common whistleblower cases involve employees reporting corruption B u s i n e s s F i n a n c e

Discuss why a business may wish to get involved in community relations. What benefits accrue to business that actively participate in their communities?

“Whether a business is small or large, local, or global, its relationship with the community or communities with which it interacts is one of mutual interdependence (Lawernce, 2020).” Community relations can progress a company’s standing and image within the community and stakeholders. This is paramount regarding continuing operations, the possibility of growth and better sales. Community relations can also assist in building and maintaining stakeholder relationships, developing support and allegiances during difficult economic . “Executives in socially responsible companies consider not only the intertest of their core stakeholders but also the interests of all the stakeholders.”

A company involved in community relations get acknowledgement by the community. This acknowledgement helps build an ethical business reputation. “Reputation refers to desirable or undesirable qualities associated with an organization or its actor that may influence the organization’s relationships with its stakeholders.” When a company is more in touch with its community, employees, and stakeholders, it is easier to identify and act regarding new trends and opportunities. These functions provide companies with mechanisms through which to engage and manage their relationships with key stakeholder groups, share development benefits and protect business interests (De Weger et al., 2018). Companies can generate new ideas, sales and leads through community relations networking. Consumers will turn away from a company if they suspect that the company is engaging in unethical labor practices such as treating employees unfairly or operating sweatshops.

Consumers are not the only ones drawn to busines who is practicing corporate social responsibility. Top-talent employees are also drawn to a socially responsible company. Companies that have an enduring responsibility to the community are easily able to hire and retain employees. Employees would rather go to work for a company that they feel makes a difference, as this affects the employee’s overall happiness. “In future, customers as well as employees would want to be associated with environmentally and socially responsible corporations.” Happy employees lead to a higher motivation and increased production. This encourages loyalty among employees, who also have a chance to increase knowledge and skills (Hussinki et al., 2018).

When a company makes a commitment to the community part of its core strategy, it not only helps retain and attract employees, but it also positions itself positively amongst its consumers. This affect can lead to long-term success and sustainability. One example of a company who has taken massive steps in community activity is British Petroleum in Colombia. In 1996, the company committed $10 million dollars to the region, setting up loan funds for entrepreneurs, giving students technical training, supporting a center for pregnant women, and nursing mothers, building aqueducts, and helping to create jobs outside the oil industry. Lastly, in one survey, 82% of consumers in the United States consider corporate responsibility when deciding what services and products to buy and where (Rupley, 2017).

Conclusion

In thinking about the biblical aspect of business and community engagement 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 NIV comes to mind. It reminds us to remember that “whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” As Christians and followers of Christ, we are to be charitable, we also to be caretakers of our fellow man.

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