Arguments for and against social responsibility

The debate on the proper role of business organizations in society is far from over, some argue for and others against SR.

FOR

•    Like individuals corporations are citizens so they should contribute to society.
•    Since businesses create some problems they should solve them.
•    Organisations have enough resources to help society.
•    Businesses, government and the general public are partners in society.
•    Businesses owes society for supply of resources.
•    Benefits from SR will finally accrue to the business.


AGAINST

•    SR will decrease profits thus contradicting the real reason for firms’ existence
•    Social responsibility gives corporations too much power.
•    Corporations are not accountable for the results of their actions.
•    Corporations may lack the necessary expertise to be socially responsible.
•    Conflicts of how money set aside for social responsibility should be used, could arise.