Discussion 2: Leaders as Social Change Agents

Research Requirement:

In recent years, CEOs have demonstrated an increased commitment to launching Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives. CSR initiatives typically aim to benefit society, the environment, and the organization’s profitability. Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream was one of the first organizations to receive widespread public praise for its CSR efforts related to banning recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH) from products and supporting causes such as the Human Rights Campaign. However, CSR initiatives are not always effective or beneficial. In some cases, CEOs may launch CSR efforts for the sole purposes of gaining a competitive advantage and improving public relations, without giving much thought to how the initiative actually benefits society and the environment. Furthermore, critics of CSR, such as Peter Drucker, Milton Friedman, and Jack Welch, argue that leaders and organizations should stick to what they know, which is making a profit.