Corporate Environmental and Social Responsibility is Not a Luxury

Corporate Environmental and Social Responsibility (CESR) is not a luxury, but an essential part of business strategy.  The economist Milton Friedman argued that “the social responsibility of business is to increase its profit.” Yet CESR does not need to detract from profits: when done properly, CESR becomes a net revenue-generating activity.

CESR programs have contributed to brand value and the business plan to some extent in the past.  It is management’s failure to track the results of these programs appropriately that has led to a devaluation of what the programs can do.  It is perfectly possible to enact authentic environmental and social change while linking a program to the company’s business plan; to create a scalable program that is the best use of the company’s money; to design a program with reach that adds to brand value.  These are not mutually exclusive goals.

CESR is not just the latest trend.  It’s not a drain on your company’s resources.  It’s a competitive advantage.