Throughout time, humans have continually expressed the fears and concerns of their era through different forms of expression. These concerns have highlighted the plights and struggles of generations and give an understanding to their views of topical issues of their time. An issue prevalent today within our fast-paced and rapidly expanding society is one of Corporate Social Responsibility, with booming organisations finally having the spotlight shinning down on them, as they are forced to make the often not popular choice of maximising revenue or being socially responsible. Corporate social responsibility refers to the continuing commitment by companies to behave ethically and to contribute to economic development, while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their family, as well as the local community and society large. Whilst previously large companies were able to ignore their social responsibility and exploit their markets and suppliers, nowadays in an enlightened era of reporting and human rights these businesses are no longer able to conceal their unethical practices and are questioned on their action.1 Thus, we have revealed that the crux of the argument lies not only in a business’ drive to maximise profit but also in lieu of their increased publicity and public awareness to their ethical corporate practices.
“Corporation: An ingenious device for obtaining profit without individual responsibility. “2 (Bierce, 1911). This extract from renowned 1900’sreporter and writer Ambrose Bierce is effective in identifying the view that Corporate America and the world felt about corporate social responsibility. Bierce was indefinitely one of the first of many reporters to come, that challenged the facades of large companies who looked at ever point to exploit the working class or the poorly legislated surrounding countries. During this time Bierce fought
Bibliography: Economic History Association. Volume 46. (2008-2012). The Journal of Economic History. Cambridge University Press. Henriques, D Philip Kotler, N. L. (2005). Corporate Social Responsibility. Wiley. Seymor E. Harris. (2012). American Economic History. Washington D.C: Beard Books. Web Pages: Action For Our Planet (2013) Unethical Companies