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Integrating social responsibility with business has long been a subject of debate. Are such concepts inherently independent, or is it a company’s duty to ensure that its business is socially responsible? As society evolves and citizens become more informed and mindful, this debate has been overtaken by another. Now, the question is not if social responsibility plays a role in business, but rather how big a role. Information presented in the article, “Big Food Must Invest In Social Responsibility To Thrive, Experts Say,” suggests that business and social responsibility are more closely entwined than ever before, to a point where a company cannot prosper unless it demonstrates a commitment to ethics and welfare.

It is clear that socially conscious corporate behaviour – for example, addressing issues like sustainability and public health through company policies and practices – now plays an integral role in consumers’ interest in a given product or service. This is in part due to new technologies such as social media, which provides consumers with nearly unlimited information about many social issues. Major food companies have taken seriously the need to accommodate this “shift in tastes” in order to remain profitable. For example, Kellogg Co. has announced plans to require suppliers to permanently reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

This article demonstrates both R. Edward Freeman and Milton Friedman’s theories about the relationship between business and social responsibility. It clearly supports Freeman’s belief that in order for a business to prosper, the interests of all stakeholders (financiers, consumers, employees) must be aligned. Friedman’s theory that the fundamental purpose of a business is to make as much money as possible for the business owners also holds true. However, a company will only be able to do so if it takes into account consumers’ demand for social responsibility.

http://www.ibtimes.com/big-food-must-invest-social-responsibility-thrive-experts-say-1671920