I’ve seen this question quite a bit lately in all sorts of trade and business press. While I suppose it makes an interesting headline to some, the question makes absolutely no sense to me. It might be fair to ask if a certain business, product line or initiative would be hurt by a recession – but the WAY you conduct business doesn’t stop in a period of uncertainty.
I’m certainly not the first to opine on this subject. In fact, in searching, I see my friends over at Sun commented on this subject almost a month ago. I’ve also seen related stories in Ethical Corp, GreenBiz and Environmental Leader. I also won’t have the last word.
I don’t see stories asking the question…Will the Recession put an end to …Saving Money through Conservation Efforts? … Good Corporate Decision Making? …Treating Employees and Communities Fairly? …Applying Corporate Know-How to Societal Challenges?... or Competing for the Environmentally Aware Consumer?
Is it possible that companies will scrutinize grant making or philanthropy a little more strategically? Of course. Might an advertising or communications campaign get cut? Of course. This is a far cry from asking if the way responsible companies do business will cease to exist.
CSR, Sustainability and Green aren’t supplements to business success; they are the key ingredients for success in the 21st century.
