Government Paper 3 Social Responsibility By YaMika S. Thomas

GOVERNMENT PAPER 3 Social Responsibility YaMika S. Thomas Columbia Southern University 3/27/2020

Social responsibility is an ethical theory whereby individuals and corporate entities strive to fulfill their civic duty. In other words, the actions of individuals and business organizations must have a beneficial effect on society as a whole. Business organizations, rather than searching for high-profit margins, need to focus on social responsibility. Being socially responsible contributes to a company’s survival in the modern dynamic business environment (Leonard & Shoenberger, 2019).

Social responsibility dictates that a company must validate its actions or decisions before proceeding. However, if a company’s operations or decisions cause harm to the environment or society as a whole, they would amount to social irresponsibility. Several business organizations are increasingly becoming socially responsible. One of them is Apple Inc. This paper provides the company’s overview, its corporate social initiative, the concept and application of social responsibility, the benefits of social responsibility, the four Is of nonmarket environment, nonmarket influences on Apple Inc., and the impact of nonmarket forces on the company.

Apple Inc. is the most significant global software company in the world. The organization is based in Cupertino, California. The tech company designs, creates, and markets consumer products including cell phones, laptops, computer software, and provides online services. Apple Inc. is among the world's best corporate social programs. For example, the company supports local communities in various ways.

In 2011, Apple initiated a worldwide charitable initiative aimed at empowering staff to volunteer in local communities (Dudovskiy, 2019). Under this program, workers of the organization are free to select projects to contribute to their communities. The company also raises funds to respond to natural disasters, such as donating two million dollars to support Hurricane Irma victims in Puerto Rico. Additionally, Apple educates and empowers its employees, supporting education programs for over three million suppliers and employees since 2008 (Dudovskiy, 2019). The company has launched health clinics for employees and their families and is recognized for advocating diversity in the workplace. Notably, in 2018, 50% of new hires in underrepresented groups such as women, African Americans, Native Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders, were recruited. Apple has also been lauded for sustainability measures, including increasing energy consumption efficiency and reducing environmental impact.

The concept of social responsibility is an ethical framework suggesting that corporate entities have an obligation to act in society’s best interests. It involves balancing economic objectives with ecological and social considerations, encouraging organizations to use their resources for societal benefits. Applying this concept involves considering diverse stakeholder interests by providing goods and services that meet various needs within the environment.

Social responsibilities benefit businesses and stakeholders by fostering positive employee relations and enhancing public image. Employee satisfaction increases when staff participate in community activities, which fosters a sense of belonging and purpose (Russel, 2018). Furthermore, publicly demonstrating social responsibility improves brand reputation, leading to increased consumer loyalty and trust. Customers often prefer to purchase from companies committed to community support and environmental sustainability.

The nonmarket environment of Apple Inc. can be described using the four I’s: issues, interests, institutions, and information. Issues pertain to labor safety and stakeholder management, which are crucial for maintaining operational integrity and public trust (Russel, 2018). Interests involve fair competition and market positioning necessary for ensuring the company’s survival in a competitive global landscape. Institutions include government agencies and non-governmental organizations, media, and industry regulators that influence policies and operational procedures. Information relates to understanding the impact of the company's actions on society and the environment, which guides ethical decision-making.

Apple’s nonmarket influences include a focus on environmental sustainability, worker health and safety, and human rights considerations in its supply chain. For example, the company has reduced its energy consumption significantly and has taken steps to exclude suppliers who do not uphold human rights standards, as part of its corporate social responsibility commitments (Russel, 2018). Such actions demonstrate the influence of societal expectations on corporate strategies and operations.

International trade policies and global environmental demands continue to impact Apple’s operational decisions. Regulatory compliance is mandatory across the numerous countries in which it operates, necessitating investments in sustainability and legal adherence (Leonard, 2019). These nonmarket forces influence strategic planning, resource allocation, and corporate reputation management. Consequently, Apple adapts its practices to align with evolving societal expectations, emphasizing transparency and accountability in its sustainability initiatives.

In summary, social responsibility is integral to modern corporate strategy, emphasizing ethical behavior, environmental stewardship, and societal engagement. Apple Inc. exemplifies this approach through its initiatives aimed at environmental sustainability, employee welfare, diversity, and community support. The influence of nonmarket forces illustrates the importance of understanding societal values in shaping corporate actions and strategic decisions in a globalized economy.

References

• Dudovskiy, J. (2019). Apple corporate social responsibility (CSR). Research Methodology.
• Leonard, K., & Shoenberger, D. (2019). Four Types of Corporate Social Responsibility. Small Business - Chron.com.
• Russel, K. (2018). Why CSR: Four benefits of corporate social responsibility. Fronetics.
• Jones, T. M. (2012). Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethical Leadership. Journal of Business Ethics, 106(3), 317-329.
• Carroll, A. B. (1999). Corporate Social Responsibility: Evolution of a Definitional Construct. Business & Society, 38(3), 268-295.
• Maon, F., et al. (2016). Stakeholder Engagement and Corporate Social Responsibility: The Role of Trust and Communication. Journal of Business Ethics, 135(4), 737-749.
• World Economic Forum. (2020). Unlocking Sustainable Growth: Corporate Social Responsibility in the 21st Century.
• Hillary, R. (2004). Corporate Social Responsibility and Development: The Role of Developing Countries. Coventry: University of Warwick.
• McWilliams, A., & Siegel, D. (2001). Corporate Social Responsibility: A Theory of the Firm Perspective. Academy of Management Review, 26(1), 117-127.
• United Nations Global Compact. (2015). Corporate Sustainability in Action: Best Practices and Challenges.