Qué son Ética Empresarial y Responsabilidad Social: Relacionados pero Diferentes

Summary

This video discusses corporate ethics, social responsibility, and the formal obligations of businesses within corporate governance. It highlights the increasing demands from governments and society for businesses to consider stakeholder expectations. The video explores four ethical positions that organizations may adopt regarding social responsibility, ranging from focusing solely on shareholder interests to actively contributing to societal challenges. It also emphasizes the role of individual ethics in decision-making, stressing the responsibility of managers to act with integrity and the importance of corporate codes of conduct in guiding behavior.

Takeaways

• 😀 Corporate ethics and social responsibility are increasingly demanded by governments and society, pushing companies to go beyond legal obligations.
• 😀 Businesses are expected to address stakeholder expectations, which include ethical and social concerns, influencing corporate strategies.
• 😀 There are three levels of corporate ethics and social responsibility: macro (global issues), organizational (how companies address responsibilities), and individual (ethical behavior of individuals within organizations).
• 😀 On a macro level, businesses must consider their role in solving global challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change.
• 😀 Social responsibility in companies goes beyond legal obligations and should focus on meeting stakeholder demands, including societal needs.
• 😀 Ethical stances in business range from focusing solely on shareholder interests to integrating broader stakeholder interests into corporate strategy.
• 😀 A company’s ethical stance may include four approaches: focusing on shareholder profits, managing relationships for long-term gains, incorporating stakeholder interests in strategic goals, and contributing to societal change.
• 😀 Sustainable development goals (SDGs) highlight the importance of businesses in solving global challenges, emphasizing their role in resource mobilization and addressing issues like hunger, inequality, and justice.
• 😀 Companies should focus on the communication and transparency of their corporate social responsibility efforts through certifications and international standards like ISO and GRI.
• 😀 From an individual perspective, managers must navigate ethical dilemmas, balancing business objectives with social and environmental concerns, and ensuring their decisions reflect integrity.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the script?

The script primarily focuses on business ethics, corporate social responsibility, and the formal obligations companies have within the framework of corporate governance. It also discusses the growing influence of stakeholders like governments and society on companies' ethical practices.

What are the three levels of business ethics and corporate social responsibility discussed in the script?

The three levels are: macro-level (global challenges like poverty and climate change), meso-level (company-specific actions to go beyond minimum legal requirements), and individual-level (ethical behavior of individuals within the organization).

What are the four ethical stances companies can adopt according to the script?

The four ethical stances are: 1) Profit-focused, where the company’s responsibility is limited to meeting shareholder interests and legal obligations; 2) Reputation-focused, where good relationships with stakeholders are seen as beneficial for long-term profits; 3) Stakeholder-inclusive, where the company considers the interests of all stakeholders, not just shareholders; and 4) Ideological, where the company’s role extends to societal transformation, with financial concerns being secondary.

What role do businesses play in addressing global challenges, according to the script?

Businesses are seen as crucial players in addressing global challenges like poverty, inequality, and climate change. Due to their resource mobilization abilities, global reach, and influence, they are expected to contribute to solving these large-scale problems.

How are the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to business responsibility?

The SDGs, established in 2015, emphasize the role of businesses in achieving global goals, highlighting the importance of corporate participation in overcoming challenges like poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability, as businesses have the capacity to mobilize resources and drive change.

What is meant by corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the context of the script?

CSR refers to the specific actions a company takes to go beyond legal obligations and meet the expectations of stakeholders, addressing societal and environmental issues. It includes balancing the interests of various groups, including communities that may not have the same legal protections as other stakeholders.

What is the significance of communication and transparency in CSR?

Effective communication and transparency are critical in CSR. Companies must demonstrate their commitment to responsible practices, and international standards, such as ISO and EMAS certifications, help ensure that these practices are genuine and verifiable.

Why is it important for companies to publish non-financial reports, as mentioned in the script?

It is important because, starting in 2019, European companies meeting certain size criteria must disclose non-financial information about their CSR practices. This move promotes standardization and accountability, ensuring companies are transparent about their social and environmental impact.

What ethical dilemmas do business executives face when making strategic decisions?

Business executives often face ethical dilemmas where they must balance conflicting interests. For example, deciding whether to close a mine, which would negatively affect a local economy, or to invest in safety improvements that may not be profitable but could prevent accidents and protect employees.

What is the role of individual ethical behavior in business decision-making?

Individual ethical behavior plays a crucial role in business decision-making. Executives, given their access to information and influence, are expected to act with integrity, and companies often establish codes of conduct to guide decision-making and clarify expectations of ethical behavior.