Business should assume social responsibility due to the following reasons:
It is in the long term interest of business
It will help to improve the public image of business
It will avoid government regulation of business activities
It is important to full fill social obligations unmoral
Consumers are now more conscious of their rights and demand such obligations from business enterprises.
Social obligations refer to the obligations or responsibilities of business to act in manner which will serve the best interests often society. Social obligations are different form legal obligations. Legal obligations are compulsory and can be fulfilled merely by complying with the law. Social obligations, on the other hand, relate to the voluntary efforts on the part of businessmen to sue social problems. The concept of social obligation is based on the assumption that what is good for society is also good for business.
Business should assume social obligations due jot the following reasons:
Long Term Interest of Business: Business gees its resources form the society. It is the duty of business to satisfy the needs of society. If business spends a part of is profits for improving social conditions, it will rat an environment more favorable to the long term prosperity of business. Education, pollution control, enlistment of the poor and such other measures can be adopted or the improvement of society In the long run, a successful business can be built on the foundations of a happy community. Thus. Assumption of social obligations is in the long-term interest of business itself.
Public Image: A business firm can improve its public image by fulfilling its social obligations. Such a business will enjoy the support of is customs and other interest groups. They will patronize it and as a result, it will earn more profits.
Avoidance of Government Control; If businessmen voluntarily discharge their social obligations, need of government controls avoided. Government control is costly to business as it reduces the flexibility for decision king. For example, if a factory is causing pollution of air or water, the owner should take steps to prevent I. if this in not done, government may ask the firm to shift to another area or to close down. By assuming social obligations, businessmen cnmaintain freedom of enterprise.
MoralJustificatioin: Everybusienss enterprise makes use of physical, financial and human resources of the society. It also depends intersociety for sale of goods and services. Moreover, business firms make use of roads, power, water supply and other common facilities provided by the society. Therefore, it is the moral responsibility of business to use all resource for the well-being of society. Businessmen also have the knowledge, experience and he financé to cooperate with the government and help the society in solving its problems.
Social Awareness: In recent years, consumes have become increasingly aware of their rights. Consumed groups and consumed courts are compelling business mentor dress the grievances of consumes. Works have gone united in the form of trade unions to protect their interests. These dovecotes make it necessary for businessmen to serve the interests of consumes, employees and other interest groups.
Social Power: Business enjoys considerable social pawed because its decisions affect all sections of society. Social responsibility is necessary to balance power and responsibility. If business does not assume obligations to society, the swear of society will be affected. Other social groups may take away the social power of business.,
Resources Skills: Business has considerable resources ad skills some of which fan is useful involving society’s problems. Busies is also known for its innovative skills sands efficiency in the use of physical so financial resources. These deform business should help the society.
Creator of Social Problem: Business causes pollution and makes work places unsafe therefore it is the responsibility of business to help society in dealing with the negative impact of business activities.