Dr Sanjay Kumar Bhasin
In the wake of Covid-19 crisis in the country the Government of India, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi took excellent steps to combat the Covid challenge. Still then the Covid cases are surging daily. It is not only Government which is supposed to fight this menace but social responsibility is expected from individuals, corporate houses as well as political leaders.
Social responsibility: is an ethical theory be it an organization or individual, has an obligation to act for the benefit of society at large in a way that it must maintain a balance between economic growth and welfare of the society, to accomplish social responsibility goal. Individual Social Responsibility (ISR) is awareness of an individual regarding impact of his personal actions on social and economic aspects in the society. As individuals, our emotional intelligence skills, such as social awareness and empathy, can be shown through our use of social responsibility efforts through an organization or personal efforts. Charitable acts of all kinds, volunteering, and individual ethics, such as integrity and honesty are IRS Volunteering by way of good deeds without expecting returns, is an excellent gesture. Although being socially responsible can cost time, money and resources yet it gives extreme sense of satisfaction and one can see an impact on society by this noble act. Even 5%, contribution can add up to make a difference. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a self-regulating business model that helps a company be socially accountable-to itself, its stakeholders, and the public in economic, social and environment aspects. CSR is primarily a strategy of large corporations. Small-and-mid-sized businesses also create social responsibility programs, but their initiatives remain well-publicized as larger corporations.
Ethical Helps under Social Responsibility:
* Help the most vulnerable: The most vulnerable people in any society are also the most disproportionately impacted by a crisis like the Corona Virus outbreak. The elderly and people with pre-existing health conditions, face a greater risk of developing serious COVID-19 complications. Furthermore, those without adequate access to healthcare or the resources to take time off from work may not get the care they need. To help those most vulnerable, consider setting up a few fundraising options for your employees, customers, or other stakeholders.
* Donation in valid accounts only: the donations should be emotionally backed but with extreme cautions regarding NGOs, individual or common account to whom donation be given. Before partnering with all those involved in collecting donations individuals must ensures that our collective donation is allocated where it is needed most to have the greatest impact on the relief effort.
* Think local and consider cash as best option: Necessities in any crisis vary widely from community to community and individual to individual. Raise funds locally and spend them locally should be the policy. Cash donation can be a very good option so that the individual or the community can opt themselves to purchase the goods and services that are needed the most. Involve trusted social activist/organizations or local community leaders or religious organization heads for more transparency and to avoid duplicity of the aid.
* Supporting small businesses by big corporate: According to the Wall Street Journal, small businesses’ confidence has plummeted as a result of Covid-19. Large corporations are stepping in to support SMEs during this difficult time: Amazon announced a $5 million relief fund for small businesses in the vicinity of its headquarters, while Google pledged $1 million to organizations in Mountain View, California, impacted by the pandemic. Billionaire Mark Cuban has been reimbursing employees who purchase lunch and coffee from local restaurants.
* Give when, where and how much you can: should be a highly calculative move. Isn’t it great to see so many contributions of every kind coming from so many corners? Not just contributions of cash, although of course, that’s always helpful, donations of goods, materials and volunteer time. So look around the most deserving, disadvantaged beneficiary and most trusted, dedicated NGO or the socio-religious organization and do not forget your own capacity.
Conclusion: The long term implications of Covid-19 have yet to be determined as our personal and professional lives shall continue to remain disrupted for the weeks and months to come. Although authorities are keeping no stones unturned to take on the challenge of stopping and then reversing the spread of the epidemic yet without a full accounting of its effects, the impact of the outbreak of the corona virus cannot be overstated. Hence, one of the core components of IRS and CSR is about putting a human face with communicating empathy, understanding and moral as well as financial support for those who need it most. This is not a time for self-promotion, as such thoughts have no place in this time of uncertainty and anxiety. The takeaway here is that there should be zero actual or implied links between any promotional materials and the health crisis we all face, crisis should only be considered as deadly serious issue.
(The author is Honorary Secretary, JK Chapter of Association of Surgeons of India.)
feedbackexcelsior@gmail.com
Follow our WhatsApp channel
