Corporate Social Responsibility – The New Cool Where Everybody Wins

Starbucks. Google. American Apparel. Ever hear of these companies? I’m sure you have. In fact, I’m willing to bet you’re probably sitting in a Starbucks right now, possibly wearing your American Apparel iB-LIEVE t-shirt, and that you probably got to this very Blog from your own Google home page.

But behind the products and services we enjoy from these companies, there is a much larger thing going on behind the scenes. For example, did you know that one of Starbucks’ guiding principles is Corporate Social Responsibility? Are you aware that the founders of Google have given billions of dollars in seed money with the objective to tackle poverty, disease, and global warming? And did you know that American Apparel is known for its progressive policies in promoting immigrant rights and labor policies that pioneered the “sweatshop free” movement is apparel manufacturers?

These companies, like many others, are tapping into new markets and expanding corporate philosophies. They are looking to do more “good” and show you how much of it they are doing. Companies are not just thinking in terms of profit anymore, they are striving to become more socially conscious and providing a positive impact on society.

But what is it exactly? According to some experts, “corporate social responsibility” is a concept where organizations consider the interests of society by taking responsibility for the impact of their activities on customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders, communities, as well as the environment.

Thanks to you, me, and millions of other consumers like us, corporate social responsibility has now become a standard business practice. Conscious consumers like us continue to dig deeper into the products we purchase, paying more attention to a company’s behavior than the product itself. We establish emotional connections with the brands we identify with and we like to identify companies that care not just about us and what we like, but also what the world can benefit from and the positive impact they are making. It’s become a true demand from the population, and more and more corporations are realizing it helps their bottom line.

Do you believe in a company that’s socially responsible? Let us know what companies you buy from that are making a positive impact in the world.

-JL