Resources - Accountability
Company citizenship and social accountability involve displaying
social conscience in decisions that affect the community of
stakeholders: business partners, employees, the general public,
the environment, and suppliers. Social accountability drives
profitability because sound values, purposes, and practices are
the basis for long-range achievement. Make social responsibility
part of your company's central values by what is legally required
of your business. Company citizenship means going beyond what is
required in a continuous effort to seek out opportunities to improve
long-term planning and day-to-day decision-making and to readily
meet the challenges and needs of our diverse community.
One MTJC business member protects the community and environment by
using less polluting rechargeable tools, only organic fertilizers,
natural pest control, and bikes for its company transportation in
their commercial landscaping business. This business has been the
recipient of several business awards for being ecologically friendly.
How to Model Accountability In Your Business Practices
Advertising and Marketing - All claims should be
accurate, specific and fair. Promote responsible and safe use of
products/services.
Audits and Assessments - Financial integrity and
accountability in assessing your business and its practices is
vital. Audits and assessments should be made without conflicts of
interest and in an independent manner. Maintain credible business
records that inspire public trust. Obtain feedback and share your
findings, knowledge of policies, procedures and practices through
comprehensive transparent disclosure to the public using MTJC.
Community and Environment - Protect, represent, and
advocate the public's interest in all aspects of your business
operations as well as in all areas of influence. Safeguard the
community from external social costs such as employee work injury,
pollution, employment discrimination, consumer rip-offs, and
government fraud. Refuse private gain at the expense and detriment
of the community interest.
Employees - Provide clear specific guidelines that
encourage high standards of conduct and participation in community
volunteer projects. Reward ethical and act to eliminate unethical
behavior. A well-designed training/coaching plan is instrumental
in upholding your good business reputation and in avoiding fines.
Businesses that clearly communicate their ethical values,
decision-making processes, and code of conduct to all employees
empower them to make appropriate ethical decisions.
Suppliers - Adhere to high standards of conduct and
honesty in business transactions. Communicating a values-based
culture helps build a sense of community.
Resources: Action for Corporate Accountability, the Center for
Advancement of Public Policy, Center for Auto Safety, Center for
Science in the Public Interest, the Coalition for Environmentally
Responsible Economies (CERES _ developers of the "Valdez Principals"),
the Citizen's Clearinghouse for Hazardous Wastes, the Coalition
for Corporate Responsibility, Consumers Union, the Council on
Economic Priorities, Greenpeace, the Interfaith Center on Corporate
Responsibility, the Investor Responsibility Research Center, National
Toxics Campaign, 9 to 5 (National Association of Working Women),
Physicians for Social Responsibility, Ralph Nader's Public Citizen,
the Social Investment Forum, and the Wilderness Society
References:
Business for Social Responsibility online at
www.bsr.org
The Stakeholder Alliance online at
www.stakeholderalliance.org
(revised Feb 25, 2003)
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