The demand for transparency of the food we eat, clothes we wear, restaurants that we patronize and more, derives from the growing interest of the impact we make in our society. As a community of people, we all want to feel that we make a difference. We want to know that whether big or small, the actions that we make and the money that we donate, all go towards a true cause in our world. However, the social impact that individuals make, pale in comparison to the impact of a business.
Photo by Clark Tibbs on Unsplash
Businesses can impact social issues in society on a larger-scale, more efficiently and quicker than smaller groups of individuals could ever hope to do. As a consumer desires to learn how the products that he/ she buys impacts the environment, it is incumbent on the business that they purchase items from, to provide that transparency.
Businesses can no longer stay quiet on social issues that affect so many of their consumers (i.e social injustice, environmental issues, education, health, etc.). It is important for businesses to “pick a side” on an issue, as it can make a significant impact in how consumers view the brand, choose to support the brand and the future of the company. For example, Nike’s decision to support Colin Kaepernick’s movement in raising awareness about racial injustices toward black men, not only drew criticism from those who oppose the issue, but it also helped to raise the share price to an all-time high.
Social issues are no longer the problems that individuals, non-profits and charities are tasked to address, but businesses even more. Large, corporate businesses have the expertise, human capital and resources to address the issues in our society that affect a good majority of people that support these very businesses.
The responsibility of businesses should not only be to serve the interests of the board and shareholders, but to address the problems of those who have supported the companies since its existence.
Quentin J. Cheeks 
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