Life should taught me one important
lesson, that it is important to provide for present generations and secure a
sustainable future for latter generations. The balance between the interests
and rights of corporations and the rights of the people they serve is therefore
critical.
Companies exist to make
profit and increase shareholder’s value. They however do not exist or operate
in a vacuum since they are managed and driven by people. In addition, they either
offer goods or render services to human beings or even explore resources among
indigenous people. People can collectively be referred to as community.
Communities on the other
hand are interested in companies that improve their standards of living, those that
contribute towards a better future for their children and children’s children.
Although communities are interested in monetary gain, they have a higher purpose
which is to safeguard their dignity and that of their children.
It therefore follows that
the corporations should invest in such a way that they promote the welfare of
their community. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives are good but
not sufficient. A move towards Corporate Social Investments (CSI) should be
encouraged. Community good should be the engine of all activities the goal of
profit notwithstanding. Investing in education, health, infrastructure, agriculture
is part of it. Corporations should also invest for the good of society.
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