When someone says “he is a good man”, I think they typically mean that that man can be counted on to do the right thing, even when it’s difficult. He has high moral character. He demonstrates strong ethical principles and integrity. He also shows compassion, is reliable and honest, and considers the well-being of others. He lives up to his commitments and treats people with respect and understanding.
Just as we, as individuals, want to be seen as “good,” businesses increasingly want to be seen as “good.”
Harvard Business Review collected “15 Eye-Opening Corporate Social Responsibility Statistics”. Here are a few of the highlights:
- “Seventy-seven percent of consumers are motivated to purchase from companies committed to making the world a better place, while 73 percent of investors state that efforts to improve the environment and society contribute to their investment decisions.”
- “Twenty-five percent of consumers and 22 percent of investors cite a ‘zero tolerance’ policy toward companies that embrace questionable practices on the ethical front.”
- “A majority of American consumers (55 percent) believe it’s important for companies to take a stand on key social, environmental, and political issues.”
- “Creating value for the customer, positively impacting society, and inspiring innovation and positive change are the three top reasons impacting an organization’s purpose.”
- “Nearly 70 percent of employees say they wouldn’t work for a company without a strong purpose.”
- “Fifty-eight percent of organizations that currently have a strong and clear sense of purpose experienced 10 percent or more growth during the last three years.”
In the U.S., a new classification of business called a Benefit Corporation has emerged. Businesses that file as a Benefit Corporation are still “for profit” but profit is not their only goal. They seek to make a positive impact on society by addressing social, economic, and/or environmental needs. They must issue an annual Benefit Report defining, reporting, and assessing their social and environmental performance.
But as Christians, is that what we mean when we seek to demonstrate “goodness” in our business?