4.1 Social and environmental responsibilities of businesses

Economic- and management sciences

Grade 9

Business, consumer and financial knowledge and skills

Module 16

Social and environmental responsibilities of businesses

ACTIVITY 1:

To discuss the social and environmental responsibilities of businesses

[LO 3.2]

When businesses focus on maximising profit, they often forget their responsibilities towards society and the environment. No business should make money at the expense of nature and the well-being of the community.

Manufacturing businesses should take care that the waste products, that are the result of their production processes, do not pollute the environment especially water sources. Natural resources are irreplaceable and misuse or overutilisation could deplete them so much that development in the future becomes impossible.

Commercial enterprises should ensure that the products they sell are not harmful to the youth. Alcohol, cigarettes, undesirable books and magazines, are harmful to young people. The owners of bookshops and music shops should be aware of the content of the books, magazines and music they sell.

Any dealer has a social and moral obligation towards society.

Businesses can make a positive contribution to society by putting part of their profits back into the community by aiding the development of sport and training for disadvantaged groups or providing housing for the poor.

Group Assignment

• Split into groups of three and identify problems in your area that are the result of businesses not honouring their obligations. Approach the businesses if possible and try to find practical solutions to the problems.
• Make sure that you do not choose the same problems as the other groups. Use a sheet of cardboard and pictures or drawings to illustrate your report. Make a presentation to the rest of the class.

Assignment

Memorandum

GROUP ASSIGNMENT

• Possible problems that could be investigated:

• Environmental problems such as air, water and environmental pollution can be given attention.
• Attempts by the government and businesses to limit the use of plastic bags, as well as the involvement of businesses in the recycling of waste material, must be mentioned.
• Sale of cigarettes and alcohol to minors. Undesirable material with regard to videos, magazines, etc.
• Exploitation of the consumer by exorbitant prices, especially with regard to daily necessities.