Social responsibility is a term that refers to the burden, commitment or obligation that the members of a society have, either as individuals or as members of a group, as well as for society as a whole.
The Social Responsibility of the company has had great importance as a tool to advance economic and social development alike, in regions such as Latin America and the Caribbean. In the business aspect it has always had great importance in the formula of sustainable development, due to its ability to generate wealth and employment.
More and more companies are integrating practices that are generous with the environment, with their workers and suppliers, and also with the communities with which they operate, into their strategies and in their daily operations.
Citizens and organizations are currently in a change of time in which a new culture of Shared Social Responsibility, of Co-responsibility is developed and in this way it is sought to be more participatory and share in social change.
Shared social responsibility
Introduction
Social responsibility is a term that refers to the burden, commitment or obligation that the members of a society have, either as individuals or as members of a group, as well as for society as a whole.
This concept can have a positive or negative position on the impact that a decision has on society. And it can be valued both in ethical and legal aspects.
RS1 is considered to be different compared to political responsibility because it is not limited to assessing the exercise of power through a state authority.
The Social Responsibility of the company has had great importance as a tool to advance economic and social development alike in regions such as Latin America and the Caribbean. In the business aspect it has always had great importance in the formula of sustainable development, due to its capacity to generate wealth and employment
And their role becomes even more significant in the face of social problems in the region, such is the case of the 200 billion Latin Americans who still live well below the poverty line and do not have the benefits of economic growth. (Peinado & Garza, 2007)
1 Social Responsibility
Traditional development actors are:
- Government Civil society and internal organizations of some nationals
They face the impossibility of solving problems unilaterally and recognize that it is necessary to join forces with the private sector since it often acts in a better way.
More and more companies are integrating practices that are generous with the environment, with their workers and suppliers, and also with the communities with which they operate, into their strategies and in their daily operations.
Being a responsible company generates dividends and this can be seen through the way it improves its products, better acceptance by customers.
Another definition of social responsibility establishes that this is the idea that a company must acquire and should not only focus on or maximize its image, social responsibility is incorporated into business with a positive relationship with the society in which it operates.
According to the International Organization for Standardization, this relationship with society and the environment in which businesses operate is a critical factor in their ability to continue to operate effectively.
Social responsibility means that people and companies work to act in the best interests of the environment and society as much as possible, social responsibility as an application in business is known as a corporate social responsibility or CSR for its acronym in English..
Social responsibility takes on a different meaning depending on the industry in which it is developed, however the basic definition refers to the same thing: the positive impact on society while also improving the management of the company, for example a company in the industry must decide to reduce emissions in some way that has positive impacts on the environment, a company in the social sphere must design a way to give back to the community and provide services to the less fortunate. (Investopedia, 2016)
Social responsibility is understood as a voluntary inspiration, it is in some way to recognize and accept the commitments that one has with society, it is also a mature and sensitive attitude to the problems of society and it serves to adopt strategies and processes that help to make less negative impacts that can be generated to the environment and society.
When one is responsible it is understood that each of the individuals is a member of a society and for this reason all are committed and obliged to comply individually and together.
SR is the responsibility of everyone and only together can change be achieved.
Some history of social responsibility
Social responsibility is that process where companies negotiate their role in society, which implies that it is society as a whole that determines whether or not a company is socially responsible.
This term can also refer to a business dimension concerned with the concept of sustainability and making a paradigm shift in relation to the economic theory of the company that establishes that the only social responsibility of this was to obtain profits. (Friedman, 1970).
"CSR is a behavior where companies voluntarily assume the externalities produced by their actions" (Crouch, 2006)
Stewardship concept
The term co-responsible according to the RAE refers to one who shares responsibility with another or others.
In today's globalized, interdependent, unequal and complex world it is more necessary than ever for each and every one of its members to contribute personally and professionally with a contribution to make the world a more just, respectful, cohesive place, supportive and sustainable.
Citizens and organizations are currently in a change of time in which a new culture of Shared Social Responsibility, of Co-responsibility is developing and in this way they seek to be more participatory and share in social change. (APENB, 2011)
Complexity and risks of CSR
The current importance of social expectations regarding the issue of companies, places the issue of competitiveness in a position and level that is very complex and is characterized by aspects such as:
- Increase in mergers and acquisitions Risks of culture shock due to the increase in the complexity of organizations Being able to be flexible in a world that is constantly changing, with the uncertainties that this generates and the need to keep up to date Increasing influence of social actors, as are the NGOs and the different organizations of civil society.
Greater chances of discovery
- New high-speed technologies in terms of access to and dissemination of information Stronger and more aggressive communication media 24-hour newscasts Scrutiny of social actors such as governments, NGOs, the public and consumers.
Misconduct has a higher cost:
- Fines and penalties, which are due to the new provisions and legislation. Greater damage to reputation due to the fact that it is in the era in which the consumer has many more options to choose from and there is much more competitiveness. Increasing interest from investors in companies that practice CSR.
CSR axes and indicators
CSR implies a great ability of the company that is derived from the good exercise of its ethical management in the different areas in which it operates, some of the indicators that are managed for the implementation of CSR in a company can be:
ADEC-Ethos: these are organized in seven axes:
- Values, Transparency and corporate governance Suppliers Internal public Environment Clients Community Government and society.
The Corporate Social Responsibility indicators created by the Ethos Institute (Brazil) and adapted by the ADEC are an evaluation and learning tool for company management in terms of incorporating corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices, to the planning of strategies and also to the monitoring of the general performance of the company.
Axis 1: Values, transparency and corporate governance
A company that defines the guiding principles of its actions based on transparent and ethical practices.
- Indicators Ethical commitments Organizational culture Corporate governance Relations with competition Social balance
Axis 2: Suppliers
The companies that develop the relationship policies with their suppliers based on the establishment of long-term relationships and the development of local companies, generate trust both in their investors and in their clients.
Indicators
- Criteria for selection and evaluation of suppliers Child labor in the supply chain Relationships in the supply chains.
Axis 3: Internal audience
A company that cares about its internal public manages to raise the levels of employee satisfaction, and at the same time creates a better internal climate by promoting good labor relations and increases the commitment of workers to the company since they they feel an important part in the management areas of the organization.
Indicators:
- Health, safety and working conditions Valuation of diversity Commitment to professional development Participatory management Relations with unions Remuneration and benefits policy Commitment to child development Work climate
Axis 4, Environment;
Any company that develops environmental management systems generates less impact on the environment, and in this way promotes its protection.
Indicators:
- The environment as a business commitment Environmental care practices Environmental impact Minimization of waste
Axis 5: Customers / consumers
Those companies that care about consumer satisfaction, improves their loyalty and improves their corporate reputation.
Indicators
- Consideration of customer opinion Environmental impact Minimization of waste.
Axis 6: Community
Companies that establish relationship policies with their interest groups and develop social investment programs for the community, increase their corporate reputation, while reducing the resistance that they may have against the company.
Indicators
- Community support policy Volunteering and participation Financing of social actions
Axis 7: Government and society
The companies that participate in the development of their region and the country contribute to the improvement of public policies, the fight against corruption and the formation of a social capital committed to the common good.
Indicators
- Political participation Anti-corruption practices Participation in government social projects Construction of citizenship
(ADEC, 2009)
conclusion
Social responsibility is a topic that has managed to stand out in today's world, due to the importance of social responsibility in the business world and as a way to create companies more concerned with the welfare of society and the environment, these aspects were emerging apart from the phenomena that are currently experienced and that threaten humanity.
Bibliographic references
ADEC. (2009). Incorporation of CSR in SMEs. ADEC.
APENB. (2011). Shared Social Responsibility. Spanish Professional Association of
Naturopathy and Biotherapy.
Crouch, C. (2006). Modeling the Firm in its Market and Organizational Environment: Methodologies for Studying Corporate Social Responsibility. Organization Studies,
1533-1551.
Friedman, M. (1970). The Social Responsibility of Business is to Increase its Profits. New York
Times Magazine.
Investopedia. (2016). Investopedia. Retrieved from Investopedia:
www.investopedia.com/terms/s/socialresponsibility.asp
Peinado, E., & Garza, GD (2007). Shared responsibility. V Inter-American Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility.
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