Social Responsibility

Corporate Social Responsibility Today's society is very much a corporate society where power is centered at many of corporate centers. Corporations are seen more than just tools and methods of living, but rather this way of life dictates the lives of millions as this system provides jobs and employment as an outlet of societal contribution.

As a result of the deep and profound impact on society, many wonder what is the long-term effects of a corporate society and what benefits, if any, are available? This line of questioning eventually leads to the idea of corporate social responsibility and the ethical and moral approach of the corporation within the human culture. The purpose of this essay is to describe the idea of corporate responsibility and examine it through the use of corporate philanthropy as a useful and practical method of success and benefit.

The profitability, both long-term and short-term, will be discussed as important aspects of choosing an effective and economic approach of corporate philanthropy and its many offshoots. Discussion Many would argue that corporations have no social responsibility to its culture and should thrive on it success alone. These people would argue that any illusion of social responsibility should be tempered with the ideas of competitive advantage and profit strategies. Others would suggest that this relationship is meaningless as well.

Karnani (2010) wrote "Very simply, in cases where private profits and public interests are aligned, the idea of corporate social responsibility is irrelevant: Companies that simply do everything they can to boost profits will end up increasing social welfare.

In circumstances in which profits and social welfare are in direct opposition, an appeal to corporate social responsibility will almost always be ineffective, because executives are unlikely to act voluntarily in the public interest and against shareholder interests." In other words corporations don't dictate social order, they more or less are a part or result of it. This approach would suggest that many philanthropic organizations are scheming to another end that is publicized.

Treacherous advertisement campaigns may be strong pieces of propaganda designed to take advantage of the kindness that rests within the human spirit all in the name of profit and money. But does this even matter at all? Ignorance is bliss in many ways and if giving makes one feel good, then that cannot be such a bad thing after all. While others sing the praises of corporations that take a socially active role and demonstrate philanthropic traits, one must wonder is this too a cover story for something more sinister.

Thorpe (2013) lauded many companies for the social efforts recently. He wrote of several corporations giving back to their community in many different forms. But reading through this mawkish piece, it lacks reason and criticism instead of demonstrating true value of these companies efforts. Oftentimes, corporations use vague terms when describing their contributions to society in a philanthropic method.

Generic terms such as 'sustainable' 'less fortunate,' 'eco-friendly, 'productive,' and 'equality.' These words often tease the reader with a sense of moral responsibility, but ultimately are deceptive if not misleading ways to disguise corporations' true intentions. It is unwise to enforce morals and ethics on others in a coercive manner and there is more danger in pretending that corporate social responsibility is a mere game of hide and seek.

Some would argue that it is dangerous to pretend that corporations are anything more than just money making tools. This deification of the corporation creates a religious cult out of the corporate world.

McKee (2012) agreed when he wrote "making judgments about which position is "right" is a slippery slope, because, like fair trade and social justice, corporate social responsibility is a fuzzy, malleable, eye-of-the-beholder concept." Conclusions It is time to come to grips with the idea of corporate responsibility and its limitations in providing a religious or ethical or moral tie to society. Corporations are results and not causes of moral action.

The corporation is treated too seriously and with too much reverence in today's world as the individual and his contributions are now marginalized in this cultish arena While Home Depot, Chase Bank.