Corporate responsibility reflects the conscience of the organization toward the people, the community, and the environment where it operates.  Corporate responsibility can be words that appear on a webpage that mean very little.  Or it can be something that corporate leaders really believe in and foster throughout the organization.

Leaders need to be the advocates for corporate responsibility if the organization is to be serious about how it supports its people, its community, and the environment where it operates.  Here are some ways you can foster corporate responsibility.

1. Become an advocate for corporate responsibility
   There will be opportunities where you can educate those in your organization on the importance of corporate responsibility. As an example, suppose there has been a tragedy in the community such as a flood.  You can be an advocate for raising funds and relief supplies for those affected by the flood.
2. Give the most important thing you have – your time
   When others in your organization see your personal involvement, they will become more inclined to get involved.
3. Avoid using corporate support events as public relations opportunities
   There is a growing suspicion that organizations support others to gain favor in the community. This suspicion is often true.  The best corporate responsibility is when it is done quietly and without publicity.
4. Recognize those who engage in corporate responsibility events
   Recognition can be in the form of stories shared with others. These should be used to encourage others to get involved.
5. Match the corporate responsibility focus with how the business is run.
   It doesn’t do any good to engage in corporate responsibility events if the organization at the same time does something that harms the community.

The common theme of all of these is to engage in support for others in a way that is truly genuine without any motivation other than to be helpful.