The Tribune

Most companies have engaged in some form of corporate social responsibility over the course of their business lifespan. Good corporate citizenship means that, in the normal course of business, a company is operating in ways that enhance society and the environment, instead of contributing negatively to them.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) manifests as philanthropy or volunteer efforts where businesses can benefit society while boosting their own brands. As important as CSR is for the community, it is equally valuable for a company. CSR activities can help forge a stronger bond between employee and corporation; they can boost morale and can help both employees and employers feel more connected with the world around them. Additionally, companies use the benevolence for the public relations photo opt to augment their marketing efforts.

In order for a company to be socially responsible, it first needs to be responsible to itself and its shareholders. It is important to note that companies who think about others are those who are profitable and have the net disposable revenue to invest.

The focus of today’s discussion is simply to share some ideas for greater social corporate responsibility in the Bahamian context. Here are my thoughts:

1. Commit to the Hurricane Dorian rebuilding efforts in Abaco and Grand Bahama. Businesses and the economy on both islands are really struggling through trying to get back on the ground. Supporting a partner business, former supplier, subsidiary, or a small sole proprietor that needs the lift-provides assistance to the wider economy. We have always lived by the adage - if we all work together, we will get the work done. The strength in our united effort to build must supersede our critically watching government efforts. This will only work with private and public corporate responsibility.

2. Adopt a Heritage Community. Arlene Nash-Ferguson (a Bahamian cultural icon and historian) coined the phrase heritage communities in the place of inner cities or ghettos. When a company takes on Kemp Road, Englerston, The Coconut Grove, Fox Hill, Bain Town, Eight Mile Rock - they are committing themselves to mentorship programmes, clean-up campaigns, parenting workshops, the construction of technology-learning centre’s and anything else along the line of education that advances the people in these marginalised communities. Healthy communities lead to a stronger Bahamas - the end.

3. Lobbying the government and law-makers to embracing alternative forms of energy. We seem to be on the cusp of finally welcoming energy technology developed and used throughout the developed and developing world for many years. Profitable organsations with sizeable market share in significant industries must begin to use their political voice to champion the cause of cleaner air, beginning with the issue of energy. Reducing the carbon footprint should become the cause of every company (especially after an event as life altering as Dorian), but those with the might of their size and presence must do more to advance the agenda.

4. Sacred scripture warns us to “strengthen the things that remain and are about to die”. We must begin to look closely in our society at those things that have proven beneficial to us as a people that are on the verge of becoming extinct. Businesses embracing local artisans, musicians and entertainers strengthens the national cultural fabric that is so vital to the future development of our people. Every profitable organisation should have a cheque for a junkanoo group, or hire a local band or entertainer for their lobby/dining or entertainment area. Strengthen the things that remain.

• NB: Ian R Ferguson is a talent management and organisational development consultant, having completed graduate studies with regional and international universities. He has served organsations, both locally and globally, providing relevant solutions to their business growth and development issues. He may be contacted at tcconsultants@coralwave.com.