Social Resonsibility

Corporate social responsibility is a term that many people interpret differently. Many people have created diagrams to show what their view of corporate social responsibility and all of the diagrams differ in some way. No one can seem to agree on one definition of what corporate social responsibility is. No one can agree on what the definition is because it depends on a person’s morals and values, which is different for each person. Corporate social responsibility is defined as the concern that a business has for the welfare of society. I feel like this is a good start to the definition but it needs more of an explanation as to what that means. Corporate social responsibility is when a business makes the right legal choices to become successful and give back to the community. Not all people believe in this definition and some people don’t even believe in corporate social responsibility. With all of the examples shown to me, I believe in Archie Carroll’s model that corporate social responsibility has philanthropic, ethical, economic, and legal responsibilities that are all equal within a company. These four things are not elaborated on in the pyramid which I think is key for people to understand what corporate social responsibility in my opinion. One out of many companies that displays all four of these responsibilities would be Panera Bread.
Philanthropic responsibilities for a company deal with giving back to the community. People and businesses aren’t required to give back to the community but when a company or person gives back it will make them feel better about themselves, not only that but they give themselves a better image for their business. An increase in someone’s business image is something every company wants because it will help increase sales and makes them more successful. One company that gives back to the community would be Panera Bread. “At Panera Bread®, we believe in giving back to local communities. We show our appreciation for customers not

References: Panera Bread. (1999-2012). In the Community. Retrieved from Panera Bread: http://www.panerabread.com/about/community/ Panera Bread. (2007, March 3). Panera Bread Company and its Affiliates. Retrieved from Panera Bread: http://www.panerabread.com/pdf/cg-conduct-20070303.pdf