Why Social Justice Should be a Priority for Businesses
Posted on 27th March 2023
Every business is different and, as a result, no there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Regardless, business owners agree they must build an ethical, anti-racist, and value-based business. Corporate equity involves creating an environment that focuses on the experiences of disadvantaged groups. It is regulated by trust between the business and stakeholders to do good by all of them. Unlike corporate responsibility, corporate equity is a less well-explored topic. If you don’t know much about it, then let us show you why your business should focus on equity.
Why Companies Should Prioritize Social Equity
Firms that lead with a purpose have a competitive advantage. Traditionally, for-profit organizations avoid speaking out on controversial issues. They include gender discrimination, racial injustice, and environmental issues. But if you want to survive in today’s climate, you must make a stand.
There are many reasons why organizations can no longer sit on the fence. The most popular one is due to an uprising in civil, political, and racial issues. For example, the Black Lives Matter movement garnered momentum after George Floyd’s murder. Footballers started taking a knee before every match to protest police brutality. Nike also released an ad to urge viewers to believe in something, and McDonald’s posted a tweet naming seven victims of police shootings. Five months after George Floyd’s murder, 1/3 of Fortune 1000 companies released public statements about racial equality. Organizations are also speaking out against gun control, immigrant protection, and gender equality.
The Cancel Philosophy Effect The consequence of staying complaisant in the face of injustice is daunting. One of them is the cancel culture. It became central to public debate and has entered the mainstream lexicon. It means withdrawing support for a person or firm based on their views or actions.
Cancel philosophy is more popular on the internet and in online communities. But college students sometimes explore it to write an essay on social justice. Before starting this task one should have a clear understanding of what social justice essay is. That way, the work is more to the point and it doesn’t contain any unnecessary info. An essay about social justice lets you deal with the topic by researching and exploring different sides of the argument. But if you’re stuck with this task and are not sure about your knowledge of this topic, there are a lot of free examples of social justice essays at PapersOwl that will help and inspire you. Alternatively, order a social justice essay for free if you don’t have the time or skill.
Some obvious representations of equity in the face of oppression came after Russia invaded Ukraine. Many firms stood in solidarity with Ukraine and ceased operations in Russia. McDonald’s is one of them. After operating in Russia for over 32 years, the fast-food giant pulled out of the market. The move affected 800 restaurants and over 60,000 workers and cost up to $1.4 billion.
Civil equity is why McDonald’s and many other organizations make huge decisions that cost billions of dollars. Otherwise, they would have to face the wrath of the public. But it is not without its benefits.
The Business Case for Social Justice: How Prioritizing Equity Benefits All Stakeholders
Consumers are increasingly expecting organizations to speak out on vital issues. More than speaking up, they want them to change their operations. The principles of civil justice include:
Equity: fair distribution of resources across society. Rights: to protect individual rights to inform about decisions and circumstances affecting them and appeal such decisions. Access: equal opportunity to goods and services regardless of gender, age, or ethnicity. Participation: to allow people to participate in decisions that influence their lives. Diversity: understanding diversity and embracing cultural differences. Civil equity benefits different aspects of an organization. Some of them are listed below.
Increases Brand Awareness
Do you want free marketing? Align with the public’s definition of equity. Impactful, strategic, and authentic gestures can win excellent press coverage. Although it boosts awareness and affinity, it must be genuine. If your initiative does not align with your values and vision, people will question its purpose, and it will backfire.
Improves Customer Loyalty and Retention
People associate products from a sector they align with their values. In addition, they are willing to pay extra for such products. Likewise, talents prefer to work for socially responsible employers, even if it means a pay cut. Intentional civil equity is also one of the best ways to help local and global communities.
Increases Employee Engagement and Revenue
Firms that seek and promote equity among their workforce will achieve higher engagement. Some ripple effects include lower absenteeism, more profit, and higher productivity. This will ultimately reduce process costs and increase revenues. Stakeholders are also shifting emphasis to sustainable practices. Hence, they prefer organizations that share similar goals.
The Role of Companies in Promoting Justice and Creating a More Equitable Society
Promoting equity through engagement, education, and activism lays the groundwork for meaningful reforms. Over the years, firms have had their values put to the test. Topics surrounding homelessness, police brutality, and other high-profile issues need demanding answers.
Companies are powerful stakeholders. As a result, they can help shape a more inclusive world that promotes fair access and participation. They must bear in mind that it is about the impact and not the outputs. Therefore, defund short-term quantitative measures. Organizations must examine the quality or effects of their efforts. Apart from this, companies must understand they are community stakeholders. Their decisions create effects outside the firm’s daily operations. Hence, promoting equity is about shifting behaviours and systemic changes. It also means identifying opportunities to include systematically marginalized groups.
Conclusion
Civil equity is an extension of a company’s responsibility to the public. Our world is changing. Unlike before, business leadership doesn’t only exist to pursue profit. Instead, they must do their part in influencing society. Consumers and stakeholders are paying attention, and a misstep could spell doom for an organization.
