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Corporate Social Responsibility – Time for CGS to get
Involved?
By Marty Resick
"The business of America is business." I often have hated
that saying as showing a very shallow America. But, given that business around
the world helps to drive a global culture, and certainly drives much of the
global economy, perhaps this means we need to rethink business' impact on our
globe - for there is a global business environment with its own culture.
Traditionally, CGS has allied itself with peace and justice groups, in order to
change the political milieu through the ICC, Disarmament, Law of the sea, and
strengthening of UN institutions that help set global culture. We have succeeded
with these alliances, . . . and we have failed in terms of buy-in by the broader
public of our mission.
Should we look toward a selective alliance with the progressive side of
business? After all, probably half or more of our members and Boards are
businessmen and businesswomen. I would call this initiative " An Approach to
Enlightened Business-An Ally in Global Solutions".
Some businesses realize that it is not just profit - it is satisfying the
customer, adding value and creating community. The best businesses set high
standards for themselves, and apply these standards globally to all their
subsidiaries -- corporate social responsibility, in a nutshell, to the
employees, customers, shareholders, governments, and cultures in which they
operate. IN MOST CASES, THESE BUSINESSES WANT WHAT WE WANT INTERNATIONALLY -
Structure, Fairness, Resolution of Disputes, Growth, Investment in People,
Sharing and Building Community.
The UN already has an outreach committee working on corporate social
responsibility; we in Pittsburgh have had public forums on the subject,
showcasing best practices of progressive international businesses.
Is business open to this suggestion? After the ugly corporate scandals of the
past 10 years - you bet!!
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