The Mini-Case “Trends in Social Responsibility” lists several themes related to social responsibility in business that have generated recent attention. Is it possible that efforts made by managers to address some of these themes would increase profits? Explain briefly.

Trends in Social Responsibility

In the past few years, several trends in social responsibility have emerged. Not all of these activities reduce profits, but all are potentially important for the success of firms and society.

1. End of Workplace Harassment: Susan Fowler published a whistle-blower essay in 2017 about sexism during her time at Uber. By 2018, the #MeToo movement was running strong, telling companies that women should not have to deal with sexual harassment any longer. As a result, founders, senior management, and others resigned or were fired at Uber, Fox, and other corporations.

2. Increase Diversity: Companies are under increasing pressure to hire and promote women, minorities, and other workers whom they have largely ignored or discriminated against in the past.

3. Involvement in Politics: Corporations have always lobbied for special treatment, but, increasingly, heads of firms such as Facebook and Microsoft are speaking out on issues of social justice, such as border enforcement of immigration laws and anti-discrimination laws.

4. Protect the Environment: Many corporations, such as Google and Nike, are trying to slow global warming by reducing their carbon footprints and are lobbying for pro-environment policies.

5. Brand Strategies Based on Philanthropy: Some firms commit to making charitable contributions for each item consumers buy. For example, TOMS Shoes “Buy One, Give One” marketing strategy involves giving a poor child a pair of shoes for each pair purchased. Firms hope that some socially concerned consumers will buy from these companies rather than from their competitors for this reason.