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For organizations, the primary aim is to generate revenue and turn profits. So, how does corporate social responsibility, which is about giving and not taking, factor into the balance sheet?
An organization’s social responsibility toward its community, employees and other stakeholders is significant and concrete. The sphere in which an organization operates needs to be sustained not just for the organization’s sake but for others involved. Having said that, there are some disadvantages of social responsibility that may put organizations in a dilemma.
Let’s explore the flip side of social responsibility and what it means for a business. Learn about the importance of building trust among stakeholders.
What Are The Disadvantages of Social Responsibility?
A corporate’s social responsibility sets it apart by lending it a competitive advantage. Philanthropic efforts go a long way in building rapport, goodwill and loyalty among members in and outside the organization. But once organizations engage in CSR, they’re also subject to inspection, criticism and public opinion.
Here are some disadvantages of corporate social responsibility:
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Rising Costs Of Operations
Investing in CSR, at any scale, can lead to high costs and expenses. Organizations may have to reorganize their finances to accommodate this budgetary change. They need investment to train employees, launch campaigns and collaborate with external agencies to roll out programs. It largely depends on the type of CSR initiative, but most call for an effort to ensure things go to plan.
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Locking Horns With Stakeholders
Shareholders, clients or customers may experience the financial burden of an organization’s CSR activities. In terms of investors, they’ll be keen to learn where and how their money is being spent. Clients would want to know about your initiatives, whether they align with their organization’s missions and if there are conflicts of interest. Customers pay greater attention to organizations that make visible CSR efforts. This can impact your marketing and sales initiatives.
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Public Image
One of the most significant disadvantages of CSR in business is the impact on public image. Once you’re in the public eye, you’re more likely to be scrutinized for everything you do. As an organization that upholds its credibility with its actions, you may be subject to criticism over the smallest acts. This can put you at a disadvantage as it may affect your customer base. Organizations have to invest substantially to maintain their public image and sustain their brand.
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Increased Accountability
Organizations that invest in CSR agree to be more accountable and responsible for their actions. If your business operations negatively impact the environment, for instance, you have to do damage control and set things right. If your products aren’t sustainable or eco-friendly on one hand and your CSR arm is protesting against climate change and other environmental detriments, you can be put in the spotlight. You have to assess your operations before you invest in appropriate CSR measures.
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Losing Sight Of What Matters
Sometimes when you’re fully invested in external activities that take you away from your work, you may lose sight of what matters. You may start doing CSR just because you get traction and attention. Some may resort to attracting numbers of people with empty promises and hollow campaigns. It’s important to be true to yourself, trust the process and give your best shot when you’re trying to do something good for others.
The advantages greatly offset the disadvantages of CSR. You may be at risk of losing your public image in case of any missteps, but with concerted effort, you can surely build trust within your community. If you’re doing it right, you have nothing to fear.
A helpful trick is to learn all about building trust-based relationships that add value to your business. Harappa’s Establishing Trust course incorporates key concepts and frameworks such as The Trust Toolkit and The Dominant Factor to understand how you can build credibility. Learn to honor your commitments, how to be open and empathetic and prioritize others before you. Create something you’re proud of and focus on what you can do to change the game. Overcome barriers to social responsibility and give back to your community.
Explore topics such as the Meaning Of Corporate Social Responsibility, Types Of Social Responsibility, the Importance Of CSR, the Need For CSR & Benefits Of CSR from Harappa Diaries to establish trust through your work or your business.
