On how the world is small and we’re making it smaller
Corporate social responsibilty and where it is going was the topic of a panel discussion I went to tonight. It was also my introduction to the field. I always knew that there would be good fields that I had never heard of, ones that could give both me and my employer – not to mention the environment the company operates in – fulfilment, profit and betterment. At least, more fulfilment than investment banking ever could.
The global scale of these responsibility programs really impacted on me. How a Marks & Spencer supply chain decision can impact communities and businesses literally on the other side of the globe was something I had “thought” about, but it had never hit home. What we, the privileged elite that benefit from globalization do and decide on has massive impacts on those that live on the other side of the globalization coin.
It would be absolutely fascinating to professionally study the environmental, social and political impacts of economic decisions and report back from the ground to financial centers, and be able to see how the actual decisions play out in practice. That’s something I would like to do. I am not saying that the actions of corporations today are ethically laudable, though they may very well engage in environmental impact assessments and corporate social responsibility schemes. However, it is infinitely more likely to be able to change a company working from the inside out, rather than yelling at them from the outside.
Oh god, I never thought I’d be planning to join a consulting gig.
January 19th, 2007 at 22:17
Well, I’ve done some thinking regarding our outsourcing. We’re getting a lot more bang for our buck compared to what we’d make in-house, using an Estonian company. But what are the consequeces? Sure, it’s better business for us, but how does it reflect on the Estonian economy? I’d like to think it’s better all-round, but I don’t really know.
Anyways, I’m confident you’d make a proficient consultant in this field.
January 19th, 2007 at 22:50
Why thank you. I’m not on the path of the traditional consultant, but if I decide to pursue it and have a bit of luck, I may not even have to be. After all, they would need well-rounded people.
Thanks for your confidence.
January 24th, 2007 at 12:02
Just wanted to wish you a happy birthday, bro!