"Organizations do not act 'socially responsible' when they concern themselves with 'social problems' outside of their own sphere of competence and action. They act 'socially responsible' when they satisfy society's need through concentration on their own specific job."
Peter Drucker a long time ago saw the enormous pressures that were beginning to be put on businesses in the so-called social responsibility realm. Today this may be far greater than any time in human history. It's a minefield that can bring disaster, in spite of those that call it "good business" and a way to gain public favor for the company.
The problem that arises, as Drucker says, is most alleged "socially responsible" demands are far outside our areas of competence. Most businesses and business leaders really don't know if what is being told them is accurate, and in some cases even true. They have to depend upon the ones pressing them for money to make a decision, not exactly an objective process.
The true ethics of a business, as Drucker says, is "To seek opportunity ... They act the most responsibly when they convert public need into their own achievements."
All that's saying is being good at what business you're in and serving that market to the best of the business' ability is what makes an organization "socially responsible" When a business allocates resources outside of its competence, it isn't being socially responsible, they're in a marketing campaign. See what good we're doing!
I think sometime in the not-too-distant future this could come back and bite some businesses, as they focus on the saving-the-world stuff, rather than serving their customers great.
The better we serve our market, and provide jobs and great products or services, that will do more for the world than any type of turning over resouces or buckling under the pressure of those that are trying to create the world in their own image.
When we take our focus off our main purpose, we are at that time being truly socially irresponsible. It's the job of business to serve their customers to the best of their ability. Those that take their eye off of that, will find themselves in the wrong business, and helping no one.
Other Peter Drucker Resources:
The Man Who Invented Management
Beyond the Information Revolution
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