Ethics and Social Responsibility Roles in Strategic Plan Analytical Essay

Introduction

Ethics and social responsibility are fundamental aspects when one is developing a strategic plan and considering stakeholders needs. As much as the organizations give priority to profitability, the issue of ethics and responsibility should also raise concern. The reason as to why this should be emphasized is because; the success and development of any organization’s strategic plans will depend on it (Kotler, 2001).

The contents of this paper will be explanation of the roles of ethics and social responsibility in developing a strategic plan while considering stakeholder needs. My ethical perspective which has developed when learning this program is also discussed.

Ethics in organizations

An organization should have a set of rules made in an orderly manner, to act as the guide within it. This will ensure that the external part of the organization is incorporated in the strategic plan. Ethical values are set in an organization as a guide in balancing its interests and the interests of stakeholders.

It also enables the organization to reward the best demonstrated ethics within the organization, and on the other hand punish any seen behavior in violating the same (Linda & Ferrell, 2009). A company with set ethical values has minimal chances of individuals to abuse power to meet their own interests. Ethical behaviors demonstrate the level of integrity in the organization thus giving it a good image to the public.

This also makes it easier for the organization to fulfill its set goals and objectives and thus expanding. For an organization with positive strategic plans of developing and contributing positively to the external community, ethical standards should be adhered to so as to achieve this.

Ethical values create a common destiny for all employees as it creates a control for any employee who may decide to go against the proposed strategic guideline.

For the set ethical values to contribute positively towards the development of the organization, corporate governance should emphasize on the implications of adhering to them. Once the stakeholders realize that their interests are being considered by their organization, they become assured of the organizations continuity. This makes them to contribute more to its growth and this gives the organizations a strong base for the better future.

Social Responsibility in Organizations

Social responsibility in an organization is another crucial aspect which should be considered. This plays a great role in development of a strategic plan as it makes the organization to be involved in other social activities. Such activities include, protecting the environment, contributing in social and economic development among others.

Corporate social responsibility is very crucial to the future of the organization, as it places the organization at a very competitive edge by giving it a positive image to the stakeholders and the general public. Organizations have realized that corporate social responsibility is as important as the profit which they generate.

That’s why many organizations are making use of their resources to expand their commitment to the society (Norris, & Innes, 2005).

Some of the activities that the organization can be involved in are for instance, funding social activities, development of income generating projects etc. the organizations management should ensure that the organization has followed the corporate social responsibility rules that have been established. This will ensure that the organization has a greater ability to provide sustainable development.

Despite how small or big the organization is, great benefits will be enjoyed by the organization and its stakeholders as far as it abides to the set regulations of social responsibility. Through enforcing the issue of corporate social responsibility, many companies have become more competitive, achieved a greater sustainability, and have become more successful.

These guidelines are set to eliminate all possible negative aspects. If social responsibility is managed well, it becomes an important part of the organizations wealth creation by making it more competitive. Social responsibility also contributes in increasing wealth creation to the external community.

The primary objective of an organization abiding to social responsibility is to meet the interests of stakeholders and the general public (Kotler, 2001). This gives the organization a positive image to the public and other competitors. For the organization to maintain its survival, it should be keen to adjust to the regular changing interests of its stakeholders and the general public.

Reference List

Kotler, P. (2001). Marketing Management, (10th ed). Prentice Hall.

Linda, F. & Ferrell, C. (2009). Business Ethics: Ethical Decision Making and Cases, (6thed). Dreamtech Press.

Norris, G. & Innes, J. (2005). Corporate Social Responsibility: Case Studies for Management. John Innes Society.