Every firm operates in a local community, or perhaps more than one community. One may look at a small organisation, say a supermarket for instance and conclude that it has negligible impact in the matters within a city like Kano. Despite that, one can say it does have some responsibility or role to play within the immediate community where it is located. It is possible that the community may depend upon that supermarket for what it contributes to the local economy. When we examine closely, we se that every firm, small or great has something of value that it can put into the society. In these times when the conversations on sustainability are ongoing, it is important that we understand the roles that firms play in exhibiting the value of sustainability. This short writeup aims to put forward a summary of sorts.
So, when a firm sets up its activities, such activities are carried out within communities. In some cases, the firm is directly dependent on the community, where his activities are set up. Before the company’s initiation, it should first of all consider the potential effects its activities would have on the community where it would be founded. If it sees that the good outweighs the bad, in other words, the benefits (not just to itself but the society) outweigh the harmful effects (which are supposedly non-lethal), then it’s activities can commence. So, from the onset a company must bear in mind the basic ethical principle that no organization should willingly cause harm to an individual.
One its activities are up and running, the company’s first priority is to itself. This mean that responsibilities to shareholders, employees, creditors and the government are to be tended to first. This ensures that a company is stable enough to maintain its operations in the long term, bringing in profits and maintaining its operations. This takes care of the profit part of sustainability.
Following this, a firm should be on the lookout for any way in which its operations might be contributing to environmental hazards. This could involve thinking along these lines; “How effectively are we managing our wastes?” “Are our operations polluting the environment?” “What about noise pollution?” What can we do to reduce these effects?” Once it finds ways to combat this, it can be said to be paying to the environment or Planet.
The next thing on its agenda should be how to give back to the community wherein its operations are based. While caring for a community is first of all a responsibility of the government, often times the governments initiatives may fall short and leave certain key areas unattended to. In such cases, private individuals and firms should rise up to the occasion and respond to societal issues. An example could be educational sponsorship for less privileged children in the community. This takes care of the people aspect of sustainability.
If all these aspects are taken care of, a company can maintain societal relevance and profitability for the long term.
