by Effie Moore Salem

Created on: November 13, 2009   Last Updated: July 08, 2011

Organizations need to be ethical and open in their dealings. Organizations can act socially responsible by being socially responsible. They do not exist for themselves alone. There is a vast difference between being responsible and looking  responsible. Of course an image of how a business or an organization is perceived is important, but if they fail to live up to their professed responsibility they will be found out. Businesses that live their image from day to day by being socially responsible is in fact easier than faking it. Business owners make the rules and they are the ones to apply them. Being responsible means employers don't repeatedly have to look over their shoulder to see who is checking up on their integrity.

Responsible businesses don't make claims they can't deliver on. If they say such and such an order will be delivered overnight and it takes three days, shouldn't they have said three days? There are exceptions of course, but these are few. All involved are responsible. The real culprits here are the for profit businesses that cater to the whims of others who could just as easily wait a little longer for the delivery.

Responsible non-profit business are not always as socially responsible as they could be. They would be more socially responsible and would have more money to fund their missions if they were more careful with their expenditures. Religious organizations that feed the hungry, take care of the sick, proclaim their truths, need to be totally socially acceptable in their dealings. Else how can they assume the public will support them?

In fact, sometimes I don't just wonder, I get downright angry. Why do they send me nickels or fake coins or gimmicks that I didn't ask for and don't actually want. Who do they think I am? A fool? A friendly letter and yes, a request for money is okay - I may or may not send any - but give me the privilege of choosing. Don't send me address labels with my name on them. If I wanted them I would I would print out my own. I prefer to personally write my name on the bills I pay. Don't send me Calendars and address books, I buy my own. Probably from you if you would allow me to make the decision. I ask, are those you ask to fund your causes as irresponsible and as lacking in common sense as you apparently think they are?

Analyzing these organizations further, I believe they have little knowledge of their methods of solicitation. They use the same gimmicks profit organizations use while blasting them for their greed and their irresponsibility. Does that make sense, or is it ethical? Socially responsible organizations should be above that. I say to relegation social organizations, use your money wisely.

Put those nickels and pennies and money spent on this kind of advertising toward the cause you proclaim. Not all of us want something material back when we give to charities, our good feelings of having contributed is enough. Okay, send me a letter addressing your concerns and needs and allow me to help you in what ways I am able. Tell me what you are selling and possibly I will buy something or maybe not.

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