Requirements for the Implementation of an Organization’s Commitment to Social Responsibility

Assignment

What is required to implement an organization’s commitment to social responsibility? What are the main obstacles to implementing socially responsible policies? Name specific actions that can be taken toward increased social responsibility.

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Requirements for the Implementation of an Organization’s Commitment to Social Responsibility – Sample Answer

There has been a growing pressure for organizations to implement ethical business practices, owing to the increased awareness on the impact of their practices on environment and social well-being (Mahenthiran, Terpstra-Tong, Terpstra, & Rachagan, 2015). In response, many organizations have implemented corporate social responsibility. However, there are requirements that must be implemented if successful corporate social responsibility to be realized.

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The implementation of corporate social responsibility means an alteration of the business practices (Bloom, n.d.). Therefore, the first requirement would be for the organization to define how it must alter its business practices to conform to the desired responsible practices. This may involve the organization listing some of the issues it faces, for example pollution. The other requirement is development of the mission statement. Mission statement is important in defining the position that the organization is and where it intends to be after the implementation of corporate social responsibility. In addition, the organization must set clear goals, which defines clearly, what it intends to achieve. For example, an organization may set a goal of reducing pollution from its packaging by 50% by 2017.

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Moreover, there is need for the change of the organization culture as it defines the organizational behavior. Successful implementation of corporate social responsibility must start with successful culture change. Finally, it is required that any organization enact visible changes in order to allow its customers and the public to experience the new changes. For example, the implementation of ethical waste disposal may list the steps it has taken through notices and company brochures. These specific steps will enhance the company commitment towards the implementation of corporate social responsibility.

The Main Obstacles to Implementing Socially Responsible Policies

The implementation of corporate responsibility means a change in business practices. The process is not easy and faces the following challenges.

  • Poorly defined policies
  • Limited resources- limited financial capabilities
  • Weak organizational structures intended to support the process, for example weak processes and organization leadership structures
  • Lack of clear coordination of activities and poor communication from the implementers

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Specific Actions That Can Be Taken Toward Increased Social Responsibility

To ensure an effective and increased social responsibility within any organization, the following specific actions should be taken.

  • Training- there is need for organizational workforce to be trained on the need and the responsible practices, as it helps in the implementation through creation of clarity.
  • Develop effective communication and integration of ethical practice on daily activities of the employees.
  • Set targets- some measurable targets must be set from which the progress of implementation can be measured.
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