Synthesis and Evaluation - Essay Example

Social responsibility in business al affiliation Social responsibility in business The major intend of setting up a business is to make proceeds. Businessmen, for that reason, devise ways of endearing themselves to consumers, in order to ensure the success of their business. This explains why many corporate associations engage in social responsibility agendas. In this essay, light shall be shed on five articles in relation to social responsibility. Two of these are seminal articles, while the other three are recent articles.

Philosophic and methodological approaches Philosophically, Friedman (1970) is very objectivist as he argues that the only reason that businessmen would engage in social programs is if the programs would guarantee them more profits. Friedman, therefore, wonders how a business can be said to have responsibilities, yet it is just an object. Similarly, Kotler & Zaltman (1971) agree that the objective of marketing a business strategy is to optimize profits. On a different note, however, while Kotler & Zaltman (1971) believe in the promising future of social responsibility in business, Freidman (1970) holds that businessmen who talk about social responsibility are puppets of social stratification.

The difference in opinion, here is that Friedman does not believe in the future of social responsibility in business and is more objectivist. Kotler & Zaltman in contrast, though a bit objectivist, are more constructionist and still have faith in social responsibility of business. Some recent articles are similar in philosophy to seminal works, while others are not. Karnani (2010) is more objectivist just like Friedman, arguing that the idea that businesses can be socially responsible is a dangerous illusion.

He argues that businesses only focus social responsibility in areas that promise massive profits. Carroll & Shabana (2010) on the other hand take on a more constructionist approach by arguing that indeed businesses can engage in social responsibility for the good of all stakeholders. Without the shareholders, the business would not exist. The latter, essentially, gives meaning to the former, thereby giving social responsibility in business a constructionist approach. Seminal works have a similar methodology as they rely more on qualitative methods to obtain data, specifically library sources.

They constantly refer to the works of previous authors. Recent articles are different from seminal ones as they incorporate the use of both qualitative such as library sources and quantitative methods. Although recent scholars also make use of other literature, they also carry out researches and come up with statistical data to justify their claims. Implications of social responsibility in businessDespite the obvious fact that businesses participate in social responsibility, they do so not out of their won volition.

Rather, businessmen engage in social responsibility programs because they are good for their businesses. The greater the prospects for profit making, the more business owners would be willing to get involved in social responsibility. For example, Kotler & Zaltman (1971) argue that organizations nay be involved in both business and social marketing programs. By so doing, the business profits from the sale of the product, while the society gains by using the product. Karnani (2010) gives the example of how food processing companies have incorporated the ideas of healthier foods in their manufacturing processes.

With the introduction of low fat and whole grain foods, businesses have made tremendous profits and health conscious consumers have become satisfied. A firm can also increase its competitiveness if it provides what consumers want, in opposition to other firms. Therefore, a socially responsible firm has the potential to attract customers, more than a profit-oriented firm. Limitations of social responsibility in business Despite business corporations striving to become socially responsible, there are numerous limitations to this venture.

One of these challenges is the cost associated with a social project in relation to the revenue generated by the business. If the cost of being socially responsible is higher than the returns, then most businesses would not be willing to play a part in socially beneficial programs. Another challenge towards social responsibility is the issue of how to go about it. Exhaustive research needs to be conducted, in order to know what kind of services and goods consumers want. For instance, Friedman (1970) wonders how an executive can decide what actions to be taken, how much money will be spent, and how to spend the money, without involving all stakeholders.

Before deciding to venture into socially responsive programs, businessmen should weigh their options carefully. Such ventures could turn out profitable or totally disadvantageous. It is also, the responsibility of everyone, not just businesses to ensure social responsibility. If consumers are unhappy with a product, they should speak up and force the manufacturer to improve. The government also has a role to play in ensuring that businesses adhere to socially acceptable dealings. ReferencesCarroll, B.

& Shabana, K. (2010). The Business Case for Corporate Social Responsibility: A Review of Concepts, Research And Practice. International Journal of Management Reviews, 12, doi: 10.1111/J.1468-2370.2009.00275.Friedman, M. (1970). “The social responsibility of business is to increase its profits”. New York Times Magazine, September, 13. Karnani, A. (2010). The Case Against Corporate Social Responsibility. The Wall Street Journal, August, 22. Kotler, P., & Zaltman, G. (1971). Social Marketing: An Approach to Planned Social Change.

Journal of Marketing, 35(3), 3-12MacGregor, S. (2012). Corporate Social Responsibility: You must remember this. Core77.