Comments on: Most Socially Responsible?

By: Scott

Scott — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 18:03:51 +0000

I view customer service as a sub-set of corporate responsibility — a significant sub-set. I don’t think I’m alone in that. And, let’s face it, if a salespern acts as if I am inconveniecing them when I seek their service, it doesn’t matter how many trees the company plants or how many free meals they give away. On the other hand, they are businesses, not charities, so I expect everything to be focused on driving sales (and, as a shareholder, I would expect nothing less).

By: QSMama/Lea

QSMama/Lea — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 01:29:02 +0000

Thanks for the link! I agree: social responsibility is different from customer service. It's how the company does (or does not) give back to the communities from which it makes its money.

To me, an important starting point is being a worthy employer, which should mean livable wages, health benefits, and reasonable scheduling flexibility for families and students.

And I do think there's a fine line--in the United States and elsewhere--between corporate responsibility and PR. I mean, if you're doing right by your community and employees, why do a news release about it, or hang huge wall art in your restaurants about how great your deeds are? And some parents resent programs like "get a free kid's meal when you bring in a report card with straight A's." They perceive the offer purely as marketing.

In the big picture, doing good should bring more good your way. If that means more money, then so be it. These are businesses, after all.

By: PapaScott

PapaScott — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 11:06:54 +0000

I’m not sure corporate responsibility and customer service are quite the same thing.

By: Scott

Scott — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 08:00:42 +0000

Germany...home of "service with a smile." If you can get your crew to at least pretend that the customer is even remotely important, then you'll have a winner on your hands. Just don't smile...customers will think you're coming on to them.

Funny, but appreciation for Chick-fil-A's social responsibility usually wasn't at the top of my list wheneve I wanted to eat there on a Sunday. It's crazy, I know. I mean, what self-respecting entrepreneur would close their business on a Sunday?

Heh.