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The underlying assignment presented detailed discussion forum on the topic name-
environmental social governance. The issue of social and environmental performance of the
business firms has gained significant attention now-a-days. The reporting initiative termed as
environmental social governance (ESG) is introduced in order to keep check on the business
firms activities and its impact on society and environment. The concerned topic is analysed and
Discussion
Social responsibility of the business firm is perfectly legitimate issue gaining worldwide
recognition. The concept of social responsibility has emerged in light of law, ethical standards
and international norms. In detailed terms, business firms procure resources in terms of
workforce, physical, infrastructure, fuels, etc for conducting business operations and activities. It
can be understood in a manner that there is mutual exchange relationship between the business
firm and the society (Kerr 1996). The society provides input to the business firm and such inputs
are transformed into final product by the business firm and delivered to the society. This mutual
exchange relationship in not limited to the input-output phenomenon in present time. It means
society provides inputs to the business firms and business firm in turn, provides output to the
However, in present time, the concept has widened and business firms are under moral
obligation to undertake actions and initiatives for social good and welfare. The conversion of
Rather, it is expected that business firm should initiate and implement action resulting in the
In this regard, some theoretical perspectives are discussed signifying the responsibility of
business firm towards society. These theoretical perspectives highlight the views and notions
hold by scholars and proponents on the concept of environmental social performance. The three
Carrolls theory
This theory proposed 3-d conceptual model for identifying range of moral duties business
firm owe towards society. It can be understood in a manner that business firm is under wide
The systematic fulfilment of above showed obligations by a business firm yields positive
image, reputation, in the eyes of society people. As a result, society people make the respective
returns and profits. As per the model, economic obligations are concerned with fulfilling
economic needs of the society people, i.e., giving them employment in the business firm and a
chance to earn their livelihood and living sustainable life (Kimani 2010).
Secondly, business firm is expected to comply with legal rules and norms related with
taxation and other frameworks. The business operations conducted in the regulated boundaries
minimise the risk of legal litigation and at the same time transfers adequate profit share to the
government. Thirdly, ethical set of business obligations requires business firm to act in
accordance with principles of fairness, transparency, honesty and integrity. Lastly, discretionary
set of obligations mandate business firms to contribute some share of profits and earnings to the
social and philanthropic activities as employment programs, poverty alleviation programs, care
for environment and natural species, and many more (Reinhardt & Stavins 2010).
Hall theory
This theory is refined and improved version of the above discussed one and stated that
business activities should be driven by positive environmental and social impacts. These two
should be the main notion of conducting business operations as every activity should result in
some positive environmental and social result. The performance of business firm is evaluated on
this ground and business firm capable of fostering improvement in social and environment
condition is considered as powerful and influential and vice-versa (Aguilera & Williams 2006).
business firm procures resources from society. The procurement of these resources is not allowed
in free of cost to the business firm. Rather, business firm are expected to do some good and
Stakeholder theory
This theory implies that every business firm is under moral obligation of maximising
stakeholders interest and well being. The stakeholder is a wider term and includes employees,
suppliers, government, and even localities. All these constituencies form an implicit contract
with the business firm making business firm under the pressure of striking balance between the
conflicting claims of various stakeholders (Prakash & Potoski 2006). The stakeholders are
having conflicting aims as employees are concerned with profit margins while investors are
concerned with growth rate. The business firm is expected to maintain the balance between the
conflicting interests in light of corporate legitimacy and stakeholder fiduciary principle. It means
interests and benefits of stakeholders as well as growth of business firm needs to be taken into
Concluding remarks
The above discussed theories prove that business firms are obliged to give something
back to the community in addition to the product and service. The position taken by Roger Kerr
seems appropriate and business firm are in fiduciary duty to protect society and surroundings. It
consumers are becoming increasing aware and conscious regarding the business practices and
demonstrate higher level of understanding regarding business issues and aspects (Nicolaescu
2012).
This increasing awareness among consumers and other stakeholders mandate business
firm to plan, organise, conduct and control business activities in light of social and environment
interests. In extreme cases, it has also identified that business firms have faced the risk of
prosecution on ignorance of social and environment interests. There are various legal
frameworks and regulations introduced in this context complying business firms to precede
social welfare and environment good over profit motives and returns. The introduction of ISO
14000, ISO 9000 and many more evidenced the stringency and necessity currently facing by the
Olowu, D. 2007. Environmental Governance Challenges in Kiribati: An Agenda for Legal and
Policy Responses. Environment and Development Journal.3 (3), pp.259-269.
Prakash,A. & Potoski, M. 2006. Racing to the Bottom? Trade, Environmental Governance, and
ISO 14001. American Journal of Political Science. 50(2), pp.350-364.
Reinhardt,F. & Stavins, R. 2010. Corporate Social Responsibility, Business Strategy, and the
Environment. Oxford Review of Economic Policy. 26(2), pp.164-181.
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