Ethical and Socially Responsible Management.

[smithy16]

Can someone list some strategies which might be asked in a question regarding ethically and socially responsible management in operations, human resources and change management? As well as stuff about positive and negative issues that might arise when an organisation is socially responsible?

[Niskii]

Let's see, off the top of my head...

Operations
- Ensure OH&S policies are followed to ensure safety of all employees
- Ethical sourcing of materials/inputs (no slave labour)- perhaps draw up a code of conduct for suppliers to follow
- Being environmentally aware in terms of being 'green': solar energy, reduce carbon emissions where possible (deliveries etc), minimise wastage or ensure to dispose of it safely (not dumping chemicals into rivers) /use lean manufacturing
- You could also say ensure quality of products to ensure safety of customers

Human Resources
- Code of conduct for employees
- Not discriminating in recruitment and selection stage
- Not dismissing employees unfairly
- Conducting unbiased performance appraisals

Change Management
- Giving notice of change, not forcing it upon people
- Taking suggestions and feedback
- Not taking shortcuts in order to implement change faster (e.g. Not adhering to OH&S or building requirements when building a new factory)
- Not withholding information in order to manipulate people into supporting a change (ie. not using the high-risk tactic of manipulation.. or threat for that matter)

Issues regarding being socially responsible (Positive and negative)
+ Viewed in positive light by customers -> increased profit and market share
+ Viewed in positive light by shareholders as they tend to support organisations with similar social values to themselves -> increased investors, increased capital to use to improve other aspects of business
- Often has a large initial cost, but this is often made back due to increased profit from being viewed in a positive light by customers
- Not really sure of any other negatives :S