Philosophy

     As business leaders hold an influential position in society, they should make the voluntary decision to commit their businesses to social responsibility (Csikszentmihalyi, p.5 Strong, p. 87).  A company that makes a commitment to be socially responsible would refrain from unethical and harmful behavior, including deceit or fraud, be it directed toward its employers, customers or society at large (Csikszentmihalyi, p 26).  Moreover, it would make every effort to do good, for example, by supporting important social causes.  Regardless of the social responsibilities that a business leader decides for his or her organization to bear, the decision should be documented in the organizational mission statement where the core values of the company are spelled out (Strong, p. 87).  Thus, social responsibility must be made part and parcel of organizational goals, clarified for both investors and employees in order for them to find greater satisfaction in their association with the business (Csikszentmihalyi, p. 42-43).

     Of course, the organizational mission statement is meaningless unless the business leader vows to remain committed to the core values enlisted there.  The business is expected not only to remain true to its commitment to social responsibility but also other claims spelled out in its mission statement, for example, the production of high quality goods.  Fraudulent claims would only destroy the business (Csikszentmihalyi, p. 26).  On the contrary, a socially responsible organization may enjoy community goodwill as it builds strong relationships not only because it may be engaged in social causes but also due to the fact that it delivers what it promises to deliver (Csikszentmihalyi, p. 22).  So, even if an organizational manager engages in deceitful business practices, it is for the business leader to punish or fire the manager in order to ensure that ethics are maintained.  After all, a good business cannot be built without ethics.

     Just as it is essential for the business leader to ensure that everything that is produced for organizational consumers would increase their satisfaction rather than harm them, it is vital for the company to enhance employee happiness (Strong, p. 83).  As there is no happiness without good health, organizational health programs should be considered necessary for the survival of good businesses (Strong, p. 83).  Undoubtedly, a healthy workforce would work wonders for any business by reducing absenteeism and turnover, and increasing employee motivation, productivity and revenues.  Likewise, as personal growth is a significant factor in the enhancement of employee happiness, business leaders are expected to develop training programs to support their employees in their quest for growth (Csikszentmihalyi, p. 202).  As a matter of fact, everything that benefits employees should be considered good for business. 

     A successful leader is one who leads the organization toward unity and productivity.  He or she unites members of the organization around a mutual goal and generates increased productivity.  Thus, the major responsibilities of a business leader include improvement of interaction among members of the organization, reduction of levels of stress in the workplace, and increasing trust among organizational members.  In other words, a business leader must not only recruit those who would find their jobs meaningful enough to build a good business, but also fit into the organizational culture in a way that enhances organizational health (Strong, p. 83).  The business leader may arrange group activities for employees to strengthen their relationships.  On a similar note, he or she may establish diversity management programs.  Diversity management involves acceptance of differences respect and tolerance for people representing all cultures and from distinct backgrounds and the achievement of organizational goals by making the best of diversity, e.g. by gathering novel ideas from employees of different nationalities.  Discrimination, on the contrary, is the result of poorly managed diversity in the workplace.  Known to adversely affect job performance, job satisfaction, productivity, and employees perceptions of equity  discrimination may also lead to litigation.  Needless to say, an organization with a culture of discrimination has a poor public image.  As the upkeep of self-esteem is an essential need of all employees, the business leader should seek to develop an organizational culture where all employees feel valued, trusted and respected (Csikszentmihalyi, p. 24). 

     It is not only important for a good business to ensure that its customers are satisfied and its employees needs are met, including their material needs, but also to satisfy its investors (Csikszentmihalyi, p. 23).  An organization that is committed to socially responsible behavior is naturally expected to satisfy the entire society.  But, corporate philanthropy is dependent on investor approval (Strong, p. 106).  Even if investors do not agree on spending their funds on philanthropic activities, the business leader is capable of finding ways to increase the goodness of his or her business by sharing his or her knowledge with the community regardless of whether he or she considers him- or herself as an expert on integrity, wellness or social responsibility (Strong, p. 242).  The business leader may even choose to recruit organizational employees as volunteer trainers for the community to enhance societal welfare, depending on the employees expertise.   

     In short, there are a variety of ways to develop a good business.  Once the business leader has made an honest commitment to establish his or her business as such, the entire community, including investors and suppliers, are expected to enjoy the benefits of this good business.  After all, a good business is further expected to increase its revenues, thereby enhancing investor motivation for corporate philanthropy.  Similarly, a good business would encourage its suppliers to engage in good business practices, thereby become a model of good business.