While there are many frameworks for sustainability and business ethics, one framework has proven to stand the test of time—the pyramid of corporate social responsibility. This framework provides levels of responsibility that businesses can achieve as they grow and expand their sustainability practices.
What is the Pyramid of Corporate Social Responsibility?
Developed in 1979 by Archie Carroll, the pyramid of corporate social responsibility is a four-tier guide to self-regulation as it relates to the morals and ethics of business. The pyramid itself is split into four levels, ranging from the most vital base level to levels that businesses should strive for as they develop and grow as a company.
- Tier 1: Economic Responsibility
This is the base of the pyramid and is the responsibility of a business to stay profitable in order to continue existing. This is the base for all other responsibilities because if the business is not running, it can not accomplish the other levels.
- Tier 2: Legal Responsibility
This is the responsibility of a business to ensure that they are complying with the laws and regulations of the nation and/or location where they reside and do business. Following the regulations put in place by governing bodies to ensure fair and ethical business allows organizations to continue on the path towards overall corporate responsibility.
- Tier 3: Ethical Responsibility
This tier implies that businesses should operate in a fair and ethical manner. This can include going above and beyond what is required by law and making changes that reflect ethical decision-making by the business as a whole.
- Tier 4: Philanthropic Responsibility
This is the top tier of the pyramid and is a business’s effort to make a larger impact on their environment by creating a positive change in society and/or other non-self-serving areas. This can include donating to charities or putting an emphasis on sustainable business practices, for example.
What are the 3 P’s?
Also known as the Triple Bottom Line, the three P’s are the bottom-line measurement for the social and environmental impact of any given company.
1. People
This refers not only to the employees of a company, but to the people of the society in which a company operates in and has an effect on, as well. Internally, HR should set rules and regulations which are in line with the standards of the company and the welfare of its employees. In the community in which the company operates, the business should keep in mind how they impact the people around them, whether that is the people who live near the physical building of the company or those who buy the company’s products. They should make ethical decisions regarding these people and the pollution they create—waste, noise, and otherwise.
2. Planet
This refers to the planet Earth, the one on which all companies currently operate. Businesses should make ethical decisions in relation to their effects on the environment, positive or negative. When making business decisions, companies should attempt to minimize the harmful effects their business might have on the environment. They should also look to do good for the environment, such as using recycled materials, for example.
3. Profit
In order for a company to succeed and continue to exist as a company, it must generate a profit. In the past, this has been the main, and often only, consideration for businesses.
How can manufacturers incorporate corporate social responsibility (CSR) into their inventory management processes?
There are many ways for a company to be socially responsible. Here are a few examples:
- Avoiding Greenwashing
Greenwashing is when companies purposefully provide misleading information to consumers so they believe that the company is more environmentally friendly than it actually is. This can be harmful in many ways, including taking business away from actual green companies and instead putting it toward products that do more environmental harm.
- Adopt a Workplace Safety Program
Keeping the health and safety of employees in mind is vital to a sustainable business as well as talent retention. Ethical businesses are those that make employee wellness (both mental and physical) a top priority. In addition to maintaining strong morals, companies that take wellness into account will have more productive employees and retain talent as employees are more likely to enjoy being at that company.
- Hire with CSR in Mind
By hiring employees that fit into the culture of sustainability, companies can build their social responsibility practices from the ground up. Some candidates may be more sustainably inclined, or more willing to learn, which for many ethical businesses may be a huge leg up on other candidates. By integrating the ideas of social responsibility into company culture, a stronger foundation will be set for future sustainability endeavors.
LeanDNA helps manufacturers along the path to sustainability.
Learn more about how LeanDNA can be used for developing a sustainable supply chain.
FAQ
What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?
The standard definition of corporate social responsibility is a form of self-regulation that businesses apply in order to be both sustainable and ethical in their business practices. The theory creates a framework for continuous development toward a more sustainable world.
What is the Pyramid of Corporate Social Responsibility?
Created in 1979 by Archie Carroll, the pyramid of corporate social responsibility includes four layers of responsibilities that a business can strive for and achieve in order to integrate ethics and sustainability into their business models.
People, planet, profit. These are the basis for social and environmental responsibility by companies, as well as fair and ethical business practices. This all ties back into corporate social responsibility and the pyramid of corporate social responsibility.
What is the Triple Bottom Line (TBL)?
The triple bottom line is the three Ps—people, planet, and profit.
Greenwashing is when a company claims its product or company is environmentally friendly in ways that it is actually not. This misleading information may take away business from companies who do apply sustainability practices to their products and may have an overall negative effect on the environment.
