The Era of Corporate Social Responsibility is Ending | Rachel Hutchisson | TEDxWilmington

Summary

The speaker, with a 25-year career in corporate social responsibility (CSR), predicts CSR's replacement by human social responsibility. They argue that the focus on 'corporate' is limiting, as it excludes smaller businesses and individuals. Emphasizing that goodness is universal, the speaker calls for a shift towards involving everyone in social responsibility, highlighting the importance of aligning personal and community values with organizational goals to create a more impactful and inclusive approach.

Takeaways

• 🔄 The speaker has dedicated 25 years to corporate social responsibility but sees it being replaced by human social responsibility.
• 🗣️ They have communicated this shift to their boss, who agrees with the changing paradigm.
• 💼 The speaker works for a tech company that supports philanthropy, emphasizing the importance of giving back.
• 🚀 Traditionally, CSR has been for large corporations, but the speaker argues it should be for all businesses, regardless of size.
• 🌐 Over 70% of American workers are employed by small to midsize businesses, indicating a large segment not traditionally included in CSR.
• 💡 The speaker believes that 'good' should be accessible to everyone, not just certain types of organizations.
• 🌱 The world has evolved from the 'greed is good' era, offering more options for individuals to make a difference.
• 👥 People are the heart of every organization, and their individual contributions are vital to the success of any social responsibility initiative.
• 🔄 To transition from CSR to HSR, organizations should focus on balancing the needs of their people and the community.
• 📈 The key to successful HSR is knowing what people care about, putting them at the center of giving, and empowering them to do good.
• 🌟 When focusing on human instead of corporate, brands gain stature, becoming more real and relevant.

Q & A

What does the speaker mean by saying Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) will be outdated by the time they retire?

The speaker believes that CSR, which is focused primarily on the corporate sector, is being replaced by a broader concept called Human Social Responsibility (HSR), which includes all individuals and organizations, not just corporations.

How does the speaker define Human Social Responsibility (HSR)?

HSR is described as a broader approach to social responsibility that focuses on the human element. It involves individuals and all types of organizations—small businesses, nonprofits, and governments—working together to create positive change, rather than focusing solely on large corporations.

Why does the speaker believe the term 'corporate' in CSR is limiting?

The speaker feels the term 'corporate' limits the scope of responsibility to large corporations, leaving out small and midsize businesses, which make up over 70% of the workforce in America. It implies that only large corporations are capable of giving back, which isn't true.

How has the speaker’s understanding of social responsibility evolved over time?

Initially, the speaker viewed social responsibility as something primarily associated with large corporations, but over time they’ve come to believe that every individual and organization, regardless of size, plays a role in doing good for society.

What personal experiences does the speaker bring into their perspective on Human Social Responsibility?

The speaker talks about bringing their whole self to work, including their roles as a mother, a community member, and a nonprofit board member. These personal experiences shape their view that people bring their human contracts, values, and responsibilities into their professional lives.

Why does the speaker emphasize the role of small and midsize businesses in social responsibility?

The speaker highlights that most people in the U.S. work for small or midsize businesses, yet CSR often focuses only on large corporations. By broadening the scope to include smaller enterprises, social responsibility efforts can become more inclusive and impactful.

What does the speaker mean by 'human contracts'?

'Human contracts' refer to the personal commitments, values, and responsibilities people carry with them, which influence their actions both in and outside of the workplace. The speaker argues that these should be acknowledged and incorporated into organizational social responsibility efforts.

How does the speaker suggest companies shift from CSR to HSR?

The speaker suggests companies should focus on both their people and the communities they serve. By understanding what their employees care about and aligning that with their business goals, companies can empower their staff as agents of good and better contribute to society.

What are the 'three simple ingredients' the speaker mentions for successful social responsibility?

The three simple ingredients are: knowing what your employees care about, putting them at the center of your giving strategy, and empowering them as agents of good. This approach allows companies to align their goals with the values of their people.

What does the speaker see as the future of corporate social responsibility?

The speaker envisions a future where corporate social responsibility evolves into Human Social Responsibility. In this future, organizations focus less on the corporate structure and more on empowering people and communities to lead positive change.