Saving the World at Work

In the above conversation Tim Sanders first shows why

every one of us should make a difference, and then he

shows us how to make that difference. He also gives

stress on strength of individual and also impact of

there action on the macro level. According to Tim

sanders every person (Individual) can help in changing

the scenario of his organization or even the world

because whole is made of many individuals so if every

individual take responsibility than it will beneficial

for whole world also. Every one of us, regardless of

title position or power, can inspire our companies to

change the way they do business, helping them to

become a positive force for enriching people,

communities, and the environment. When this happens,

not only do we help save the world, we help save our

companies from becoming irrelevant. Every individual

and company makes the world a better place--now and in

the future and Companies that don’t participate in

this revolution risk becoming obsolete. Today

customers, employees, and investors are demanding that

companies focus on their social responsibilities—not

just their bottom lines i.e. profit for the

organization. We can also become part of what Sanders

calls the Responsibility Revolution. One of biggest

question that come in our mind is how we can

participate in responsibility revolution or can become

a part of it so answer to this Tim Sanders offers

concrete suggestions and examples on how all of us can

help our companies to join the Responsibility

Revolution. For example most of the consumers in

America willingly pay more money to purchase goods

from company which is socially responsible and most of

the students want to join those companies(After having

less salary) having better reputation for corporate

social responsibility and ethics. So in today’s world

every one not only wants to give his/her contribution

for the betterment of organization but also for the

world.

SUDEEP PANWAR (PGDM-2)
IMDR, Pune, India

Hello,
I think responsibility revolution is closely linked with Corporate Social Responsibility. It is true that businesses are set up to earn profit. But now-a-day people respect and talk good about those companies who give back something good to the society apart from earning profits. People want continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the local community and society at large. As said by Mr. Tim Sanders people connected to Wal-Mart talked and wrote positive things about the company only because of the ‘Personal Sustainability Program’

I also agree that employees are more empowered to present their ideas to top-level management. I’ve seen this in Adani Enterprises, where I did my summers. My boss, who was an entry-level executive, used to directly go to the CFO’s office to give the presentation about his work instead of giving it to his boss. So he would get the credit and appreciation for his work. Another example is of Sonata Software in Bangalore. My cousin who is working in the company once told me that they have a forum called ‘Inspire’ where any employee, whether a C-suite executive or an A-level manager, can post his/her idea for the betterment of the working environment and the workforce.

Personally I do agree about company becoming more accountable due to technology. E-mails and intranet of a company gives a platform to share a lot. Even trivial news reaches to most of the employees in no time. The social network created due to technology can take a company forward or backward very rapidly. These technologies also help the company to become green. In Adani Enterprises only those files were printed which were suppose to be sent outside the company. Otherwise all the data was exchanged on the Intranet.

I don’t agree to one point made by Mr. Sanders about customer asking about eco-friendliness of any vehicle. Today also most of the customers ask about mileage and comfort of any vehicle.

I also believe in today’s world people ask more question about how the company is helping the society and not just the share price of the company. For example, Reliance Industries has made world-class schools and colleges in Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Only few people know that these institutions also run at night and offer same facilities to the poor but brilliant students, for free.

So, at the end I would say that the way companies operate is changing drastically and those who don’t adapt to it would be regarded as bad and would soon be forgotten from the market.

Regards,
Amish Jani
IMDR, Pune, India

Hello,
I feel that "responsibility revolution" is similar to a term -Corporate social responsibility. CSR is how companies manage its business processes to produce an overall positive impact on society. This is being implemented in many of the fairly large Indian companies. I agree to the fact that employees work to support their companies if it has the same ethical values as employees have.
And as they say –“Every drop fills the ocean.”
So if each employee feels attached to his/her company then he/she will contribute with the same intensity resulting in company benefiting. But if they feel that their ethics are varying from companies then sooner or later conflict arises within employee’s mind and leaving them with a feeling of alienation. In today’s cut throat competition scenario each employee needs to contribute and more importantly need to be heard. Then he may be a C grade employee or a Class-A officer. If the idea is innovative, benefiting the company and if its benefit is extending outside, to the society then it should be heard. This inculcates feeling of ownership in employees.
I wrote “extending outside to the society” because as rightly commented in interview by Mr. Tim Sanders that- reputation can no longer be controlled by corporate communications; if a company is making profit as well as doing things beneficial for society at large then its sustainability will automatically increase. For example -Grasim Industries has one of its factories is situated in Ratlam, a town in India. It was poor in infrastructure; before this factory was set up. But then the Aditya birla group who owns this brand developed the town as in started school, hospital and temple and people love the company and are thankful to the owners.
But I partly agree that responsibility revolution has extended to consumers too. Personally I have never seen anybody going an asking whether the car is environment friendly or not they are just curious about its performance. However I feel that each one of us should do it.
I agree to the point that focusing only on output can in no sense give way to employee development or community development. This I have experienced while doing my summer training in Suzlon Energy Ltd. There the focus is not just on increasing profit but there are several opportunities offered to employees like learning SAP etc. They also do their bit in conserving environment by reducing wastage of paper. I will conclude by saying that yes innovation is good for progress of company but it should be thoughtfully implemented. Social responsibility is also an integral part of the business which if administered properly should boost the sustainability of business and maximize its value in society.

Regards,
Judy Peter
IMDR, Pune, India

The interview brings to notice about the transitions in business world and the change in the approach of running a business from a traditional approach to a non conventional approach, A couple of decades ago the aim of the companies was to make profit at any cost due to which a lot crucial issues like environment ,energy conservation were ignored.Now a days almost all companies have integrated objectives like pollution preventive measures ,coprorate social responsibiliy ,stakeholder management etc along with their objective of making money. What I found interersting was that instead of putting the blame on the previous generation he has actually given the reason ,which is that they probably did not have the diverse number tools that we have today.Its always easier to blame the earlier generation for their lack of imagination .But this interview has given me a another viewpoint that we have so many advantages over the previous generation and we should utilise the vast amount tools and resources that we have to benefit both the company and the world at large. Another crucial change that is outlined in the interview is the change in the treatment of employees and employer-employee equation. Ealier it was believed that more time the employee spends in the company , more productive his output will be. Now companies offer flexi timings to its employees, less no of working hours in a week, options of working from home etc. Also suggestion and ideas are welcomed and seriously worked upon from all rungs of employees.The most important point he has put forward is that we have stop thinking only about individual benefits and start thinking about the world at large.He has suggested that we can make a differance and has a shown a way how companies can encourage this.Companies will have to think about what impact its every step will have on the environment and at times will have to override its profit in favour of the environment.
NEHA MAHAMBREY,
IMDR,Pune,India

The interview brings to notice about the transitions in business world and the change in the approach of running a business from a traditional approach to a non conventional approach, A couple of decades ago the aim of the companies was to make profit at any cost due to which a lot crucial issues like environment ,energy conservation were ignored.Now a days almost all companies have integrated objectives like pollution preventive measures ,coprorate social responsibiliy ,stakeholder management etc along with their objective of making money. What I found interersting was that instead of putting the blame on the previous generation he has actually given the reason ,which is that they probably did not have the diverse number tools that we have today.Its always easier to blame the earlier generation for their lack of imagination .But this interview has given me a another viewpoint that we have so many advantages over the previous generation and we should utilise the vast amount tools and resources that we have to benefit both the company and the world at large. Another crucial change that is outlined in the interview is the change in the treatment of employees and employer-employee equation. Ealier it was believed that more time the employee spends in the company , more productive his output will be. Now companies offer flexi timings to its employees, less no of working hours in a week, options of working from home etc. Also suggestion and ideas are welcomed and seriously worked upon from all rungs of employees.The most important point he has put forward is that we have stop thinking only about individual benefits and start thinking about the world at large.He has suggested that we can make a differance and has a shown a way how companies can encourage this.Companies will have to think about what impact its every step will have on the environment and at times will have to override its profit in favour of the environment.
NEHA MAHAMBREY,
IMDR,Pune,India

The interview brings to notice about the transitions in business world and the change in the approach of running a business from a traditional approach to a non conventional approach, A couple of decades ago the aim of the companies was to make profit at any cost due to which a lot crucial issues like environment ,energy conservation were ignored.Now a days almost all companies have integrated objectives like pollution preventive measures ,coprorate social responsibiliy ,stakeholder management etc along with their objective of making money. What I found interersting was that instead of putting the blame on the previous generation he has actually given the reason ,which is that they probably did not have the diverse number tools that we have today.Its always easier to blame the earlier generation for their lack of imagination .But this interview has given me a another viewpoint that we have so many advantages over the previous generation and we should utilise the vast amount tools and resources that we have to benefit both the company and the world at large. Another crucial change that is outlined in the interview is the change in the treatment of employees and employer-employee equation. Ealier it was believed that more time the employee spends in the company , more productive his output will be. Now companies offer flexi timings to its employees, less no of working hours in a week, options of working from home etc. Also suggestion and ideas are welcomed and seriously worked upon from all rungs of employees.The most important point he has put forward is that we have stop thinking only about individual benefits and start thinking about the world at large.He has suggested that we can make a differance and has a shown a way how companies can encourage this.Companies will have to think about what impact its every step will have on the environment and at times will have to override its profit in favour of the environment.
NEHA MAHAMBREY,
IMDR,Pune,India

All that the author said in the entire article is about sustainability and social responsibility. What I infer of these terms is what i am going to write in the following lines.

Sustainability means to keep up or keep going. In earlier days, organizations used this term in respect of earning enough money to keep the business going and making profits. But as the author says that the time has now changed, so has the meaning of sustainability. It means now to keep their business going by keeping in mind the social obligations and responsibilities. The consumers as well as investors these days have moved beyond the numbers on the balance sheet of the company. As the author mentions that they have started to ask difficult questions which can upset the entire setup of an organization in terms of its values. I think this awareness on the part of the consumer is beneficial both for the organization and for the bigger community at large.

When it comes to social responsibilities, earlier it used to be related just to the employees and the consumer. But now the domain of responsibilities has moved beyond horizons. It includes issues like environment, wildlife, welfare for women and children, welfare for poor and deprived etc. These are some social issues which an organization cannot afford to ignore if there is the question of sustainability. Giving my own example, last week i went for shopping. I took up a Turtle Shirt, the price tag also mentioned that a part of the amount paid for the shirt will be donated to WWF(world wildlife fund) for the conservation of wild sea turtles. I immediately got hold of the shirt.

The world is getting more and more aware about such issues. However, there is still a lot to be done, but it has to start from somewhere. It is just the beginning. Not only business organizations but also individuals and societies need to come forward and deliver their best to save the most precious gift of nature, Mother Earth...

Samanvay Sharma
PGDM-II
IMDR, PUNE, INDIA.

The Author Tim Sanders in his Book saving the world: at work generates an insight about the changing world in and around all of us which are ether hidden or yet to be explored.

An individual has the capability of exploring the world for the benefit of his and the society at larger level, instead of exploiting the same. In the article the very thing emphasized is the development of an individual and the world around, the closest is his own organization where he could impart the best out of him not only for his growth and development but also the most possible growth for the organization .The same way this organization is adopting the very change of being a part of responsibility revolution where they are now focusing on bearing the responsibility of employees concerns by recognizing them, their efforts in success of the organization and responding them with better outcomes so that they can be sustained(saved) within the organization and add to their valuable deliverables………………….

On the other side of the same part saving the world at work speaks about reverse mentoring where the scenario in corporate and big multinational that the decision makers who usually occupy the top managerial part of the hierarchical pyramid are ready for the knowledge sharing and guidance from the so called subordinates whose presence even used not to be in picture in board meetings ,but this positive change on the part of managers where they appreciate and recognize the concern of this individual who has helped for organization growth tangibly or intangibly. This has focused our attention on betterment of an employer and employee relation at work place which has long term positive impact……………….

Further the book article shows a glimpse of transparency in the process where technological advancements that has brought the closeness between the people at work ,compared to past manual days the autonomy used to be at higher degrees where the communication and advertisements were highly limited to the concerned people who used to be held responsible and accountable for the growth, but today the scene is that on the part of organization one side where they have to adopt the technological changes happening at very high pace so that they can not do much about the control of information or one way communication, the other side, internal customers as well as external customers are able to know a company throughout on a click of the button ,in addition they can acknowledge and take part in company’s strategic move by knowledge sharing

Himanshu kumar
roll no-37
PGDM-2
IMDR,PUNE

What i think is the gist of this article is talking about was corporate social responsibility and the related areas. The article talks about how any company is responsible in shaping the world around it and how the individuals in those companies are responsible in shaping the company.
i would like to talk about IBM, as i have worked there. the employees of IBM are taken to some old age homes and mentally retarded children orphanages. here the employees are required to spend time with children and told about how the software made by them is going to help another MNC in US and how that company is going to provide that technology along with the partner company in US which will help in curing the such mentally retarded children. Here, it works two ways, first, the employee of the company know how exactly there efforts are going to help the people around which actually justifies there work and secondly, the company shows responsibility by bring there employees to such places and making them aware about such realities.
People have started viewing the corporates as humans and not just as a profit making machines.
also there is a major shift of taking employees seriously at lower levels... because it is seen that , the majority of the "off the grid" which has somewhat become a norm now. Also, companies cant hide behind the brand they have created with hype and glamour. they are acountable to each of their acts and thus , corporate responibilty becomes all the way important.
the outlook of the employees and consumers and public at large have accepted the fact that companies have to be humans first.
In this article of Tim sanders,it is said that , CSR can play a path breaking role, given the proper willingness from the corporates. It will not only enhance the image of the company , by being some what "off the grid" but also will be helpful in development of the mankind.
Maneesh Shirke
IMDR, Pune, India

What i think is the gist of this article is talking about was corporate social responsibility and the related areas. The article talks about how any company is responsible in shaping the world around it and how the individuals in those companies are responsible in shaping the company.
i would like to talk about IBM, as i have worked there. the employees of IBM are taken to some old age homes and mentally retarded children orphanages. here the employees are required to spend time with children and told about how the software made by them is going to help another MNC in US and how that company is going to provide that technology along with the partner company in US which will help in curing the such mentally retarded children. Here, it works two ways, first, the employee of the company know how exactly there efforts are going to help the people around which actually justifies there work and secondly, the company shows responsibility by bring there employees to such places and making them aware about such realities.
People have started viewing the corporates as humans and not just as a profit making machines.
also there is a major shift of taking employees seriously at lower levels... because it is seen that , the majority of the "off the grid" which has somewhat become a norm now. Also, companies cant hide behind the brand they have created with hype and glamour. they are acountable to each of their acts and thus , corporate responibilty becomes all the way important.
the outlook of the employees and consumers and public at large have accepted the fact that companies have to be humans first.
In this article of Tim sanders,it is said that , CSR can play a path breaking role, given the proper willingness from the corporates. It will not only enhance the image of the company , by being some what "off the grid" but also will be helpful in development of the mankind.
Maneesh Shirke
IMDR, Pune, India

This book lists the upcoming reality of the corporate world. Changing social expectations meant consumers who are better informed and more motivated. In the light of corporate scandals; the public took a more aggressive active step. One of their strong weapons has been boycotting the products of the companies in question. This, of course, has an adverse effect on the share prices of companies, whose products are being boycotted.
Nike’s tagline “just do it” was changed to “just stop it” by protestors. In the 1970s most nike shoes were made in Taiwan and south korea. When workers in these countries began to organise themselves for better wages and working conditions, nike shifted to Indonesia, china and Vietnam. It is argued that Nike preferred these countries as their protective labor laws were poorly enforced and cheap labor was abundantly available. In 1996, nike was severly embarrassed on the child labor issue when a major story in the life magazine featured a photograph of a very young Pakistani boy sewing a Nike soccer ball. In 1997, nike was in news regarding the serious safety issues in one of the contract factories of Nike in Vietnam, including exposure to dangerous levels of toxic fumes from solvents like toluene. When there were protests against Nike, its initial response was, --it’s not your job to worry about other countries labor conditions. Later they hired high-profile firms to ensure enforcement of labour codes.

Nike is not an only example of responsibility revolution. There are many other companies. I developed countries; social responsibility makes a greater contribution to corporate reputation than brand image. Within developed countries, affluent consumers can afford to pick and choose the products they buy. In contrast, a society in need of work is less likely to enforce strict regulations and penalize defaulting organisations. The key is to keep the pressure from the public and media has an important role to it. Sustainability, accountability and transparency should be made three basic principles. And responsibility revolution should be considered seriously as a process of development for every organisation.

Dushyant Arora,
IMDR,Pune,India

This article quite rightly point out to the fact that people have started realizing the fact that they are more human and not sheer robots. There is something more to just earning big bucks for the organization. People have started introspecting themselves and started thinking. Technology provides them this platform. Technology has made communication faster and easy. This has enabled more people to discuss things in an open forum where they can see things in a broader prospective and not by their own prospective. Corporates have realized that if they do not pass on the expertise which they have to the society and the environment then both will die out it natural death. So it has become more important to help to society and environment prosper as they in turn will help the organization to prosper.

Sutanu Dutta
IMDR, Pune, India

Tim Sanders elaborates about the recent paradigm shift regarding companies focusing more on social responsibility and sustainability in this world where Web 2.0 and user generated content can buy you more brownie points than advertising can. Also in this world where global warming gets more media attention than a random terrorist blowing himself up, companies which are not going green in there policies are going red in the balance sheets. Reverse mentoring through informed individual in this dot-com world has made even the CEO listen to what a nerdy geek with horn rimmed glasses from the corner cubicle had to say.
As is said by Tim Sanders people today want to work for and support companies which have a at least some overlap in ethical values with them , so it has become really important for companies to focus on buzz words like carbon footprint, greenhouse emissions, supporting an NGO, eco nutrition etc rather than simply stock price. Internet and the whole User generated content concept has such high level off penetration in today’s world that some ten year old from a remote corner of a small city can screw a company big time by writing an innocent enough blog. This is what has promoted a big company like wall mart to focus on personal sustainability program rather than focus on corporate communication and advertising. These programs are necessary and they do work as is evident from the fact that 5000 Wal-Mart employees have blogged positively about there company. And this is very true; most of buying decision of today’s consumer is based on an online review. Like for example; my decision of buying a new mobile phone was entirely motivated by online reviews.
Also with the overflow of information which the internet has made possible people can find more about a company and tell more about a company, more importantly with the availability of tools like email, blogs, social networking sites, the employees of a company are a more potent networking tool than video and print media. More and more companies are using these tools to promote themselves, like for example now there are at least more than two dozen companies on the online virtual world “second life”. Noteworthy of the few are IBM, Intel and BMW.
There is this total shift in the market where every one from consumer, venture capitalist, government etc want to support companies which in some ways contribute to say an NGO, or invest in alternate/renewable sources of energy, or are finding ways to reduce impact on the environment. Honda really deserves a mention here; they have this huge R&D in the Hybrid cars and alternate fuels like hydrogen. They were the first to roll out a hybrid car (Insight) and the first fuel cell car (FCX). It is but natural to assume that Honda would be a potent player in the near future and more and more people would prefer Honda based solely on the aforementioned facts.
There is also this trend in the general public where in any individual would prefer a T-shirt or rather a consumer product based solely on the fact that a percentage of the earning goes to a NGO.
A big corporation like Google which I think is very environmentally and ethically conscious is also investing huge money in these issues. Other than powering there server farms with solar energy they also do research on minute details like how much white space to show in and around a search result so that it’s more energy conscious. It would not be wrong to say that these factors would definitely prejudice consumer opinion in recent times.
So there it is green is the new fashion statement, donating a penny is new status symbol and driving an insight (Honda’s Hybrid car) is what would take you places.

Rikin Gaikwad
IMDR Pune
India

The article talks about how individuals can contribute in making earth a better place to live while working in their jobs. Employees feel more proud in working with companies which takes these initiatives. We can see a huge wave of Corporate Social Responsibility becoming an integral part of organizations world over. Due to rising discussions about global warming, people all over world are now showing more concerns about eco friendly product and services. Companies have started realizing that they can sustain only if they take initiatives towards producing eco friendly products. We can see the use of eco friendly paper in making notebooks. Companies like ITC and Navneet are promoting this by clearly stating on their products. People like buying products which solves their purpose and also enables them in contributing to make the world a better place to live.
The article also talks about the initiatives by the automobile companies in producing hybrid cars. Honda Siel has recently launched Civic Hybrid in India. Though it seems to be a good initiative by this Japanese major but the price is almost the double of petrol Civic available. What I feel is that people in India are still less likely to pay this double amount only because of their concerns for the environment. May be in future if the price of hybrid cars in India becomes less the trend may change. Though, the concept of electric bikes is picking up in India. Government is also providing subsidies to the producers of these products.
Talking about IT companies, there are now promoting laptops than normal desktop PCs as laptops consume less power than desktops. Moreover, an initiative from the companies like Google to invest in Solar Energy projects is a step ahead in promoting a greener world. A company like Suzlon is attracting attention in India due to their eco friendly business.

Ankur Bhalla
IMDR,Pune,India

If I have comprehended the above interview right, then the book Saving the World at work, is certainly a must NOT to read book in my list. I wish Tim had written the book two decades back. Now it is not the time to read these kinda books... Kind of self help books(for companies) that what they should do apart from making profits. Yes certainly if this book was published two decades back then it would have not been a best seller, but of course, people who would have read it then... would have made a lot of difference to the environment, what it is today. It is not that decades back people have not understood this CSR thing, but could not coin this acronym. Unfortunately as a human being we have this tendency to be reactionary to "certain" things, and anticipatory to other things. Like how to make profits, companies anticipate it and works on it right on time. Ironically they have not read any book to make those profits or the success they achieved. Books are written afterwards when the cycle is over. I mentioned "certain" things when people's acts are reactionary; here it is right on this book, green companies and all those things. Now when we all know that our environment is in serious trouble, some one comes up with a book with a solution. This is reactionary thinking. Wish all of us as a human being knew it from before and implemented the thoughts of the book that the Individual is not any different entity from the environment. When make profits share a bit with the environment too. Perhaps a good book to read, but just a couple of decades late getting published.

Don Ghosh
IMDR, PUNE.

Saving the world at work from Tim Sanders, has touched upon a vital concern which has started showing up in businesses now a days, as the way business is being done has changed a lot from what we have heard from our father and grand father. No doubt the basis still remains the same (by basis here I mean the foundation of sustaining long term business), but ways of working on those basis have changed a lot. Work techniques keep on changing, it’s like a rule of nature, nothing remains constant. 20 years ago Boss might use to come in Mercedes and an employee probably use a scooter, but now a day an employee might come in Honda city and his boss might use a Santro. Times have changed; people now have started accepting things, same is the case with society, customs are being altered to suit one’s comfort.

Tim Sanders believe that we are in the midst of “responsibility revolution” which no company can ignore. Social responsibility and ethical business practices are the parameters through which evaluators evaluate companies. Economy on a large is being employee oriented as compared to 20 years ago. That is the reason which has changed employee’s orientation of working for the company at large and not for his immediate boss. Those superiors who make their subordinates believe that they form an imperative part of and for the organization are the one who successfully play the leading part and helps organisation grow. For this reason the employees have been empowered, so that they take their job as their own responsibility and fulfil their roles to achieve personal and social agendas.

Technology has been a vital cause for change in people’s perspectives towards their life and towards their contribution to world. Technology has enabled us to broaden our perspectives, and to see world with endless opportunities. No doubt today we can reach a huge audience, while just sitting at home, no doubt we can convey our viewpoint as and when we want. All these factors have made organisations aware and alert, because now it’s not organisations that are driving people, now its people who are driving organization’s growth.
Deepak Banga
IMDR, Pune, India

What i think is the summary of this article is the revolution in the attitude of companies towards the corporate social responsibility. Many of us say that CSR is also being followed by many Indian companies. What I think about Corporate Social Responsibility is operating a business that meets or exceeds the ethical, legal, commercial and public expectations that society has of business.
What i think is that now a days many companies use it as a tool for brand building and while doing this the decibel level is higher than the actual impact of the work done. I want to say that there is nothing wrong in brand building but it has to be commensurate with the impact created. If we take the examples of companies like Reliance , Wipro, Tata, SAIL, GAIL etc, they are very much known for their CSR work but actually the work done by them is very less as compare to hype they create.
Take example of TATA, We know that TATAs are known for their CSR Some 66 percent of the profits of its investment arm, Tata Sons, go to charity. They still pays full health and education expenses for all employees, and runs the schools and a 1,000-bed hospital in Jamshedpur.
If we take the example of NANO the much talked about car in recent past. WE have taken as a CSR and consider it as a car for ommon man. But what TATAs did actually is they have just remove features, make a flat car with no curves, RTV style, put an iron rod for the gearshift, install a lawn mower engine and sell that as India’s cheapest car. Individuals, not corporates- do charity. if i find scope of expansion and innovation on MARS, so help me i will leave the planet for the bigger and better deal! who are we kidding here, lets admit that we belong to the shrewd and narcissistic species called MAN.
I think its good marketing and nothing more. Recently, Tata Motors announced plans to build a new factory in West Bengal. The factory is to be built on farmland. The company purchased farmland from farmers for an agreed upon amount. The poor, and mostly uneducated, farmers now believe they were cheated in the transaction (i.e., not given a fair price for their land) and rightly want more compensation. The company responded by saying the price paid was fair and the government responded by beating up the protesting farmers.
I do not understand the mentality of the government and companies like Tata Motors. They don't mind paying a huge premium when purchasing foreign owned companies. However, when dealing with its own poor and therefore, most vulnerable people, they don't have any problems cheating them out of what they deserve. After all, business is business, right?
A few months ago, Tata Steel - controlled by the same Tata family who control Tata Motors - purchased Anglo-Dutch steelmaker Corus for 6.2 billion Euros or 12.2 billion Dollars. The final price paid represented a premium of 64 percent to Corus's pre-bid share price! The deal made Tata Steel the world's fifth largest steelmaker. The company had to take on a huge debt load for the purchase and most analysts concluded the deal was expensive.
This is a very typical and sad example of robbing from the poor to pay the rich. Tata Motors would not have to pay, what would have amounted to a few thousand dollars more, to fairly compensate the farmers for their land (forget about premium!).
Also if you observe the condition of workers in Tata steel plant in Bangladesh, you will find that the wages given by the company is not commensurate to the work done by the workers.
On the other habd if you take the example of Investment Baron Mr. Warren Buffet, he has donated 80% of his wealth to Bill and Melinda Gates foundation which we haven’t seen anywhere.
Thus I would like to say that its individuals, not corporates-who do charity, because corporate don’t be ethical because they have started their business to earn the profit and they use CSR as a brand building tool.
Regards,
JAI BHAGCHANDANI
PGDM-2
IMDR,PUNE

What i think is the summary of this article is the revolution in the attitude of companies towards the corporate social responsibility. Many of us say that CSR is also being followed by many Indian companies. What I think about Corporate Social Responsibility is operating a business that meets or exceeds the ethical, legal, commercial and public expectations that society has of business.
What i think is that now a days many companies use it as a tool for brand building and while doing this the decibel level is higher than the actual impact of the work done. I want to say that there is nothing wrong in brand building but it has to be commensurate with the impact created. If we take the examples of companies like Reliance , Wipro, Tata, SAIL, GAIL etc, they are very much known for their CSR work but actually the work done by them is very less as compare to hype they create.
Take example of TATA, We know that TATAs are known for their CSR Some 66 percent of the profits of its investment arm, Tata Sons, go to charity. They still pays full health and education expenses for all employees, and runs the schools and a 1,000-bed hospital in Jamshedpur.
If we take the example of NANO the much talked about car in recent past. WE have taken as a CSR and consider it as a car for ommon man. But what TATAs did actually is they have just remove features, make a flat car with no curves, RTV style, put an iron rod for the gearshift, install a lawn mower engine and sell that as India’s cheapest car. Individuals, not corporates- do charity. if i find scope of expansion and innovation on MARS, so help me i will leave the planet for the bigger and better deal! who are we kidding here, lets admit that we belong to the shrewd and narcissistic species called MAN.
I think its good marketing and nothing more. Recently, Tata Motors announced plans to build a new factory in West Bengal. The factory is to be built on farmland. The company purchased farmland from farmers for an agreed upon amount. The poor, and mostly uneducated, farmers now believe they were cheated in the transaction (i.e., not given a fair price for their land) and rightly want more compensation. The company responded by saying the price paid was fair and the government responded by beating up the protesting farmers.
I do not understand the mentality of the government and companies like Tata Motors. They don't mind paying a huge premium when purchasing foreign owned companies. However, when dealing with its own poor and therefore, most vulnerable people, they don't have any problems cheating them out of what they deserve. After all, business is business, right?
A few months ago, Tata Steel - controlled by the same Tata family who control Tata Motors - purchased Anglo-Dutch steelmaker Corus for 6.2 billion Euros or 12.2 billion Dollars. The final price paid represented a premium of 64 percent to Corus's pre-bid share price! The deal made Tata Steel the world's fifth largest steelmaker. The company had to take on a huge debt load for the purchase and most analysts concluded the deal was expensive.
This is a very typical and sad example of robbing from the poor to pay the rich. Tata Motors would not have to pay, what would have amounted to a few thousand dollars more, to fairly compensate the farmers for their land (forget about premium!).
Also if you observe the condition of workers in Tata steel plant in Bangladesh, you will find that the wages given by the company is not commensurate to the work done by the workers.
On the other habd if you take the example of Investment Baron Mr. Warren Buffet, he has donated 80% of his wealth to Bill and Melinda Gates foundation which we haven’t seen anywhere.
Thus I would like to say that its individuals, not corporates-who do charity, because corporate don’t be ethical because they have started their business to earn the profit and they use CSR as a brand building tool.
Regards,
JAI BHAGCHANDANI
PGDM-2
IMDR,PUNE

If I have comprehended the above interview right, then the book Saving the World at work, is certainly a must NOT to read book in my list. I wish Tim had written the book two decades back. Now it is not the time to read these kinda books... Kind of self help books(for companies) that what they should do apart from making profits. Yes certainly if this book was published two decades back then it would have not been a best seller, but of course, people who would have read it then... would have made a lot of difference to the environment, what it is today. It is not that decades back people have not understood this CSR thing, but could not coin this acronym. Unfortunately as a human being we have this tendency to be reactionary to "certain" things, and anticipatory to other things. Like how to make profits, companies anticipate it and works on it right on time. Ironically they have not read any book to make those profits or the success they achieved. Books are written afterwards when the cycle is over. I mentioned "certain" things when people's acts are reactionary; here it is right on this book, green companies and all those things. Now when we all know that our environment is in serious trouble, some one comes up with a book with a solution. This is reactionary thinking. Wish all of us as a human being knew it from before and implemented the thoughts of the book that the Individual is not any different entity from the environment. When make profits share a bit with the environment too. Perhaps a good book to read, but just a couple of decades late getting published.

Don Ghosh
IMDR, Pune, India

What i think is the summary of this article is the revolution in the attitude of companies towards the corporate social responsibility. Many of us say that CSR is also being followed by many Indian companies. What I think about Corporate Social Responsibility is operating a business that meets or exceeds the ethical, legal, commercial and public expectations that society has of business.
What i think is that now a days many companies use it as a tool for brand building and while doing this the decibel level is higher than the actual impact of the work done. I want to say that there is nothing wrong in brand building but it has to be commensurate with the impact created. If we take the examples of companies like Reliance , Wipro, Tata, SAIL, GAIL etc, they are very much known for their CSR work but actually the work done by them is very less as compare to hype they create.
Take example of TATA, We know that TATAs are known for their CSR Some 66 percent of the profits of its investment arm, Tata Sons, go to charity. They still pays full health and education expenses for all employees, and runs the schools and a 1,000-bed hospital in Jamshedpur.
If we take the example of NANO the much talked about car in recent past. WE have taken as a CSR and consider it as a car for ommon man. But what TATAs did actually is they have just remove features, make a flat car with no curves, RTV style, put an iron rod for the gearshift, install a lawn mower engine and sell that as India’s cheapest car. Individuals, not corporates- do charity. if i find scope of expansion and innovation on MARS, so help me i will leave the planet for the bigger and better deal! who are we kidding here, lets admit that we belong to the shrewd and narcissistic species called MAN.
I think its good marketing and nothing more. Recently, Tata Motors announced plans to build a new factory in West Bengal. The factory is to be built on farmland. The company purchased farmland from farmers for an agreed upon amount. The poor, and mostly uneducated, farmers now believe they were cheated in the transaction (i.e., not given a fair price for their land) and rightly want more compensation. The company responded by saying the price paid was fair and the government responded by beating up the protesting farmers.
I do not understand the mentality of the government and companies like Tata Motors. They don't mind paying a huge premium when purchasing foreign owned companies. However, when dealing with its own poor and therefore, most vulnerable people, they don't have any problems cheating them out of what they deserve. After all, business is business, right?
A few months ago, Tata Steel - controlled by the same Tata family who control Tata Motors - purchased Anglo-Dutch steelmaker Corus for 6.2 billion Euros or 12.2 billion Dollars. The final price paid represented a premium of 64 percent to Corus's pre-bid share price! The deal made Tata Steel the world's fifth largest steelmaker. The company had to take on a huge debt load for the purchase and most analysts concluded the deal was expensive.
This is a very typical and sad example of robbing from the poor to pay the rich. Tata Motors would not have to pay, what would have amounted to a few thousand dollars more, to fairly compensate the farmers for their land (forget about premium!).
Also if you observe the condition of workers in Tata steel plant in Bangladesh, you will find that the wages given by the company is not commensurate to the work done by the workers.
On the other habd if you take the example of Investment Baron Mr. Warren Buffet, he has donated 80% of his wealth to Bill and Melinda Gates foundation which we haven’t seen anywhere.
Thus I would like to say that its individuals, not corporates-who do charity, because corporate don’t be ethical because they have started their business to earn the profit and they use CSR as a brand building tool.
Regards,
JAI BHAGCHANDANI
PGDM-2
IMDR,PUNE

The author has mentioned the ‘social revolution’ by saying that superior product quality and competitive pricing may no longer stand above all others as most critical variables in the equation for business success. In the evolving global market place a third strategic factor is coming in to play: social responsibility ,Which means making products & delivering services that generate profit but also help society address challenges such as climate change, energy security, healthcare & poverty.
But it’s not because of any CSR or because of companies are now becoming more generous and responsible for the society. It is just because of profit & brand value they are getting by promoting themselves as a social responsible organization.
The new generation of CEO’s is much smarter than previous. They know how to use social issues and emotions to gain profit.
They are bringing new profit centers by bringing socially responsible products & processes to the market place.
Companies are increasingly considering their environmental cost as a way to promote their brand name& consumer confidence in their products. Customers too have a warmer feeling towards brands which stick to global & social responsibility.
The new hybrid cars & its success are the latest example of it.
It is mentioned that many organization like google are investing in solar & wind power because they are focusing on green efforts as a cost saving measure for the long run.
For the corporate world green is a mantra with a dual advantage. It’s not just an environmentally responsible entity but also more important a profitable proposition.
And also reverse mentoring is a new trend in corporate sector and many organizations are shifting into reverse. They are asking tech-savvy employees to teach the “old people” new tricks. Reverse mentoring can provide substantial benefits for the organization.
At last I just want to say that think why those companies who think thousand times before giving bonus to their employees, give lacks of, crorre of amount to government and NGO. It just because of profit they get by doing this !!
ANAND SINGH
ROLL NO.-01
IMDR, PUNE, INDIA

The article basically talks about how there has been a paradigm shift in the business world from concentrating only on profits to becoming more sustainable and socially responsible. Being more sensitive to the society and the world at large is no longer an ancillary activity but it is of paramount importance for the survival of companies. As threats like extinction of fossil fuels and the menacing effects of global warming loom large, people have become more demanding of business organizations in terms of the organizations being more eco and society friendly. And due to the studies of prominent people like Al Gore’s study of the ill-effects of Global Warming, the world is more aware about the issues concerned with the environment. The article highlights the pivotal role played by employees and consumers alike in making companies practice corporate responsibility and sustainability. The idea of consumers compelling businesses to be socially responsible to a greater extent is quite interesting. If people demand for products that are environment friendly in a big way, it will automatically force companies to come up with such products. Also many organizations are supporting campaigns like AIDS awareness, Anti-human trafficking, Health care campaigns, etc. Such activities can go a long way in improving the brand value of an organization since differentiation is no longer the only parameter that positively fuels a brand’s image. Social responsibility is all the more important in a country like India where there are so many underprivileged people. Any company that serves the society responsibly is bound to get tremendous support from the people which will ultimately benefit the company.

The article also brings to the fore the changes in companies’ attitude towards their employees. Nowadays employees are given options as regards the timings and the place of their work. In fact, I have recently read in a book titled ‘The World is Flat’,
that a large chunk of the American Airline Ticketing business has been outsourced to housewives working out of their homes. This saves the airlines concerned, precious land, energy resources, time and money and benefits the environment and the airlines alike. Also when suggestions from lower-rung employees are considered seriously, it heightens their sense of commitment to things like sustainability and the social responsibility.

I think all companies will have to consciously keep practicing ‘Corporate Social Responsibility’ and ‘Sustainability’ since they have become an indispensable part of business. Failing this might threaten the very existence of the concerned companies.

Rigved Jhunjhunwala,
IMDR, Pune, India

Every person tries to get everything through the easiest possible way.
Here the companies want to sell their product (eg. Hybrid cars), enhance their brand image ( google becoming ecofriendly) to the world by making their prospective customer feel that he /she is contributing something for a broader cause ie. Saving the world.
The companies make their employee feel what they are doing is to save the world. For this they accept the employee proposal which is acceptable and rejects the other saying as “off the grid or hummer”. The employee feels great that his or her idea is accepted for a greater cause and doing work for the company at office means working for the planet.
If someone would have thought to do something to save the world then he/she would have never strived for these earthly things and exploited other for a mere benefit of a company.
The reality – employee working dedicatedly and satisfactorily at office for the company and company reaping the profit.
The context – employee easily contributing for a greater cause to save the world by mere working at the company’s office.

Priyadarshi Sadangi
Roll no- 55, IMDR, Pune, INDIA

I will first list down the issues from the article which I thought are worth commenting:
1) Technology
2) Responsibility revolution and CSR
3) Shareism
4) Greener companies
It’s true that technology has empowered the employees and customers to an extent but technology is a double edged sword. Technology has helped the employees to vouch their opinion but with the help of technology; corporations keep a constant watch on opinions and views of employees. At least in outsourcing and technology related companies which are forerunners of this so called responsibility movement; actively discourage interacting at the workplace then what’s the point in dedicating a blog for the employees.
Coming to CSR and shareism; the author mentions inevitable responsibility revolution and CSR initiatives making an impact on society. CSR initiative is a joke in itself. If one closely observes balance sheets of huge corporations; they have profits running into billions and will make a provision of 0.2 % or 0.3 % for the CSR initiatives and most importantly they will spend more money in advertising this initiative. One thing that this responsibility revolution has achieved is that all the companies do devote a page to CSR initiatives in their annual reports. The author places “Shareism” in contrast to the responsibility. But at least in India; the ESOP is major component of the salary of most of the middle and senior level managers and this trend is on the rise.
In case of organizations going greener, I agree partly. Most of the technology driven organizations are going greener but it is important to note that their energy needs are also less. And they can reduce their consumption if they redesign their construction and plant some more trees surrounding their building which will reduce air conditioner’s usage.
Regards
Pradeep Shinde
IMDR, Pune
India

If I had to express my understanding of this interview in a single sentence then it would go something like this- “In the long run companies which do no evil-just like Google whose company charter clearly specifies this very motto will be successful”. In this new socially conscious day and age driven by information and technology, you can make a difference to the world just as easily as you can seal a business deal to make a profit for your company or organization. Responsibility Revolution is gradually spreading across the world and a day will soon come when customers would see similar outputs from two companies and yet make their choice on the basis of which product is greener. When this strikes with its full intensity it would make life harder for the companies which coolly innovate technologies while ignoring its side effects to the environment. Most of the major companies are already seen taking a step towards this. Apart from an ethical issue, being green is now a business investment which would reap greater profits in the near future. Wipro Technologies for example has started a full chapter on "Eco-Eye", wherein the employees are given daily tips on how to work without harming the environment, limiting the printouts taken or switching off their computer terminals before leaving etc. Employees get a monthly report on how much food was wasted in the cafeteria and how it is the responsibility of each individual to work towards a more responsible lifestyle. Within a month of starting the chapter more than 5000 employees registered as a part of the movement, showing that there is no shortage of people ready to work once such initiatives are taken. Probably that is the reason why Hiring eco-minded employees, has now become a good business decision. They will use less electricity, make less waste and reduce liabilities in the future by instinctively acting to preserve the environment. This in turn would help the company survive the Responsibility Revolution.

It's true that the companies now are taking various initiatives to include ideas from all levels in the organization. Almost every company now has its own blogosphere or a feedback link on the site which is checked on a daily basis and the problems and comments posted here are responded to with a high degree of importance. The workings have become more and more transparent, growing towards the mutual benefit of the employer, employee and the organization as a whole. The result is a green organization radiating good feelings which are sure to reach the customers and hold its impact. What Sanders is trying to emphasize here is that realizing our responsibilities towards the outside world is not only a moral obligation but a necessity in today's world since in the long run it is us, the humans who would suffer due to our negligence today. In one of his articles he states. "The planet survived the ice age and it will survive global warming. We, on the other hand, could likely go the way of the dinosaur. The accurate declaration should be "save the humans", because that's really what is at stake with the current crisis".

Food for thought: A business cannot be good unless the entire value chain operates to give back, not take away, from the greater community and the environment. What better place to start with this than ones own surroundings. This in a way I feel is also the basic essence of “Corporate social responsibility” initiatives followed by various companies today.

Saish P. Khalwadekar.
IMDR,Pune,India.

I will first list down the issues from the article which I thought are worth commenting:
1) Technology
2) Responsibility revolution and CSR
3) Shareism
4) Greener companies
It’s true that technology has empowered the employees and customers to an extent but technology is a double edged sword. Technology has helped the employees to vouch their opinion but with the help of technology; corporations keep a constant watch on opinions and views of employees. At least in outsourcing and technology related companies which are forerunners of this so called responsibility movement; actively discourage interacting at the workplace then what’s the point in dedicating a blog for the employees.
Coming to CSR and shareism; the author mentions inevitable responsibility revolution and CSR initiatives making an impact on society. CSR initiative is a joke in itself. If one closely observes balance sheets of huge corporations; they have profits running into billions and will make a provision of 0.2 % or 0.3 % for the CSR initiatives and most importantly they will spend more money in advertising this initiative. One thing that this responsibility revolution has achieved is that all the companies do devote a page to CSR initiatives in their annual reports. The author places “Shareism” in contrast to the responsibility. But at least in India; the ESOP is major component of the salary of most of the middle and senior level managers and this trend is on the rise.
In case of organizations going greener, I agree partly. Most of the technology driven organizations are going greener but it is important to note that their energy needs are also less. And they can reduce their consumption if they redesign their construction and plant some more trees surrounding their building which will reduce air conditioner’s usage.
Regards
Pradeep Shinde
IMDR, Pune
India

I will first list down the issues from the article which I thought are worth commenting:
1) Technology
2) Responsibility revolution and CSR
3) Shareism
4) Greener companies
It’s true that technology has empowered the employees and customers to an extent but technology is a double edged sword. Technology has helped the employees to vouch their opinion but with the help of technology; corporations keep a constant watch on opinions and views of employees. At least in outsourcing and technology related companies which are forerunners of this so called responsibility movement; actively discourage interacting at the workplace then what’s the point in dedicating a blog for the employees.
Coming to CSR and shareism; the author mentions inevitable responsibility revolution and CSR initiatives making an impact on society. CSR initiative is a joke in itself. If one closely observes balance sheets of huge corporations; they have profits running into billions and will make a provision of 0.2 % or 0.3 % for the CSR initiatives and most importantly they will spend more money in advertising this initiative. One thing that this responsibility revolution has achieved is that all the companies do devote a page to CSR initiatives in their annual reports. The author places “Shareism” in contrast to the responsibility. But at least in India; the ESOP is major component of the salary of most of the middle and senior level managers and this trend is on the rise.
In case of organizations going greener, I agree partly. Most of the technology driven organizations are going greener but it is important to note that their energy needs are also less. And they can reduce their consumption if they redesign their construction and plant some more trees surrounding their building which will reduce air conditioner’s usage.
Regards
Pradeep Shinde
IMDR, Pune
India

The given articles talk about green way functioning. This is necessary and it should be taken care off as if it is not taken care off we have seen many new hazards arising that never seen in the past. For example nuclear deal has been using for objective not even that and also the depletion of Ozone layer. This all talk about the Corporate Social Responsibility is generally talked about the big companies which have already set up themselves in the society. Generally small companies which are in survival mode do not talk about this, as they are more concern about the bottom line and the stock prices. So according to the CEO of some giant corporate the well established organization round the world should pay the attention towards their social responsibilities, and the nature. From the book “Small is Beautiful” by E.A.Schumakher we can observe that sustainable development are those which involves the practice of eco friendly technology to safe guarding the resources of the nature. But overall, now a day, awareness among people getting increased and KYOTO PROTOCOL is a supreme example of that. So from various examples it is easily noticeable that only technological development by exploiting the resources in the nature can’t leads us a better future. At the same time we should have to pay a little concentration to the Society.

Regards
Atanu Das
Roll NO. 16
IMDR,Pune, India

As rightly mentioned by the author about the new working culture adopted by all the companies is by the means of Corporate Social Responsibility. In today's world, the companies are not only aiming at making profit but they are also responsible about the society in which they are living. I can say it by my own experience from the summer training which I did at Essar Oil.
There are many instances when the company personnel are looking to help the society surrounding the industry as they are saying that without the community, they will not be in existence.
About the example which author has mentioned about the Microsoft, I would like to add that before 2 days Zenith in association with Microsoft has launched new desktops and laptops under the brand name "EcoStyle". The company claims that these brands launched under the brand name ‘EcoStyle’, are free of any toxic materials and the consumption of energy is also less as both the computers on an average, consume 30% less power. Hence, from this we can say that the companies are also believing in helping the community to save the environment.
Also a public company SAIL is funding 36 NGOs which is also a Social Responsibility towards the community.
So, I agree with the point which author made about the companies focusing on CSR as this will benefit companies as well as community.

As rightly mentioned by the author about the new working culture adopted by all the companies is by the means of Corporate Social Responsibility. In today's world, the companies are not only aiming at making profit but they are also responsible about the society in which they are living. I can say it by my own experience from the summer training which I did at Essar Oil.
There are many instances when the company personnel are looking to help the society surrounding the industry as they are saying that without the community, they will not be in existence.
About the example which author has mentioned about the Microsoft, I would like to add that before 2 days Zenith in association with Microsoft has launched new desktops and laptops under the brand name "EcoStyle". The company claims that these brands launched under the brand name ‘EcoStyle’, are free of any toxic materials and the consumption of energy is also less as both the computers on an average, consume 30% less power. Hence, from this we can say that the companies are also believing in helping the community to save the environment.
Also a public company SAIL is funding 36 NGOs which is also a Social Responsibility towards the community.
So, I agree with the point which author made about the companies focusing on CSR as this will benefit companies as well as community.

Regards,

Shyamal Dhruve
IMDR, Pune, India

Corporate social responsibility is a concept of forced nobility on industries when we know that the base of industrialization is capitalism. Capitalist economy can sustain only if we consume. More the consumption, more the profit.
we think of individual existence without bothering that we cannot exist in isolation if nature's existence is put at stake.
For e.g. e-waste is one of those issues created by so called clean industries mentioned in the article. This is one of the issues there are many more to be addressed.
Abhishek Kousadikar
IMDR, Pune, India

I partially agree with the point mentioned by the author Tim Sanders. He has discussed about the corporate responsibility and sustainability. He has also discussed about the individual can make the difference for himself as well as society. He has also discussed about the technology and its impact on the corporate world. I think if a person working in a company or working for himself, he is always doing the task for himself. Now a day’s companies are also thinking for the environment but only the top corporate companies are doing this because they are generating the good profits while earlier companies were looking for the profit and their growth in the market. Companies who are generating profit they can go for the corporate social responsibility. I have never heard that any company who is running on losses is also playing some social responsibility. But I also want to say that we have to be precautious about the environment because it is necessary for our survival. Earlier many companies were manufacturing the Refrigerator but now a days various companies are manufacturing eco friendly CFC Refrigerators.

Today we are facing the crises of water and energy. It is necessary for us to take serious action against these crises. Only government cannot take action against these crises. We as an individual can also contribute against these crises by saving the water as well as energy. Technology can play an important role for making the people aware about these crises. Many celebrities are coming in the front for saving the forest as well as animals. Many NGO’s are also coming in front for saving the water, environment and animals. Now a day’s various companies are making the eco friendly cars. Various companies are also making the vehicles which are running on the bio fuel. I have read in the news one country is providing the free parking space for those cars which are eco friendly cars. I think that country wants to encourage people for buying the eco friendly cars. I also think that these types of innovative ideas can be very helpful for making our environment safe.

Today technology has brought the new revolution in the corporate sector. Especially Information technology has changed the whole scenario. By just a single click you can send the e-mail to your friends, relatives etc.

Now a days NGO’s are also contributing a lot in the field of social responsibility. Many big corporate are running charitable hospital like Tata Memorial Hospital.

Amit Gupta,
IMDR, Pune, India.

The given articles talk about green way functioning. This is necessary and it should be taken care off as if it is not taken care off we have seen many new hazards arising that never seen in the past. For example nuclear deal has been using for objective not even that and also the depletion of Ozone layer. This all talk about the Corporate Social Responsibility is generally talked about the big companies which have already set up themselves in the society. Generally small companies which are in survival mode do not talk about this, as they are more concern about the bottom line and the stock prices. So according to the CEO of some giant corporate the well established organization round the world should pay the attention towards their social responsibilities, and the nature. From the book “Small is Beautiful” by E.A.Schumakher we can observe that sustainable development are those which involves the practice of eco friendly technology to safe guarding the resources of the nature. But overall, now a day, awareness among people getting increased and KYOTO PROTOCOL is a supreme example of that. So from various examples it is easily noticeable that only technological development by exploiting the resources in the nature can’t leads us a better future. At the same time we should have to pay a little concentration to the Society.

Regards
ATANU DAS
IMDR,Pune,India

In the whole interview the author Mr. Tim Sanders is trying to bring to the notice of all of us is that there is a new wave coming in the world which is going to arrive in a big way that is the companies which thought that CSR is just another burden on their Balance sheets will soon realize that it is one of the prime reasons which will ensure their sustainability in the market. All this is happening because of the changing attitude of the customer towards the environment; we no longer live in a world where we can safely exploit the resources of this planet without being accountable for it. Every thing has a cost in this world, which may not be always monitory, Man has taken so much from this planet, it is high time now that we realize that now we need to do something about the way in which we are exploiting the planet.

“ The world begins from self “ is the gist he is trying to point out that the powers of an individual in the present world is far more than what it use to be because of the technology available to him . What I think is that by writing a book on this, author himself is practicing what he is preaching, that is as a writer what he can do best to serve this planet is that he can make people aware about these things, he is trying to inspire people to be a part of this responsibility revolution which he can foresee and many others cannot.
Tim Sanders is a New York Times bestselling author, public speaker, and former Yahoo! Employee. He is utilizing this platform to create this wave of awareness.

He has pointed out in the very beginning of his article that all the stakeholders of an organization, be it the customer, employee, shareholder, or Government are all becoming a part of this responsibility revolution so it will automatically become imperative for an organization to include these values in the very values of the organization.

Darpan Aneja
IMDR, Pune, India.

The given articles talk about green way functioning. This is necessary and it should be taken care off as if it is not taken care off we have seen many new hazards arising that never seen in the past. For example nuclear deal has been using for objective not even that and also the depletion of Ozone layer. This all talk about the Corporate Social Responsibility is generally talked about the big companies which have already set up themselves in the society. Generally small companies which are in survival mode do not talk about this, as they are more concern about the bottom line and the stock prices. So according to the CEO of some giant corporate the well established organization round the world should pay the attention towards their social responsibilities, and the nature. From the book “Small is Beautiful” by E.A.Schumakher we can observe that sustainable development are those which involves the practice of eco friendly technology to safe guarding the resources of the nature. But overall, now a day, awareness among people getting increased and KYOTO PROTOCOL is a supreme example of that. So from various examples it is easily noticeable that only technological development by exploiting the resources in the nature can’t leads us a better future. At the same time we should have to pay a little concentration to the Society.

Regards
ATANU DAS
IMDR,Pune,India

Yes now-a-days work is not a mere source of income only. It is about how we can live a life which we dreamt of! Here there are lots of choice that one has to make when it come to chose an organization which matches our ethical values. Same is the case with the customers who are aware about the companies which caters them, but is not so clear as that of an employer employee relationship as there is very little time in the part of a customer in which the choice is met but fulfilling the wants of the customers.
With the shift of need for the employees to the employer there has been a drastic change in the way that corporate tackles the issue of overall satisfaction and the growth of the company as a whole. Here all the time top management has to maintain a balance between their objective and needs of their employees. With the jobs becoming more and more monotonous the management is finding other ways to attract and retain talent. With the new generation of CEO’s various management tool like job enhancement and job enrichment helps in maintaining a balance between them. Now with all this issues it is advisable that the top management should be ready to accept suggestion from the employees in order to make their product services and process better. In a way now-a-days the management is treating their employees as their customers also.
Change in technology had helped people a lot in discovering about the company with which one want to be associated. This has definitely brought transparency but the main problem is still being the awareness among the people living in Dark Age. In most of the countries the majority of the populations are still buying the products which are available to them. They are not left with many choices. They need to avail what is available to them. Here the most important factor is not technology but it is about the ability to use them to our advantage. But in most part of the world technology are acting as a tool in the hands of many giant companies in demolishing smaller ones. Here always the case is bigger fish engulfing the smaller one. Here definitely technology has made companies accountable but still the power are in the hand of the powerful and influencing public not with the majority of the people. It has been studied that 80% of the national income is contributed by the 20% of the population who decide the faith of an organization or even the nation as a whole and the rest 80% of the population simply work for them for a mere 20%.
In my view the tool are really helpful but again the success is solely depend on the use not the tool. There is same amount of resources available to many people but very little become successful in the struggle of succeed. The win-win situation is an ideal condition but in order to achieve it someone or the other has to compromise. All this scenarios about big companies coming and supporting the government and NGO’s are common now-a-days, but real question arise are they are acting voluntarily with without any intention of profit or fame. It is hard to find it out. Many organization are following the environmental rule only with the fear to be punished and not voluntarily. All this responsibilities can not be imposed they should be followed voluntarily. If this is the situation they yes the world will become greener then ever before. Everyone is the best judge for one self and if he is unbiased and decides the faith of a single person that is he himself then there is no more issue that are needed solve. We can not change this world without being a part of it.
According to me life is not so simple. Yes the customers are definitely going to ask more question and make the organization pay for their mistakes but as a matter of fact this process is very complex one and a given fact is that more than 70% of the customer will prefer to shift rather than question or object the company. It might also be a major draw back that a company may face in assessing the performance of its employees. This phenomenon is very prominently seen is service sector were many people have face such situation and all their complain goes unheard. That is why companies easily get away with false promises. Now-a-days with the uses of technology and misuse of law this is opening an easy escape for the companies.

Debasis Pattnaik
IMDR, Pune, India.

If I had to express my understanding of this interview in a single sentence then it would go something like this- “In the long run companies which do no evil-just like Google whose company charter clearly specifies this very motto will be successful”. In this new socially conscious day and age driven by information and technology, you can make a difference to the world just as easily as you can seal a business deal to make a profit for your company or organization. Responsibility Revolution is gradually spreading across the world and a day will soon come when customers would see similar outputs from two companies and yet make their choice on the basis of which product is greener. When this strikes with its full intensity it would make life harder for the companies which coolly innovate technologies while ignoring its side effects to the environment. Most of the major companies are already seen taking a step towards this. Apart from an ethical issue, being green is now a business investment which would reap greater profits in the near future. Wipro Technologies for example has started a full chapter on "Eco-Eye", wherein the employees are given daily tips on how to work without harming the environment, limiting the printouts taken or switching off their computer terminals before leaving etc. Employees get a monthly report on how much food was wasted in the cafeteria and how it is the responsibility of each individual to work towards a more responsible lifestyle. Within a month of starting the chapter more than 5000 employees registered as a part of the movement, showing that there is no shortage of people ready to work once such initiatives are taken. Probably that is the reason why Hiring eco-minded employees, has now become a good business decision. They will use less electricity, make less waste and reduce liabilities in the future by instinctively acting to preserve the environment. This in turn would help the company survive the Responsibility Revolution.

It's true that the companies now are taking various initiatives to include ideas from all levels in the organization. Almost every company now has its own blogosphere or a feedback link on the site which is checked on a daily basis and the problems and comments posted here are responded to with a high degree of importance. The workings have become more and more transparent, growing towards the mutual benefit of the employer, employee and the organization as a whole. The result is a green organization radiating good feelings which are sure to reach the customers and hold its impact. What Sanders is trying to emphasize here is that realizing our responsibilities towards the outside world is not only a moral obligation but a necessity in today's world since in the long run it is us, the humans who would suffer due to our negligence today. In one of his articles he states. "The planet survived the ice age and it will survive global warming. We, on the other hand, could likely go the way of the dinosaur. The accurate declaration should be "save the humans", because that's really what is at stake with the current crisis".

Food for thought: A business cannot be good unless the entire value chain operates to give back, not take away, from the greater community and the environment. What better place to start with this than ones own surroundings. This in a way I feel is also the basic essence of “Corporate social responsibility” initiatives followed by various companies today.

Saish P. Khalwadekar.
IMDR,Pune,India.

There are two main issues that have been talked about in this article : sustainability and social responsibility.
I completely agree that in this era of cut throat competition and rivalry, comapnies need to have a little extra in order to have an edge over their competitors. The employees need to work with more responsibility towards society and not just
for their own benefits. One of my friend working at Google told me that every 15 days, they have a video conferencing with Larry Page and Sergey Brin
and the employees talk about what difference they have made to the world, however small it may have been. These people talk about even minute things like
helping a blind man cross a road or giving a loaf of bread to a beggar.
These are acts which are not at all work related but cause a huge difference in the attitude of the employee and thus their overall performance.
With the changes in technology, anything and everything about a company as well as its functioning can be seen openly. These things can be judged by any lay man and as it was in the earlier days, people cant be fooled anymore.
The technological changes have brought in a lot of transparency and thereby every person is trying to become responsible towards the society.
In the present day, the standing of any company is not only judged by the profit it makes but also by the social issues it deals with. Its very common these days
to see employees of various organizations taking part in activities like help age india, educate the girl child, blood donation camps etc. These are factors which also motivate a lot of people to join any particular organization apart from the regular job profile being offered by the organization.
On the other hand, from the point of view of the customers, even they are getting invovlved into minute details as compared to earlier days. The customers are becoming extremely particular about the kind of products they are buying and also whether those products are environment friendly or not.

Finally I would like to talk about the options of telecommuting and 4 day workweeks. I have had a personal experience of both of them. I was working with a US recruitment company called Satincorp
and while interacting with the IT employees in the US, I realized that a lot of people out there were very particular about telecommuting instead of driving to work as it would be beneficial to them as well as the environment. Also 4 day workweeks would result in similar outcomes beneficial for the employee as well as the surroundings. Another concept doing well in the Us is that of 'Carpool'. People who are staying in and around the same localities and have their workplaces nearby share a sinlge car to their offices, thereby saving on fuel as well as having a check on the pollution.This is something which I am sure would be
starting up soon in India as well because of its rising popularity in the US.

Aditya Rao
IMDR, Pune, India