Chapter 4 Worksheet 1
Chapter 4 Worksheet 1
As the business grows, its operations become more complex. For example, a
retail business expanding into new markets needs to make sure that employees
are aware of key objectives like sales targets and customer service expectations.
When employees know what the business is trying to achieve, they can work in a
way that supports those goals. Poor communication, however, may result in
employees not understanding what the company prioritizes, which can lower
productivity and lead to errors.
In some cases, businesses might prioritize growth and stability over immediate
profits. For instance, start-ups may invest heavily in new products or expanding
their market, which can lead to short-term losses but could result in higher profits
in the future. Similarly, some businesses may focus on customer satisfaction and
building loyalty rather than just making money right away, believing that a strong
reputation will lead to greater success in the long run.
Focusing only on profit can also lead to ethical problems, such as cutting costs in
ways that hurt employees or the environment. That’s why some businesses try to
balance making a profit with being socially responsible, which can improve their
reputation and build trust with customers and investors.
Some shareholders may also feel that CSR is not the company’s responsibility.
They might believe that the business should focus on making money and
improving efficiency, not on social or environmental goals. For example, choosing
more sustainable materials or reducing waste might be more expensive, and
these shareholders could see these costs as unnecessary if they don’t directly
lead to higher profits.
Another concern for shareholders is that focusing on CSR could distract the
business from its main goal of competing effectively in the market. If managers
spend too much time and money on CSR, they might miss out on chances to
expand the business, develop new products, or cut costs, all of which could
improve financial performance. Shareholders who are mainly interested in quick
financial returns might see this as a downside.
However, some shareholders might support CSR if they believe it could improve
the company’s reputation and customer loyalty, leading to higher profits in the
long run. But for those focused on short-term profits, CSR objectives may seem
unnecessary.