Definition

Social responsibility in business and finance refers to the ethical and moral obligations that organisations have towards society and the environment, beyond their primary goal of making profits.

What is social responsibility?

Social responsibility encompasses a commitment to act in a way that benefits not only shareholders but also the broader community, including employees, customers, suppliers, local communities, and the environment.

Socially responsible businesses strive to minimise their negative impact on the environment. This may involve reducing pollution, conserving resources, and adopting sustainable practices in production and operations. This also involves contributing resources, whether financial or in-kind, to support social or environmental causes. It may include donations to charities, community development projects, or disaster relief efforts.

Socially responsible businesses actively engage with local communities. This could involve supporting local schools, sponsoring events, or participating in initiatives that benefit the community. Furthermore, businesses committed to social responsibility invest in the well-being and development of their employees. This includes providing fair wages, safe working conditions, opportunities for growth, and a healthy work-life balance.

Businesses that focus on social responsibility value diversity and inclusion in the workplace and respect human rights and adhering to international labour standards. 

Socially responsible organisations may measure and report on their social and environmental impacts. This can include metrics related to carbon emissions, community development, employee satisfaction, and more.

Example of social responsibility

Let’s consider a fictional company, ABC Clothing Co., which specialises in manufacturing clothing.

1. Ethical sourcing: ABC Clothing Co. ensures that all its clothing is produced in factories that adhere to fair labor practices and provide safe working conditions for their employees.
2. Environmental sustainability: ABC Clothing Co. implements sustainable practices in its manufacturing processes to minimise its environmental impact.
3. Community engagement: ABC Clothing Co. actively engages with the local community by supporting charitable initiatives and volunteering efforts.
4. Employee well-being: ABC Clothing Co. prioritises the well-being of its employees by offering competitive wages, benefits, and opportunities for professional development.
5. Transparency and accountability: ABC Clothing Co. maintains transparency in its business operations and communicates openly with its stakeholders about its social and environmental practices.

In this example, ABC Clothing Co. demonstrates social responsibility by integrating ethical, environmental, and community-oriented practices into its business operations, thereby making a positive impact on society while also enhancing its brand reputation and long-term sustainability.