M5A2-Corporate Social Responsability - Essay Example

M5A2- Corporate social responsibility Assignment two: final reflective outline Introduction I have understoodthat corporate social responsibility entails the voluntary measures that are undertaken to enhance the social and environmental welfare of the society (Crowther & Aras, 2008)). CSR builds sustainable business through ethical business practices, social investments, transparency and trust and fulfilling the public expectations of the business (Schwartz, 2011). In this case, I have acknowledged that CSR caters for the interests of all stakeholders including customers, employee, suppliers, shareholders, business partners, local communities and trade associations (Hawkins, 2006).

I conquer with Hawkins (2006) that the business must appreciate diversity, engage in social initiatives such as philanthropic contributions towards development of the communities and reduce the negative impacts of its operations on the ecological environment. Schwartz (2011) acknowledges that technology plays a critical role in managing business risks, enhancing the reputation of the organization, building employee trust and improving the allocation of resources in the organization. At the same time, communication technologies will enable the organization to establish cordial relations with stakeholders and exploit market opportunities that aim at enhancing the welfare of all stakeholders (Hopkins, 2012).

The course has enabled me understand that technology facilitates product innovation thus leading to high quality products that meets the changing needs of consumers and need to conserve the ecological environment through minimization of pollution and wastage of natural resources (Crowther & Aras, 2008). Technology facilitates good governance and safeguard of stakeholder interests especially the suppliers, lenders of capital and the government (Crowther & Aras, 2008). In this case, modern technologies have streamlined the supply chain processes and enabled the companies to easily store and retrieve information that is essential in decision-making.

Computer information systems will store information on customer preferences, obligations to suppliers and employee information thus facilitating the fulfillment of the social obligations of the business (Crowther & Aras, 2008). Indeed, I have understood that companies that ignore the social and environmental concerns in their technology will suffer from negative brand image and high employee turnover (Schwartz, 2011). For instance, I agree that technology presents several challenges such as the need to safeguard the health and safety of employees in the production departments and need to minimize the impact of the production process on the ecological environment through reducing dangerous chemical emissions (Hopkins, 2012).

In this case, I have learned that companies must always implement innovative technologies that promote environmental stewardship and that are friendly to the employees. It is worth noting that technology has facilitated new forms of CSR such as corporate social marketing that is geared at ensuring behavior change in the society. Companies have been able to use technology in CSR campaigns that focus on educating the surrounding communities on health, safety and need to conserve the environment in the social marketing initiatives (Mallin, 2009).

Accordingly, I have understood that technology facilitates cause-related marketing initiatives that aim at collecting donations for a particular cause that will improve the welfare of the communities such as malaria prevention or provision of sanitation facilities (Crowther & Aras, 2008). However, constant changes in technology may lead to job losses and employee resistance in the organization (Schwartz, 2011). I have understood that the management must implement eco-friendly technologies that conserve the natural environment.

The companies must leverage of technology to improve efficiency of the business processes and build cordial relationships with all stakeholders. Indeed, the technology should be user-friendly and must safeguard the health and safety of employees (Hawkins, 2006). Conclusion From the analysis, I have understood that technology has played a role in ensuring ethical business practices and monitoring the activities of the organizations in the communities. Surveillance cameras has forced the top management to exercise due diligence and care in their business decisions and eliminate corrupt practices such as kickbacks in procurement contracts.

I have understood that technology promotes good governance, streamlines the business processes and facilitates communication with stakeholders. The management must implement eco-friendly and innovative technologies that reduce carbon dioxide emissions from production process and eliminate raw material wastage in the production processes. The companies must include technology in CSR activities such as social marketing and cause-related marketing in order to gain high market share and high brand recognition.

ReferencesCrowther, D & Aras, G. (2008). Corporate social responsibility. London: Bookboon.Hawkins, D.E. (2006). Corporate social responsibility: balancing tomorrow’s sustainability and today’s profitability. London: Palgrave Macmillan.Hopkins, M. (2012). Corporate social responsibility and international development: is business the solution? New York: Routledge.Mallin,C.A. (2009). Corporate social responsibility: a case study approach. New Jersey: Edward Elgar Publishing.Schwartz, M.S. (2011). Corporate social responsibility: an ethical approach.

New York: Broadview Press.