arguments against corporate social responsibility?

Answer 1

Probably quite weak arguments but the kind of things I would have thought being used are:

Higher prices
Unsatisfied consumer demand

Answer 2

May as well set myself up to get shot down. I work for a big defence corporation. From there I would say there are NO arguments against CSR. It's a good thing even if only given lip service - you've got to start somewhere.

My company is generally pretty good on CSR but it's like anything big, little bits can get crushed in the wheels.

I don't necessarily believe it's an unethical business - at least when those within the company behave ethically. It really isn't a lot of use complaining about big corporations - we have to work somewhere and I do it to pay the mortgage and keep the family - that's real ethics for you. But I like to think that by doing my bit I can help drive my little area down an ethical path -maybe not in terms of bombs and bullets (even then would you rather a UK company made them and was pretty careful about who they sold to - or a French, Russian or Chinese company - who assuredly wouldn't) but in terms of, oh, sourcing from the UK not 8000 miles away.. By shipping by sea not air, by buying from environmentally sound companies (and yes we watch that as well).

Don't beware the giant corporate bogeyman, try and lead them from wherever you sit.

Answer 3

There aren't any.

It's time corporations put people before profit. They should have to consider the human and environmental impacts of their actions, and be obliged to minimise any damage their company does to local communities and the environment. In other words, company directors would have to consider their environmental and social impact as well as their profits.

At present, companies are legally obliged to maximise profits by any means possible, even if these means result in the damagin of peoples' health, or pollution. For example Shell’s oil and gas operations in the Niger Delta cause huge environmental damage and have a serious impact on the health and livelihoods of local people.

Answer 4

Good news - things will change for the better!

When?

When consumers start buying from ethical companies. ie when you have the choice between a widget from Company A and a widget from Company B, you buy widget from company B because it treats it workers better, is better to the environment etc.

Companys are interested in money. Its us consumers who will change things.

Tip. Every now and then check out www,ethicism.com, I've heard this website will get better and better and will contribute to this movement a lot in the future.

Answer 5

Large corporations are destroying our world.
What's to argue?