From the article “Strategy and Society: The Link Between Competitive Advantage and Corporate Social Responsibility”, the authors, Porter and Kramer claim that the corporate social responsibility does not provide the best available strategies for the company’s interest. What the CSR (corporate social responsibility) suggests are the very generic, conventional ways but these suggestions are often not the most efficient or appropriate way to create benefit to the society, and it might not be in the best interest for the company. In fact, if the company accesses social responsibility thoroughly, the company would discover many new opportunities for itself and for the society.
This article by Porter and Kramer shares similar concepts with the perspective provided by Zimmerli’s, Richter’s, Holzinger’s “Corporate Ethic and Corporate Governance”. In “Strategy and Society: The Link Between Competitive Advantage and Corporate Social Responsibility”, Porter and Kramer suggest that companies should treasure the opportunities that lie under being responsible socially because it ultimately brings benefit to the companies themselves. However, companies should not blindly follow plans from CSR, which aren’t designed for the interest of the companies. Similarly, in “Corporate Ethic and Corporate Governance”, the authors strongly emphasize that the manager of a company should always make decision that is best for the company but should be based on personal values because the manager is responsible for the business. Both the article and the book encourage business executives to make decisions that benefit the business the most, instead of decisions that is based on personal believes or the media.
I completely agree with this type of mind set for a business decision maker. The decision should not be affected by any personal values or some CSR; it should be purely based on the business’ best interest. However, the company should also find a balance between the social responsibility and the business. The company can keep a good impression among the public and get the most out of the opportunities from the decision at the same time.
link: http://hbr.org/2006/12/strategy-and-society-the-link-between-competitive-advantage-and-corporate-social-responsibility/ar/1