Can one contribute to the social sector while being employed in the corporate world?

The social sector comprises the development of all the welfare activities, including, health, education, water supply, transport, agriculture, and allied activities, infrastructure, irrigation, management of natural resources such as water, forest, land, energy, welfare schemes, and services, etc. provided by the government and non-government entities (“Social Sector Definition | Law Insider”) while the corporate world is a dynamic and multifaceted environment where businesses, organizations, and professionals operate (Bhayani).

Four Ways for CSR

In today's world, many corporate leaders believe that the broader purpose of companies is not solely to maximize shareholder value, but also to make a positive impact on the world (Joly). Employees in the corporate sector can participate in various social initiatives to make a positive impact while pursuing their careers. According to the Harvard Business School, business or the individual can contribute to corporate social responsibility in 4 broad categories that are environmental, ethical, economic, and philanthropic (“What Is Corporate Social Responsibility? 4 Types”).

Keeping strong employee activism for climate action by educating employees about climate change and sustainability would drive sustainability plans (“Engaged Employees Are Asking Their Leaders to Take Climate Action”). Employees can adopt pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs) like recycling, saving water, and advocating eco-friendly actions (Duarte and Mouro). Moreover, making and prioritizing workplace ethics. would form a positive work environment, that would enhance productivity, maintain a positive and good public image, and attract top talent that would ultimately serve society (“How Does Workplace Ethics Contribute to Your Success?”).

Corporate employees economically contribute to society through various means like charitable donations, volunteering, or becoming board members. Volunteering skills and resources according to their capacity for the betterment of the community. By making donations to Non-profit organizations or becoming a board member of any charity organization to strengthen the governance system, structure, and strategies. In the United States, individuals donated $286.65 billion in 2017, which accounted for 70% of all contributions (Acipm).

Overall, yes is it feasible for the corporate individual to serve the social sector at the same time being employed in the corporate world. Following the organization's pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs) targets are the best way to serve society for those corporate employees who feel that they lack in social activities.

Works Cited

Bhayani, Tehsin. “Exploring the Corporate World in 2024: What You Need to Know - AirMason Blog.” AirMason Blog, 30 Jan. 2024, blog.airmason.com/corporate-world.

Joly, Hubert. “Creating a Meaningful Corporate Purpose.” Harvard Business Review, 4 Apr. 2022, hbr.org/2021/10/creating-a-meaningful-corporate-purpose.

“Social Sector Definition | Law Insider.” Law Insider, www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/social-sector.

“What Is Corporate Social Responsibility? 4 Types.” Business Insights Blog, 8 Apr. 2021, online.hbs.edu/blog/post/types-of-corporate-social-responsibility.

Duarte, Patrícia, and Carla Mouro. “Environmental Corporate Social Responsibility and Workplace Pro-Environmental Behaviors: Person-Organization Fit and Organizational Identification’s Sequential Mediation.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 19, no. 16, Aug. 2022, p. 10355. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610355.

“Engaged Employees Are Asking Their Leaders to Take Climate Action.” Deloitte Insights, 10 Nov. 2023, www2.deloitte.com/xe/en/insights/environmental-social-governance/importance-of-sustainability-to-employees.html.

“How Does Workplace Ethics Contribute to Your Success?” Small Business - Chron.com, 26 Oct. 2016, smallbusiness.chron.com/workplace-ethics-contribute-success-13871.html.

Acipm, Opeyemi Ipinnaiye Assoc Cipd Odcp, Mahri,. Can One Contribute to the Social Sector While Being Employed in the Corporate World? 7 Aug. 2021, www.dhirubhai.net/pulse/can-one-contribute-social-sector-while-being-employed-opeyemi.