Poverty is one of America's most persistent and serious problems. The United States produces more per capita than any other industrialized country, and in recent years has devoted more than $500 billion per year, or about 12 percent of its gross national product, to public assistance and social insurance programs like Social Security, Medicare, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, food stamps, and Medicaid. Despite our wealth and these efforts to reduce income inequality, poverty is more prevalent in the United States than in most of the rest of the industrialized world. It is also more prevalent now than it was in the early seventies, when the incidence of poverty in Amer ...view middle of the document...
Beyond this, businesses today are expected to show more extensive social responsibility-corporate social responsibility. Firms take responsibility for the consequences their activities have for the environment, people, and the society- inside and outside the company. Generating wealth in a manner that is socially and environmentally responsible must be a common goal of the domestic and international business community. With the opening of the world economy and the brand of reputation, it has become increasingly important to do business ethically, morally, and with concern for the society.Serving as a good neighbor makes good business sense. Recognizing that strong social, environmental and safety performance goes hand-in-hand with financial success. Corporate social responsibility is demonstrably a business strategy that works in a world where brand value and reputation are increasingly seen as a company's most valuable assets. Business social responsibility builds the loyalty and trust that ensure a bright and sustainable future. In a complex society, drawing closer together, organizations are increasingly open and visible. They are not just judged on their results but on their behavior too. By integrating corporate social responsibility as a core value in your business, you are not only making a significant contribution to a better society but, just as importantly, you are recognized for doing so. This has obvious benefits for the company. Corporate social responsibility can and should govern EVERY aspect of business life. The rewards, both for the corporation and the society at large, will be enormous.