Examples of Social Responsibility in Business

Social responsibility in business, also known as corporate social responsibility, or CSR, is “a form of international private business self-regulation which aims to contribute to societal goals of a philanthropic, activist, or charitable nature by engaging in or supporting volunteering or ethically-oriented practices.” It’s a way for businesses to stay accountable and regulate their societal and environmental impact, and a broader term for corporate citizenship. CSR initiatives that align with your business model, values, vulture, and organizational goals ensure that you have a positive brand identity. Ethical leaders know how important the successful implementation of a CSR strategy is to business operations. Communicating your CSR programs and strategies to key stakeholders can ensure their buy-in and engagement. In addition to that, dedication to corporate social responsibility can help your organization remain union-free.

We’ll cover some of the most socially responsible companies that provide a great example of what CSR looks like and its impact on business culture. We’ll define social responsibility and see real-world examples of CSR strategies. In today’s world, responsible businesses fully embrace social responsibility, not simply selling a product or looking to gain more customers. They understand the importance of a company’s social and environmental impact; it’s the right thing to do.

Why Does Social Responsibility in Business Matter?

There are significant direct and indirect benefits for companies that choose to implement socially responsible practices. It’s wise for an organization to be socially responsible, as it exemplifies their care and compassion for the employees who work there and the customers that purchase their products, goods, or services. There are environmental and social justice benefits for their local communities, and the positive impact will also extend to their employees and workplace culture. Being socially conscious helps businesses earn customer trust and increase employee engagement. Charitable giving and volunteer efforts show that a company believes in more than just profits and truly cares about the people they serve and the communities they can positively impact.

It’s become increasingly more important for companies to have transparency and empathy at the foundation of their corporate policies and business models. Organizations that are authentic in their values are more attractive places to work, and consumers can vote with their dollars to support them. Employees and leaders working in a business that embodies strong examples of social responsibility often exemplify organizational citizenship behaviors, meaning they are altruistic and represent the organization well, even outside work.

Examples of Social Responsibility in Business

There are a few examples of companies that have taken corporate social responsibility seriously and implemented CSR initiatives well. You’ll notice that these companies have strong customer loyalty while remaining heavily focused on environmental sustainability and making a positive difference in the lives of their customers, employees, and communities nation- and often worldwide.

Ben and Jerry’s

Ben and Jerry’s is well-known for exemplifying what social responsibility in business looks like. This rings especially true regarding the environment and causes they feel passionate about. They are heavily focused on doing their part to reduce climate change. The company website has an entire page dedicated to the way they do business, including their commitment to using more climate-friendly, greener freezers, a more productive and environmentally friendly way of disposing of their waste and using responsibly sourced packaging.

Ben and Jerry’s also focuses on not just their environmental impact but the societal impact. The business pledges to be Anti-racist, working to drive racial justice and equity through their business decisions. They established the Ben and Jerry’s Foundation, a social justice organization, in 1985 to support “grassroots organizations” across the country that positively impact their communities and work for social change. The foundation has several grant programs that are employee-led on a volunteer basis. Clearly, their philanthropic work has had a massive positive impact, and some of the nonprofit organizations they are currently providing grants to include Denver Homeless Out Loud and RISE St. James. This organization aims to fight neighborhood contamination in their Louisiana town.

The company also has b corp certification, which means the business is recognized as having “the highest standard for corporate social responsibility.” Furthermore, B Corps are a “new type of corporation that uses the power of business to solve social and environmental problems.”