Businesses and the Social Environment

1. Businesses and the Social Environment

2. Syllabus aims� Assessing the effects of: changes in the social environment the changing nature of the ethical environment Evaluating responses of businesses to a changing social environment including corporate social responsibility.

3. How has the UK population changed?

4. UK population to reach 70m

5. Environmental issues

6. Natural resources�. The World�s resources are running out What natural resources do firms use? Do firms have a duty to limit their use of natural resources? Is it the Governments responsibility to intervene and protect these natural resources?

7. Howies

8. Howies�

9. Howies Mission Statement Our beliefs A higher quality product will invariably last longer. It will keep on performing as it was designed to for longer before it finally needs replacing. And so over its lifespan it will have consumed less valuable resources than an inferior product that will have been replaced many times. That's why we make the best quality products that we know how. Because ultimately the best thing we can do for the environment is to make our stuff last a real long time. Functionality We believe in making products that serve a purpose and that stand the test of time. We avoid the fashions of the day and just ensure our products are as functional and as simple as possible.  Our Purpose Why are we in business? For us it is not as simple to make a profit. Like any company we require a profit to stay in business. But it is not the reason we are in business. The thing that has not changed from day one is the desire to make people think about the world we live in. This is, and always will be, why we are in business. Earth Tax We pledge to give 1% of our turnover or 10% of pre-tax profits (whichever is greater) to grass-root environmental and social projects. To find out more about our donations, please visit the website. It is only a small amount but as our company grows we will be able to give more. Which gives us a nice reason to want to grow. Fun We are trying to get the balance right between work and play. Whenever a real nice day comes along, it'd be a shame to waste it. So if you phone up and no-one answers, don't worry. We are out there doing what we love. So leave a message and we'll get back to you in a while. The rocking chair test Every product we make has passed the 'rocking chair test'. This is something we use to guide us along the path we are taking. So when we are old and grey and sitting in our rocking chairs, we can look back on the company we created with a smile. That's why we go to the trouble of using the best quality materials to make sure our clothing lasts longer. The longer our products last the less impact they will have on the environment, and the bigger our smile will be.

10. Changes in the Social Environment

11. Social audits What are they?

12. Your research task http://www.benjerry.com/our_company/about_us/social_mission/social_audits/2007_sear/

13. Fisher Price What do you think their social audit should include? Or�.what could go so wrong that could destroy their reputation?

14. Evaluation skills�.

15. P.M.D. Lets try this gimmick???!!!! Plus Minus It depends on�. �I want to invest in a holiday cottage in Pembrokeshire�.to what extent is this a good investment project for me?�

16. To what extent�. �To what extent would a social audit have helped McDonalds in the past 5 years? Paper 4 essays will require you to evaluate; to weigh up the short term v long term benefits�.

17. The recession is a test of companies� commitments to doing good

18. Corporate Social Responsibilities in a Recession� IN JUNE Gap, a big retailer based in San Francisco, will hold a strategy meeting for its corporate social responsibility (CSR) team. In previous years that meant flying in people from 20 countries around the world. But this time the company plans to bring them together virtually, via online meetings. The main reason for the switch is not to help save the planet by reducing Gap�s carbon footprint, but to help save money. �Everyone�s looking to become more efficient,� explains Dan Henkle, who leads the company�s CSR activities.

19. Questions: What is meant by corporate social responsibility? Describe two CSR given in the article. How has the recession had a positive impact on business social responsibility? What negative impact has the recession had on business� plans for being more socially responsible?

20. ICT ACTIVITY Chose a business that attracts high profile media attention e.g. Tesco, M&S, Primark, Nike, Gap, Shell, Coca Cola Carry out some independent research into its approaches towards its social responsibilities and/or its ethics Produce an article for a business magazine evaluating how they have responded to social and ethical factors

21. Homework�

22. Complete Q�s from article

23. Essay Q In 2007, Marks and Spencer plc, a leading UK clothes, food and home products retailer launched a five-year strategy to, �tackle some of the biggest challenges facing our business and our world�. This strategy involves working with customers and suppliers, �to combat climate change, reduce waste .... trade ethically and build a healthier nation�. To what extent do other retailers need to follow Marks and Spencer plc�s strategy? (40 marks) June 2008

24. Further reading http://commdev.org/section/tools/csr Companies doing good: http://www.dailychallenge.org/blog/companies-doing-good/