After reading Sabena Quan-Hi’s blog, I have doubt the fact that companies are genuinely providing back to the society. In her blog, Sabena states that companies actions could be justified as long as they have something in return for society. In this case, Nestle was extracting a free resource and packaging to be sold for profit. In return for “free” water, Nestle provides mapping of underground water sources to the state government. Is it justifiable by providing information that isn’t useful to the state?
Instead of providing information about resources, companies should invest in the community, providing sustainable growth for the community and the company. They could provide scholarship programs for children who can’t afford tertiary education. This would increase equity in the society, potentially solving the poverty cycle. The social responsibility of a firm is an aspect of the firm when customers consider the brand image, especially when it’s down to a multi million dollar firm. Applying the proper corporate social responsibility techniques would provide the firm with a competitive advantage against its rivals especially when their products are substitutes.
