The essay writer role of businesses in the society have changed significantly over the last decades. Along with these changes, Corporate social responsibility has changed even more dramatically. CSR boasts to be one of the best organizational practices that help attain success. AT the core of any successful business organization is CSR. Considered a type of international private business individual regulation, it provides a massive boost in achieving societal goals. Corporate social responsibility achieves this fete through offering support to various community-based projects and volunteering in ethically oriented practices. Once described as an organization’s internal policies, corporate social responsibility is no longer considered a corporate ethic strategy. Its state as an ethical organizational strategy has completely been faced out, replaced by several international laws that are used to push beyond organizational and industrial initiatives. Several transformations have been experienced relating to corporate social responsibility. At the organizational level, these responsibilities might be used as strategic initiatives that help provide an ideal boost to a brand’s reputation (Liu et al., 2019). Organizations would also acquire these practices for different purposes. Ideally, CSR plays a significant role in the development of organizational success.
At the start of CSR activities in the 20th century Corporate social responsibility would be practiced in different ways. Organizations would achieve substantial corporate social responsibility by adopting several eco-friendly business practices, active participation in eco-related events, ethically sourcing different materials, and supporting charities and foundations (Hudiwinarsih, 2020). However, depending on the type and nature of a business, CSR would have several faces. For example, Netflix’s plan for expanding its parental leave is considered part of its wider CSR(Hudiwinarsih,2020). The organization developed effective steps to improve the situation for its employees. After announcing that employees would be allowed to maximize their unpaid leaves, Netflix was able to secure some of the best top talents in the United States of America while generating positive press and maintaining female employees. Generally, the practice of good corporate social responsibility provides an effective medium for the organization to be more engaged with its employees.
The practice of corporate social responsibility has had significant transformations. Compared to older generations, organizations are more enhanced and fully willing to take part in these social initiatives that would provide ideal help and support to the community at large(Cho et al.,2015). For decades, organizations have adopted the practice of CSR to give back to society at large while bolstering their brand reputations. Developed in the 1950s, this management concept has helped transform how several institutions operate and relate with their social cultures (Baric, 2017). However, the birth of responsible organizations during the great Industrial Revolution played an important role in the success of corporate social responsibility (Agudelo et al., 2019). During that time in the mid-1800s, there were growing concerns of worker productivity and wellbeing. Since then, organizations have adopted several ways that would help them attain the best possible practices of CSR. Recent times have had organizations transform their corporate social responsibility due to several reasons.
History of Corporate Social Responsibility
Corporate social responsibility has come a long way, transforming to be one of the nicest practices organizations would do to their environment. Furthermore, it has transformed to be one of the most necessary functions of a successful business. Several scholars like Frederick Goff argued that these organizational developments were mainly used to give power to the community through the acceptance of gifts from multiple donors, rather than a single fortune. Beginning in the United States of America around 1970, corporate social responsibility mainly developed because of the concept of social contracting (Cho et al.,2015). These contracts were between the organizations and the societies. To make it more appealing and easier to enforce, these responsibilities were declared by the United States Committee for Economic Development in 1971. This main idea developed a line of thought that businesses mainly functioned because of public participation and goodwill (Agudelo et al., 2019). Therefore, these organizations had the obligation to effectively provide for society in return.
Modern corporate social responsibility practices were developed in the 1980-90s. Before CSR was still growing and not many organizations were keen to adopt this practice. However, organizations like Johnson & Johnson and The Hershey Company focused on modern practices of corporate social responsibility aimed at including every individual in the organizational goals and processes (Cho et al.,2015). These initiatives began to take shape in the first half of the 20th century, with their founders developing the understanding that their important business stakeholders were not only in the board rooms but also in their communities and markets (Baric, 2017). Today, the practice of effective corporate social responsibility is the bottom line in all organizations. In this modern era, employees and other key individuals are empowered to ensure their duties align with those of organizations to achieve effective success. Ideally, the practice of corporate social responsibility has greatly evolved.
Changes in Corporate Social Responsibility
Indeed, there has been a massive transformation in the practices of corporate social responsibility in different organizations. In the pre-Cold war era, several organizations faced many challenges in achieving effective prosperity. With no proper technological advancements, businesses found it hard to develop their social and corporate responsibilities effectively sustainability (Carol et al.., 2018). Moreover, there was little engagement with the clients on several projects and activities that would favor both sides. Organizations like the Co-operative Bank in Europe had little practices of social responsibility due to poor quality products. Lack of advanced technology and communication methods made it very difficult for these organizations to schedule business meetings and plan for sustainability accounting. Generally, every single organizations’ activities were nightmares. Compared to modern practices of corporate social responsibility, the previous models had no specific approach to sustainability (Carol et al.., 2018). Furthermore, these CSR goals were not intense and focused to offer the communities support. These businesses practice social programs but were not driven by the interests to offer some of the best services to their consumers. Compared to current institutions, the older organizations were more relaxed and had few social considerations, creating perfect evidence on the changes in CSR (Sharp & Zaidman,2010). The following are some of the other ways corporate social responsibility transformed.
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Increased Societal Concern
Compared to corporate social practices carried out before the 19th century, modern organizations adopted increased concerns for society and its employees in general. By the early 19th century, industrialization led to the introduction of new technologies. Technology helped boost the creation of jobs and hence improving the living standards of different individuals. Despite the booming businesses and profits, organizations were more focused on the wellbeing of their employees and society in general. For example, the founding father of Kellogg Company, one of the early organizations in history depicted the organization’s main interests as looking for ways in protecting their environments (Hudiwinarsih, 2020). Moreover, they focused on selling nutritious products to their clients to ensure their health is considered. Modern organizations have then increased societal awareness and concerns through several measures to safeguard the lives of their employees and society in general (Philips et al., 2019). Furthermore, these new businesses adopt various plans like having an organic menu for food stores to limit the high inception levels of inorganic foods. Modern-day organizations have also enhanced their quality standards to help protect their consumers from harmful products. Ideally, the increased levels of concern for society and their employees highlight how corporate social responsibility has transformed.
Development of Environmental and Human Rights Concerns
Before the 70s and the 80s, organizations were not concerned with environmental and human rights concerns. Most organizations had no respect for human rights concerns with employees not seen as organizational assets. There were increased cases of land abuse and no proper measures to maintain the safety of the environment were observed. Organizations had no measures put in place to observe the general good of their society and employees. Furthermore, the urge and greed to make more profits and sales led to increased land degradation due to pollution. However, developments in the early 19th century provided an effective mark towards transforming these practices (Cho et al.,2015). Organizations have adopted advanced ecological features in their production to help create awareness of the importance of maintaining healthy environments. Furthermore, it is in this period where human rights movements and forums began. There was the need to address the importance of human rights and treating both employees and their clients equally and ethically. Modern businesses like Amazon and Tesla have also championed concerns that seek to improve the lives of their clients (Sharp & Zaidman,2010). Through initiatives meant to educate the community on the importance of environmental concerns, modern-day businesses have greatly proved how the practice of ideal corporate social responsibility has transformed.
Increased Corporate Philanthropy
Until the late 90s, the practice of corporate philanthropy greatly transformed. Before, there were no advanced concepts and practices of philanthropy (Cho et al.,2015). The collapse of the great Soviet Union also provided a great boost towards the economic advantages of various individuals. With the growth of economic development in the world, individuals were more focused on giving back to society and carrying out different activities that helped promote sustainability(Cho et al.,2015). With the intensification of globalization across the world, different organizations adopted several philanthropic plans aimed at the provision of environmental and societal gain. More ethical and legal responsibilities developed in the corporate world (Hudiwinarsih, 2020). Furthermore, organizations began understanding the importance of having these measures to promote these activities. Organizations like Google and Sony have developed diverse plans to enhance their corporate philanthropy. They have initiated several plans like scholarships and another financial gain to their societies(Lauesen, 2013). These companies have made it possible for their employees to achieve effective financial gain and development through helping those that need several services. Moreover, they have developed several regulations that go beyond their normal operations and laws to provide effective support to those communities to which they belong (Chang et al., 2017). Compared to the previous times, businesses have adopted several regulations and plans that seek to implement these philanthropic acts in their systems. Generally, the display of philanthropic activities in modern-day organizations proves how the scope of corporate social responsibility has transformed.
Why Corporate Social Responsibility Has Changed.
Several reasons have contributed to the transformation of corporate social responsibilities in the global sector. These concerns have developed due to several needs by these organizations, their clients, and society. Previous years entailed organizations practicing low levels of social responsibilities (Cho et al.,2015). Generally, there were no ideal measures kept addressing several social concerns. As a result, these businesses only focused on their interests, forgetting that their employees and society, in general, played a huge part in their success (Agudelo et al., 2019). Moreover, there were no plans in developing important ecological measures that would help address the needs of their environment. The introduction of technology then brought into effect several changes that helped improve these features(Lauesen, 2013). The following are some of the reasons why organizations have adopted modern practices of corporate social responsibility in their operations.
Crisis Management
Organizations have transformed their engagement in corporate social responsibility to provide effective crisis management. Modern organizations handle several issues in their operations, creating high chances of crisis in their activities. Most organizations assume the practice of effective social responsibilities to have an upper hand in handling different crises in their systems. Using effective CSR strategies and other behaviors related to the subject, organizations have been able to build effective relationships with their clients and community members (Carol et al., 2018). Moreover, offering effective CSR to the community like price-cutting and coupons during difficult economic times helps these people devise effective ways to handle their troubles(Lauesen, 2013). Modern organizations have also developed an attraction towards the development of effective corporate social responsibilities by meeting their stakeholders’ social expectations(Lauesen, 2013).. These expectations have helped reduce the levels of crisis experienced when these stakeholders feel their demands are not effectively met. Moreover, businesses seek enhanced crisis management through seeking information about their clients and the general society. These data help provide effective help as they will be in better positions to address the needs of their clients. Maintaining effective corporate social responsibility in these organizations provide effective management of crisis that would accrue from the failure to do so.
Tripling Their Bottom Lines
Organizations have adopted the practice of corporate social responsibilities to triple their bottom lines. These bottom lines are the basic principles and components in which these individuals operate. Most modern organizations base their triple bottom lines on people, the planet, and profit. These institutions have developed these social responsibilities mainly to boost their triple bottom lines. The practice of effective social responsibilities would then help them engage with different people, focusing on various projects that would help build and impact their lives positively (Agudelo et al., 2019). For example, Microsoft’s plan to develop an environment free of pollution and global warming depicts their interest in promoting the health of people across the world. Similarly, modern organizations have incorporated these practices to help impact people’s lives. Organizations would also practice corporate social responsibilities to protect the planet. With increased cases of environmental degradation and climate change, organizations through ecological initiatives have developed plans to safeguard the planet. Moreover, profits refer to the economic benefits these organizations achieve after deducting all cost inputs. Therefore, these businesses adopt CSR intending to triple the balance between these three important factors.
Improve Organizational Performance
Modern businesses have transformed their practices of corporate social responsibilities to provide important human resources to their employees which help in boosting their performances. Compared to previous businesses, modern institutions have adopted effective corporate social responsibility to provide ideal recruitment and retention methods. In most cases, potential recruits in different organizations focus on the institutions’ corporate social responsibilities. Through several practices of enhanced CSR, organizations improve their performances by unifying their employees towards the provision of ideal community services (Johnson et al., 2018). These staff would also be involved in various activities like payroll giving, community volunteering, and several fundraising activities. Moreover, organizations have developed a proper understanding of how the practice of corporate social responsibility encourages customer orientation.
Organizations have also adopted these corporate social responsibilities having realized how effective it is in impacting the rates of employee turnover. These organizations have come to realize how important their employees are, considering them one of the most valuable assets in their operations. The enhanced practice of these corporate and social practices provides an ideal measure of success for the organization through sharpening their employees’ skills. These organizations have realized that the effective and proper practice of social responsibilities helps promote fairness which helps generate lower employee turnover. Furthermore, according to Baric (2017), they have realized that the effective practice of corporate social responsibilities helps achieve a competitive advantage, through investing in their employees. These effects have then made several businesses and organizations achieve success in their markets both globally and internally. Moreover, modern organizations have executives and corporate policies that help promote the development of ideal CSR in their institutions, making it possible for their employees and clients to enjoy the benefits that arise with these practices. Having experienced improved organizational performance, organizations have adopted several measures to incorporate the practice of corporate social responsibility in their systems.
Improve Brand Differentiation
Modern organizations have adopted the practice of corporate social responsibility to improve their brand differentiation. Ideally, the practice of corporate social responsibility would help enhance their brands’ reputation through the induction of several desires that seek to support the organization and its consumers. Through effective corporate social responsibilities, these organizations have realized that it would be very easy to achieve customer loyalty through outshining other brands in the market. Generally, these practices have also initiated effective growth for these organizations due to increased competitive advantages in their markets. The ideal practices of corporate social responsibilities have significantly benefited these institutions by increasing their brand awareness in the market (Carol et al., 2018). Various CSR acts as the practice of product promotion, quality management, affordable pricing and the manufacture of eco-friendly commodities will help these businesses cement their positions in their markets.
The effective use of advanced corporate social responsibility has been used by organizations to also create ideal customer attention. Organizations have turned to the practice of ideal CSR to maximize their possibilities of increasing their customers’ attention. These clients would then have better chances of purchasing the organization’s products. Different clients in the markets would then prefer understanding the organization’s corporate social responsibility practices first before making their purchases. In the whole foods industry, different businesses and organizations have also developed proper CSR by ensuring their clients get some of the best products and commodities. They have devised ways to work with several suppliers to improve the quality of their products. They have also enhanced the practices of social responsibility by ensuring high-quality levels of meat and other dairy products. As clients experience these notable changes, they develop a positive attraction to the organization’s commodities, increasing the rates of purchases (Johnson et al., 2018). Seeing this, organizations then focus on several important processes that seek to provide ideal CSR to their employees and society in general. Therefore, improving brand recognition has been one of the main reasons why organizations take part in corporate social responsibility.
Reduce Scrutiny
Modern businesses and organizations have adopted important measures towards the practice of CSR to reduce scrutiny. Compared to the previous organizations, the modern-day institutions develop better CSR approaches to reduce scrutiny. Ideally, previous organizations had no interest in safeguarding enhanced procedures of corporate social responsibility. During that time, these organizations practiced no critical measures in addressing proper social practices (Philips et al., 2018). These organizations then faced several challenges and boycotts from different clients. The governments and other regulations imposed several taxes and implications that created several challenges. However, modern organizations seek to avoid all these challenges through the ideal practice of corporate social responsibility. These corporate social responsibilities would generally help these businesses avoid several challenges. Moreover, the practice of effective corporate social responsibility provides a notion that these businesses aim at providing some of the best services to their customers. These programs would help organizations address several health and safety considerations, enhance ethics and diversity with effectively safeguarding their environments. The practice of proper corporate social responsibility has been adopted by these organizations to avoid scrutiny from the public (Baric, 2017). These organizations then help protect themselves from public and legal scrutiny through these corporate social practices. Moreover, organizations have realized how appropriate corporate social responsibility would help increase the effectiveness of their supplier firms. For example, Gucci company being a fashion merchandiser develops its organizational value in an overseas manufacturer that uses effective corporate social to establish its positive image. Therefore, one main reason why organizations take part in effective CSR would help avoid scrutiny in their operations.
Conclusion
All in all, organizations have experienced massive transformations and changes in their operations based on their corporate social responsibilities. These practices have greatly provided help in several situations that have made organizations achieve ideal competitive advantages. Corporate social responsibility traces its origin to the early 19th century. Before, organizations and businesses had no respect for the practice of CSR. In most of their operations, the main aim was to achieve profits and financial gain, leaving the employees, and the society in general out of the larger picture. Compared to previous or older organizations, modern businesses have practiced effective increased societal and environmental concerns as well as corporate philanthropy in their corporate social responsibilities. However, there have been several reasons why these modern organizations practice effective corporate social responsibility. Some of these reasons include the need to have better methods that would help address several internal and external factors that would affect their operations negatively and positively.
These organizations have also practiced effective corporate social responsibility due to their need to improve their performance. Having realized how important the practice of effective corporate social responsibility is, these organizations have adopted enhanced measures to maximize their abilities. Moreover, organizations have adopted the need to have effective corporate social responsibilities to help improve their brand differentiation. Clients would be more attracted to these brands due to their societal functions and how prepared they would be to solve their needs. Therefore, the evolution of corporate social responsibility has taken several shapes, having organizations transform their operations to match these needs. With several differences noticed when comparing older generation organizations to the current millennials, corporate social responsibility has played important roles in these transformations. In conclusion, corporate social responsibility has changed over time with organizations adopting these measures to achieve better results and create a societal gain.
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