15 to her own real estate agency at 21 Kirsty has been described as “”Little bit Aussie Battler, Little bit Sassy Entrepreneur.”"

In 2002 Kirsty was named as the Australian National Winner of Telstra’s Young Business Woman of the Year Award. Winning this prestigious award and in fact being its youngest ever recipient shows the depth of her knowledge, experience and most importantly passion.

Through speaking, training, coaching and wide variety of products and materials Kirsty takes that passion, that experience and that drive and injects it into your organization, your career, your life. Anything is Possible and Kirsty has developed presentations, workshops and reading materials to show you how to use simple techniques to change your mindset and change your life.

Visit this website

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