In an age when executives migrate in droves from profit to nonprofit careers, and “sustainability” is the word on everyone’s lips, social corporate responsibility has become a cornerstone of corporate success. Companies seeking validation from shareholders, consumers, and their own boards must prove not only their ability to surpass industry expectations, but also their commitment to cultivating a better world.
3 Ways Social Corporate Responsibility Shapes Businesses
- Equality. In a world where gender, racial, and socioeconomic inequality headlines nearly every progressive discussion about business growth, companies are finally taking note. Whether they see a clear need for change or they’re merely swept up in the tide of social responsibility, leadership teams have begun shifting from lip service about minority rights to community outreach for the underprivileged, internal support systems for female executives and people of color, and a greater focus on the environmental impact of their businesses.
- Branding. In decades past, business branding meant nothing more than projecting a consistent and compelling image to the company’s target consumer. Developing brand loyalty relied heavily on visuals, marketing, and the development of a strong branding strategy. With the current social climate, however, superficial branding is no longer an option. High- and low-profile companies alike must earn the trust of their customers if they want to succeed in the modern world. Community outreach is an increasingly integral part of building trust for business brands. If current trends continue, businesses will soon founder unless they prove that social corporate responsibility is fundamental to the structure of their business.
- Company culture. Social accountability doesn’t simply improve the external image of a successful company. Outreach has become a key tenet of company culture for impactful businesses across the globe. Teams who volunteer at local charities, shrink their ecological footprint, and dedicate time to developing company-sanctioned social outreach programs establish greater pride in their work and a closer connection to their coworkers. A healthy company culture increases productivity, decreases turnover rate, and allows company leaders to push forward to untapped levels of corporate success.
Are you seeking an executive career at a socially responsible Atlanta company? Contact Colleen at Executive Resumes Atlanta for professional resume assistance.