more than just maximizing profits for the shareholders; it is also about creating positive changes

and making valuable contributions to the stakeholders such as the local community, customers,
and staff.[1] In other words, the SRB is both profit-oriented and socially responsible as these
companies seek to make financial gains, and at the same time, aim to improve the well being of
the community.[2] In doing so, the businesses engage in the voluntary initiatives with the aims of
improving in various areas ranging from the social to environmental aspects of the society. [1]

The concept of SRB is considered to be the highest level of involvement between the company
and the community in which it operates. It holds a similar concept to Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) in terms of having a common goal to make positive contributions,
minimizing harmful effects, and being a force for good in society. [3] The main difference is that the
SRB goes beyond these activities and ultimately aims to create a market space for itself. [4] It can
be achieved through forming partnerships and alliances with the local community and
collaborating with groups such as non-governmental NGOs. The SRB prioritizes a socially
responsible activity and demands to create a long term relationship with their community. [1]

2. In the modern business world, providing a great product and shopping experience
will only get you so far. If you really want your customers to keep coming back, you
need to let them know that their dollars will be doing some good.

Many businesses recognize the importance of being socially and environmentally

conscious, and will often advertise charitable initiatives, such as annual fundraisers
for a cause, or a volunteer project their staff worked on. But companies that
incorporate social responsibility into their business model prove that a dedication to
these initiatives goes a long way, both for the cause and their reputation.

These 22 examples represent just a handful of the countless organizations that put
social good at the heart of their business.

- See more at: http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5499-examples-socially-

responsible-businesses.html#sthash.Yl96b2OE.dpuf

3. What's the key to winning over consumers today? Business experts will cite
everything from a strong loyalty program to a personalized, mobile-friendly shopping
experience. These offerings are certainly important, but one thing that may tip the
scales in your favor is using your profits to do good in the world.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) refers to a business practice that involves

participating in initiatives that benefit society. Liz Maw, CEO of nonprofit
organization Net Impact, noted that CSR is becoming more mainstream as
forward-thinking companies embed sustainability into the core of their business
operations to create shared value for business and society.

"Sustainability isn't just important for people and the planet, but also is vital for
business success," said Maw, whose company connects students and professionals
who want to use business skills to do social good. "Communities are grappling with
problems that are global in scope and structurally multifaceted Ebola, persistent
poverty, climate change. The business case for engaging in corporate social
responsibility is clear and unmistakable. Billions are at stake if fast and large-scale
action is not taken."

As consumers' awareness about global social issues continues to grow, so does the
importance these customers place on CSR when choosing where to
shop. [Social Responsibility Tips for Your Business]
"Technology has brought global connectivity and enabled advocacy and awareness
for social situations that were once obscure," said Alexis Magnan-Callaway, whose
fashion company Pax Cult donates 10 percent of its profits to an organization of
the customer's choice. "Millennials are redefining what it means to connect and give
back through this technology. It's not just about having a recycling program or
sustainable products. People want to feel good about what their dollar is doing."
Consumers aren't the only ones who are drawn to businesses that give back. Susan
Cooney, founder of crowdfunding philanthropy platform Givelocity, said that a
company's CSR strategy is a big factor in where today's top talent chooses to work.

"The next generation of employees is seeking out employers that are focused on the
triple bottom line: people, planet and revenue," Cooney told Business News Daily.
"Coming out of the recession, corporate revenue has been getting stronger.
Companies are encouraged to put that increased profit into programs that give back."
Types of corporate social responsibility
CSR can encompass a wide variety of tactics, from giving nonprofit
organizations a portion of a company's proceeds, to giving away a product or
service to a worthy recipient for every sale made. Here are a few of the broad
categories of social responsibility that businesses are practicing:
Environment: One primary focus of corporate social responsibility is
the environment. Businesses, both large and small, have a large carbon footprint.
Any steps they can take to reduce those footprints are considered both good for the
company and society as a whole.
Philanthropy: Businesses also practice social responsibility by donating to
national and local charities. Whether it involves giving money or time, businesses
have a lot of resources that can benefit charities and local community programs.
Ethical labor practices: By treating employees fairly and ethically,
companies can also demonstrate their corporate social responsibility. This is
especially true of businesses that operate in international locations with labor laws
that differ from those in the United States.
Examples of corporate social responsibility

While many companies now practice some form of social responsibility, some are
making it a core of their operations. Ben and Jerry's, for instance, uses only fair trade
ingredients and has developed a dairy farm sustainability program in its home state
of Vermont. Starbucks has created its C.A.F.E. Practices guidelines, which are
designed to ensure the company sources sustainably grown and processed coffee by
evaluating the economic, social and environmental aspects of coffee production.
Tom's Shoes, another notable example of a company with CSR at its core, donates
one pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair a customer purchases.

Undertaking socially responsible initiatives is truly a win-win situation. Not only will
your company appeal to socially conscious consumers and employees, but you'll also
make a real difference in the world. Keep in mind that in CSR, transparency and
honesty about what you're doing are paramount to earning the public's trust.

"If decisions [about social responsibility] are made behind closed doors, people will
wonder if there are strings attached, and if the donations are really going where they
say," Cooney said. "Engage your employees [and consumers] in giving back. Let
them feel like they have a voice."

- See more at: http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/4679-corporate-social-

responsibility.html#sthash.EqtN99ER.dpuf

4.These 22 examples represent just a handful of the countless organizations that put
social good at the heart of their business. [What Is Corporate Social
Responsibility?]
Accessibility Partners Many people take their computers,
smartphones and tablets for granted, but for those with disabilities, using these
technologies can present significant challenges. Accessibility Partners works
with private and public IT manufacturing companies, federal agencies and other
organizations to test and review products that make information technology
accessible to individuals with a variety of disabilities. More than 70 percent of the
company's employees have disabilities themselves, so the company promotes
disability advocacy in all of its operations.
Altered Seasons Kelly Reddington founded his eco-friendly candle
company Altered Seasons in 2003 at age 14 with the help of his mother. When he
assumed ownership of the company, he shifted it to a one-for-one model to do more
for the community. For every candle sold, Altered Seasons provides a meal to an
American in need through Feeding America.
Charitable Agents Anyone who's sold or purchased a home knows how
cutthroat real estate agencies can be about their commissions and fees. But what if
you knew that part of that commission was going to support your favorite charity?
With Charitable Agents, a network committed to helping homeowners and
Realtors make a positive impact in their community, you can do just that. The
company matches buyers and sellers with a top-performing local Realtor, and when
the transaction closes, 10 percent of the agent's commission goes to charity.
Children Inspire Design Artist and mother Rebecca Peragine began
selling her whimsical wall art, cards and posters to promote environmental education
for children. In addition to using recycled materials, eco-friendly inks and
biodegradable packaging for Peragine's original designs, Children Inspire
Design sells handcrafted paper ornaments made by a women's cooperative in
Mexico, and a special poster whose full proceeds go to Future Fortified.
Cole and Parker This Canada-based sock company does more than just
sell colorful footwear. Through its partnership with microfinance organization
Kiva, Cole and Parker donates proceeds from every sock sale to a fund that is
used to provide small loans for entrepreneurs in developing countries.
Do Good Buy Us The mission of Do Good Buy Us is to sell "goods
that do good." This e-commerce website is dedicated to changing consumerism by
selling products made by organizations that support social causes. Additionally, 50
percent of the company's proceeds go toward fighting poverty, hunger, disease and
other global issues.
Fashion Project If you've ever donated some old clothes by dropping
them into a public collection bin, you know that it's nearly impossible to discover the
impact your donation may have had. Fashion Project, a "re-commerce" platform
that allows consumers to donate and shop for secondhand clothes, offers people the
opportunity to make a tangible difference with their donations and purchases.
Founded in 2012 by entrepreneurs Anna Palmer and Christine Rizk, this company
gives up to 55 percent of the net profits from every item sold to the donor's charity of
choice.
Gift of Happiness Donating a portion of your sales to charity is a popular
way for retailers to get involved in corporate social responsibility (CSR). Gift of
Happiness has put its own spin on this approach, donating 5 percent of every
purchase to the listed charity of the customer's choice. But what makes this cause-
centric marketplace truly unique is its transparent follow-through: Every charity has a
"progress bar," and customers can check back to see how much closer their favorite
causes are to reaching their funding goals.
Headbands of Hope After a life-changing internship at the Make-A-
Wish Foundation, Jessica Ekstrom decided she wanted to continue helping children
with life-threatening illnesses by starting her own business. Her
company, Headbands of Hope, sells made-in-the-U.S. headbands and
donates a dollar of each sale to childhood cancer research through the St. Baldrick's
Foundation.
HERO|farm Founded by two laid-off advertising executives, HERO|
farm is a social mission-focused marketing and design agency whose philosophy is
"Do great work for good people." The duo behind HERO|farm made the decision to
work with socially responsible companies after realizing how beneficial and impactful
advertising can be when a company has an admirable mission. HERO|farm also
does at least one pro bono campaign per year for a nonprofit organization.
Image Outfitters Since its launch in 1998, promotional products
manufacturer Image Outfitters has made annual donations to local charities.
Last year, the company changed its sales model after seeing how adversely the
economic downturn affected these organizations. Through its proprietary platform,
iShare, 10 percent of the total sale amount for new customer orders is donated to the
charities of the customer's choice.
Juntos Shoes This ethically conscious fashion startup designed a shoe
inspired by traditional Ecuadorean canvas shoes. For each pair sold, Juntos
Shoes donates a supply-filled backpack to an at-risk Ecuadorean child to help him
or her participate more fully and effectively in school.
Krochet Kids Years ago, three high school friends with a shared love of
snow sports learned to crochet their own headwear. Though they sold custom
creations to classmates, Krochet Kids fizzled out when the guys went to college
until they realized teaching their skill in developing countries could help break the
cycle of poverty. The company earned its nonprofit status in 2008, and today, Krochet
Kids is helping more than 150 Ugandans and Peruvians make a fair wage through
the sale of crocheted goods.
Mirage Spa and Recreation Hot tubs are a big-ticket item. That's
why Mirage Spa and Recreation is able to encourage so many of its
customers to take part in the company's philanthropic initiatives: Customers receive
15 percent off their purchase when they bring in food, pet supplies or personal care
items for Mirage to donate to a local food pantry.
Nicklaus Companies Legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus
founded Nicklaus Companies, a global business that focuses on marketing,
licensing and the design of golf courses worldwide. Recently, Nicklaus and business
partner Howard Milstein released a line of golf balls to be sold online and at Nicklaus
Design courses, with a percentage of all proceeds going to benefit the Nicklaus
Children's Health Care Foundation. Customers receive a discount for purchasing
online but have the option to make up the difference from the retail price by donating
to the foundation.
Out of Africa Customers of cosmetics company Out of Africa do more
than just purchase high-quality shea-butter skin care products; they also help
improve the quality of life for West African women and children. A portion of Out of
Africa's proceeds is donated to organizations that provide education and medical
care to children, and the company regularly donates to women's cooperatives that
create jobs in West Africa.
People Water You might be wondering how buying bottled water in the
U.S. can provide clean water in impoverished nations around the world. Thanks
to People Water's "Drop for Drop" initiative, every bottle the company sells
helps to fund one of its global clean water projects, whether it's building a new well,
repairing a broken one or establishing a water purification system in an area suffering
from poor water quality. To date, People Water has helped bring more than 5.7 million
gallons (21.6 million liters) of clean water to people in need.
PopNod When people shop online at one of PopNod's partner stores, they
earn cash back that can be donated in varying amounts to the cause of their choice.
With nearly 100 causes to support and more than 250 major retailers in categories
such as apparel, electronics, beauty and entertainment, there's a partner store and
cause for every consumer. In Dec. 2014, the company launched a companion iOS
app to take your charitable shopping on-the-go.
Prime Five Homes Homes built by Prime Five Homes aren't your
typical houses. Each of these modern, sustainable homes is equipped to use less
energy, gas and water, so buyers know they're moving into a property that's better for
the environment. A portion of all sales goes to the company's nonprofit arm, the
Dream Builders Project, which provides services and monetary donations to select
charities.
Rainbow Light Founded in 1981, Rainbow Light started out selling
spirulina nutritional supplements to health-conscious consumers. In addition to
expanding its line of natural supplements, the company has been committed to
improving the health of its customers, trade partners, global community and the
planet. As part of its Circle of Care initiative, Rainbow Light helps fight global
malnutrition with its supplements through Vitamin Angels, a nonprofit that delivers
vitamins to at-risk mothers and babies, and uses 100 percent recycled and recyclable
BPA-free packaging.
SurveyMonkey SurveyMonkey is best known for its easy-to-use
survey creation software, but the company's nationwide survey service, Audience,
was created as a way to give back to deserving causes across the country. Instead of
offering cash and prizes to survey takers, SurveyMonkey donates 50 cents per
survey completion to the taker's charity of choice. In 2013, the company donated
more than $1 million to organizations such as the Humane Society, Boys & Girls Club
of America, and Teach for America.
Twillory One of the biggest challenges faced by people who have lost their
jobs and/or their homes is getting back on their feet. Without the resources to
purchase a workplace-appropriate wardrobe, it can be hard to land a position that will
bring these individuals back to financial security. That's why men's clothing
startup Twillory launched its RE:Purpose program, which delivers donated work
attire to underprivileged men. Through its partnership with Career Gear a charity
that offers professional clothing, mentoring and life skills to men in need Twillory
helps its customers clear out their old clothes while contributing to someone else's
success.
- See more at: http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/5499-examples-socially-
responsible-businesses.html#sthash.Yl96b2OE.dpuf

5. Many companies believe they have a responsibility to "give back" to society.

This focus includes contributions of time and money, a duty to provide
environmentally friendly products and services, and a desire to improve the
lives of individuals here and around the globe. Such socially responsible
companies see to it that this "consciousness" permeates everything they do.

The following 10 companies stand out as prime examples of how social

responsibility can be productively coupled with sound strategies to advance
goodwill, while building sustainable and impressive businesses. They provide
the leadership to demonstrate how marketers can pursue both objectives
simultaneously. As such, socially conscious companies have stepped up their
efforts with increasing effectiveness and productivity. It is an impressive
movement and one that invites society at large to do even more. Let's use these
as examples for "how to get it done" so that we can effectively expand our
efforts to give back. http://adage.com/article/cmo-strategy/10-companies-
social-responsibility-core/143323/