Self-Reflective Journal on Corporate Social Responsibility - Essay Example

Self-Reflective Journal on Corporate Social Responsibility Topic: Social Media and Corporate Social Responsibility Preparation The first seminar which I was supposed to attend was on the topic of social media and CSR. In order to prepare myself for the seminar I started reading research articles, company news related to CSR as well as various developments in the field of social media and CSR. Apart from journal articles and latest company information, various scholarly books were also followed (Schön, 1991). The relationship between a firm and its environment can be understood by adopting an approach which is provides connectivity between the two (Bollen, Mao and Zeng, 2011). A basic understanding of the concepts of corporate social responsibility and social media was gained though academic books. A valuable relationship between CSR and social media was understood through the case of Goldman Sachs where the company gained both in terms of revenue and brand value though philanthropic contributions (Forbes, 2011). Other companies such as Facebook and Google, which are predominantly online, are using the social media channel in order to achieve competitive advantage (Forbes, 2012; Forbes, 2013a). Literature review from various other news reports and news articles also revealed that corporate social responsibility has become one of the crucial elements in strategic decision making process of organizations. Media is quickly becoming one of the emergent channels for information. As a result, companies are frequently utilizing social media platforms in order to engage with its customers as well as disseminate critical information about their national and international CSR activities. Rising consciousness among individuals as well as growing number of environmental communities have also impacted the rise of CSR among big firms. However, the reports and articles also revealed that high disparity exists in terms of CSR activities between large and established firms and small and medium sized companies (Dyck and Zingales, 2002). The principle ideas which I took to the seminar were 1. Awareness about CSR among general stakeholders such as customers 3. Level of transparency in social media channels 3. Strategic move of CSR from offline to online platform The Seminar Discussion The seminar started with discussion of the burgeoning issues which are hampering the authenticity of social media. Then the topic of CSR and its current practices were discussed. The key topics of discussion were internal and external CSR aspects, issues and challenges while implementing CSR strategies through social media channel, importance of CSR activities in the global marketplace. Another important issue which was discussed in detail was changing climate conditions and its impact on the global environment. The discussion ended with various recommendations as to how social media can be properly utilized to generate awareness among consumers. An important discussion point of the seminar was the impact of CSR activities on consumer perception. Most of the students in the seminar agreed that companies following effective and widespread CSR activities and perceived positively among customers and other stakeholders. During the start of the seminar I was highly motivated as participated actively. The initial topic of discussed was prepared well by me, as a result I was able to connect with the discussion and put forward my ideas. However, my preparation regarding current practices among industries was limited because of the limited access of internal company information. Some of the views expressed were particularly new to me. For instance, one person pointed out that industrialization has resulted in the overall degradation of the environment. Even though the point was appropriate to some extent, I was not able to completely agree with the view. Another view expressed, that corporate social responsibility and social media can never integrate, was fully disagreed by me. Short Reflection The seminar on social media and CSR was an eye opener for me. Though I had some information about the CSR activities and increasing usage of social media as a channel of information for CSR activities, I was completely unaware of the ethical and un-ethical stance on CSR. The seminar also enhanced my knowledge regarding the thin line of difference between fundamental duties of an organization and the extra work they perform for establishing a balance in the environment. I am now able to distinguish between companies who are just using the name of CSR and not doing anything significant for the environment and communities and those companies who are actually involved in effective environment and community saving CSR activities (Bolton, 2001). Topic: Whistleblowing and workplace ethics Whistle-blowing is an essential tool that is incorporated within an organization’s corporate governance framework which bestows power upon the employees in order for them to be able to act upon any negative incidences and raise their voice against any form (Vinten, 2000). The underlying reason behind the inclusion of this tool behind the inclusion of this tool within n organization’s corp0orate governance framework is to help the individuals maintain a safe and friendly workplace environment whilst protecting the reputation of the organization. The question regarding whether whistle-blowing is ethical or not has been a constant point of debate among many academic researchers, politicians and world leaders. The conversations regarding this issue have given rise various complex philosophies (Lewis and Uys, 2007). As far as a basic level answer of this question is concerned it can be said that altruistically reporting any misconduct within an organization is an ethical act. However, it has to be kept in the mind that there are various other factors related to whistle-blowing which may provide an alternate idea about its ethicality. This is precisely because the act of whistle-blowing can lead to a conflict of interest among the organizational, personal and societal spheres (Vinten, 2000). Majority of this conflict escalates because of varying perceptions that people might have regarding a whistle-blower or the act of whistle-blowing. One may believe the whistle-blower to be the person who actually is a responsible employee and is thus sharing his/her knowledge regarding the misconduct that is witnessed within the organization for the benefit of other people whereas others may perceive a whistle-blower to be a disloyal employee who is revealing integral information related to the organization (Hersh, 2002). That is why till today the question mentioned above is still being discussed in various literatures as well as in different seminars. The nature of this seminar regarding Social Media and Corporate Social Responsibility is also quite similar where the researcher needs to highlight the various aspects of CSR which includes the concept of whistle-blowing. That is why major study materials chosen for preparing the topics includes newspaper articles, company news, expert opinions on whistle blowing and workplace ethics (Forbes, 2014; Forbes, 2013b; Forbes, 2013c). The principle ideas which I took to the seminar were 1. Basics of whistleblowing and policies and rules associated with it. 2. Advantaged and disadvantages associated with whistle blowing policies. 3. Changing trends in workplace ethics among organizations and industries 4. Influence of workplace on whistle blowers and policies adopted by companies to safeguard their interest 5. Positive and negative effects on the workplace as a result of the whistleblower policies The Seminar Discussion This seminar on workplace ethics and whistle blowing was one of the highly debatable seminars I have attended till date. Even from the start, the views and expressions were very different among different individuals and groups. The key issues discussed during the seminar ranged from the authenticity of whistle blowing policies and its impact on workplace ethics, the changing trends among organizations in terms of objective and long term purpose and its impact on the ethical behaviour of the organizations. A debatable issue which remained unsolved was the impact on whistleblower after an unethical or illegal workplace practice was been burst open. Some people claimed that the perceived negative effect on whistleblower is highly aggravated which I completely disagreed. My view on this issue was that there is always a high amount of pressure on the whistleblower as they are revealing sensitive information which is also illegal or unethical (Ashforth and Anand, 2003). As a result, they are exposed to several threats to their work, carrier and even life. As a result, it is extremely crucial for companies to maintain strict privacy for their whistleblowers. The discussion also included various views and opinion which were new to me. For instance, I was unaware of the latest amendment in whistleblower policies and its impact on the work policies in organizations. My participation during the discussion was high, supported by my extensive preparation. I was also able to recommend various strategies for maintaining workplace ethics without compromising the profits and interests of whistleblower. Short Reflection The seminar or workplace ethics and whistle blowing was extremely helpful for me. I am now better equipped with the knowledge of workplace ethics. This seminar will also help me while working in an organization. Previously, my knowledge regarding workplace ethics and whistle blowing policies were limited to academic concepts. However, the discussion helped me to understand the much deeper impact of these two issues in a corporate setting. Another important revelation from this discussion was that there is no one policy in workplace ethics that will fit within all organizations. As a result, organizations will have to undergo extensive internal research in order to understand the gap between its objectives and value and perception among its employers. Similarly, for companies to maintain ethical code of conduct and ensure that malpractices and minimized, it will have to established stringent policies safeguarding the interests of whistleblowers. Topic: To what extent do customers’ ethical expectations of corporate behaviour differ around the world? Preparation The preparation of this topic was majorly based on latest research journals, surveys and reviews on customers across various global territories (Fischer, 2006; Girot, 2001). Journals and books were reviewed to get an understanding on the concepts of ethical corporate behaviour and policies and guidelines associated with it. Various new ethical business articles and publications were also reviewed in order to understand the latest development in this field (Dean, 2003; Dyck, Volchkova and Zingales, 2008; International Federation of Accountants, 1992; Jones and Pollitt, 1998). Empirical researches and other sources mentioned above revealed that the thinking of customers and their expectations regarding a corporation’s behaviour varies significantly around the world. Every customer has their own set of ideas and beliefs which they develop from the environment that they live in. Their attitudes and expectations are shaped by their experiences that they have in their life, opinions from friends and family, direct interactions that they many have had with any company as well as the behaviour that organizations exhibit in terms of their social responsibility. That is why organizations have to do a great deal of research in order to have a valuable insight about their customers’ expectations which will enable them to implement effective strategies as far as their corporate social responsibility is concerned. The culture and values that are followed in different countries also have a direct impact over the expectations that customers develop over an organization’s corporate social responsibility. It is widely known that cultures vary geographically and so do people’s expectations. Thus an in-depth research regarding this issue will enable the researcher to develop a thorough understanding about the factors that influence customers’ expectations. The principle ideas which I took to the seminar were 1. An understanding of ethical behaviour practices by organizations across the globe 2. General opinion of customers on good corporate ethical behaviours 3. Difference of opinions of customers across regions and nations and their impact on the corporate in those nations. 4. Ethical behavioural aspects implemented by organizations. The Seminar Discussion The seminar started with a feedback session was individuals were asked to provide one example each for best and worst companies in the field of ethical behaviour. This was followed by a discussion on how the above selection was made. The major topics discussed during the seminar where the different concepts of ethics and ethical behaviour followed in different nations and their impact on organizational culture (Fehr and Fischbacher, 2002). The topic of organizational culture was further discussed such as various ethical codes of conducts which are accepted and followed in some nations while disguised in other nations. I participated in the initial discussion and expressed my opinions on ethical behaviour and general customer sentiments associated with it. During the discussion process I was also able to provide important information such as customer surveys, online customer feedback and open discussion forums which I collected during my preparation (Alford, 2007; Arnold and Poneman, 1991). This increased my overall contribution in the seminar. Most of the views and opinion were previously reviewed by me. One different opinion regarding ethical behaviour of corporate was that CSR and ethical behaviour are almost similar. However, I disagree with the opinion as from the previous research and preparation I found that both CSR and ethics are based on different fundamentals and objectives. Short Reflection The present discussion drastically changed my understanding as well as view on the ethical behaviours of corporate. I came to know the significant impact of corporate ethical behaviour on customers across the globe. I was also unaware of the various organizations and communities that have been created to keep a check on the ethical activities performed by organizations. I came to know that customers can also influence organizations in changing their ethical practices and organizations integrating such customer feedbacks and reviews in their business policies and ethical practices are much more favoured compared to those organizations where customer opinions is not given due importance. Self-reflection on CSR Overall the discussion seminars were quiet useful and significantly enhanced my knowledge and understanding of corporate social responsibility and associated topics. While preparing for the seminars I came across various academic concepts and theories associated with CSR. I gathered a general ideas of CSR according to which it is basically an act where the organisation gives back to the community and external environment. I also came across various advantages of corporate social responsibilities to organisations. It not only improves the overall quality of a firm’s workforce, but also helps in enhancing the condition of societies and communities at large (Boud, Keogh and Walker, 1994). It also significantly contributes to the overall performance and long term development of an organisation. However, CSR has been categorised as extraneous to the regular activities in business. The seminar on social media and CSR was majorly focussed about how social media is increasingly being used as a channel for enhancing corporate social activities among various firms. The discussion helped me in understanding the various levels of social media in the present business environment (Cottrell, 2003). An important learning point was the increasing use of social media as a platform for two-way communication as well as an open discussion forum where consumers and other communities freely discuss their opinions and views on various CSR practices followed by firms. Another important learning point was the impact of CSR activities on customers and their perception regarding the companies following CSR practices. The discussion ended with a unanimous opinion that companies following ethical and good CSR practices are seen positively among customers, investors, communities as well as potential employees. Apart from knowledge, the seminar also helped in enhancing my communication skills and ability to provide qualitative information during discussion. I was also able to improve my team building and relationship building skills during the discussion. While the two other seminars where more inclined towards ethical aspects of business, the above topic was more on the two-way impact of social media on company policies and relations in the CSR department (De George, 1995). The seminar on the topic of workplace ethics and whistle blowing was extremely sensitive. Here different students with different backgrounds expressed differing opinions. From this, I understood that whistle blowing is an extremely complex component of organisational ethics. Another important learning from this discussion was the impact of workplace ethics on CSR. Though they are indirectly related, having an ethical workplace policy also ensures a clean organisational CSR. Whistle blowing has become an integral component of workplace ethics, especially in larger organisations. While comparing the discussion of this seminar from the above seminar, it was found that the topic of social media was seen as a favourable element for enhancing corporate image. Contrast to this, many students from the second seminar on workplace ethics and whistle blowing policy argued that whistle blowing policies can negatively impact an organisation which in turn, can significantly harm its brand image (Hilsdon, 2006). CSR can be considered as a new field of study which was largely untouched during the early industrialisation days. With the advent of new industries and global expansion, the use of natural resources has also increased significantly. Also, manufacturing firms and plants and majorly blamed for severe climate change, increasing deforestation and global pollution. This has resulted in establishment of various public and private communities in order to check the pollution control activities implemented by organisations. Also, consumers are becoming more and more aware of the impact of business on natural resources and the society as a whole. Hence, they are also demanding more contribution from the corporate in terms of CSR activities. The objective of the third seminar was to understand the difference of opinions among customers on the subject of corporate ethical behaviour across various regions. I consider the discussion on this topic to be best in terms of providing knowledge on current affairs. For this seminar, my preparation was vast ranging from academic journals and text books to online articles, newspaper clippings and other websites. Apart from that, I also gathered significant customer reviews and feedback on the topic which increased my level of confidence while attending the seminar. I was an active participator during the entire seminar which not only increased my level of confidence but also helped in gathering useful information about the various ethical behavioural practices followed by organisations across the globe. Though the seminar covered almost all the burning topics in the field of CSR, I personally feel that the impact of economization on CSR activities has not been discussed properly. 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