In Pia Isabel Lim’s blog, it is said that Starbucks have kept its position top the coffee industry not only because of its coffee, but more importantly, social responsibility. On the home page of Starbucks, there is a section called Responsibility, which includes what Starbucks has contributed to community, ethical sourcing and environment. Starbucks’ success implies that customers in modern society buy coffee not only for its good taste but also for the shared value the coffee company created for the whole community. It doesn’t always cost a lot to fulfill social responsibility; conversely, it might generate more revenues. The vacuum cup sold by Starbucks becomes popular for its practical function as well as its eco-friendly conception.

According to a research by Forbes, the company with the Best CSR reputations in 2012 is “Microsoft”. While developing its IT industry, Microsoft provides youth with education opportunities through Microsoft YouthSpark program and it builds the well-known employee giving program which achieved more than $1 billion in employee contributions. Thus, a competitive and reputed company is one who can maximize its profits when ensuring the societal value.

Reference:

Smith, Jacquelyn. “The Companies with the Best CSR Responsibility.” Web log post.Forbes. Forbes, 12 Oct. 2012. Web. <http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2012/12/10/the-companies-with-the-best-csr-reputations/2/>.

“Starbucks.” Starbucks Coffee Company. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Nov. 2013. <http://www.starbucks.com/responsibility>.

5 Reasons Why Starbucks Is so Persuasive. Digital image. Http://influence-people-brian.blogspot.ca/. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jovAQoP-nps/UZwSKEQN9dI/AAAAAAAAEVc/JOGzC8G1d1U/s200/starbucks-coffee-logo.gif>.