Social responsibility and sustainability are not mere buzzwords in today's corporate lexicon; they are imperative values that guide progressive careers and enterprises. In my personal and professional journey, these concepts are not just peripheral considerations but central tenets that define my objectives and actions. However, this belief is juxtaposed against the traditional views on the purpose of business, most notably articulated by economist Milton Friedman. This paper explores how my career aspirations and actions are intertwined with a steadfast commitment to social impact, reflecting a deeply ingrained belief in the power of businesses to drive societal change, while also arguing that Friedman’s argument loses its relevance when companies are making a more profound social and sustainable impact.
My commitment to sustainable social responsibility is not theoretical; it can be consistently found in my previous endeavors. Organizing a unifying event for the LGBTQ+ rowing community and researching the efficacy of protests against police brutality under Professor Susan Olzak have been instrumental in shaping my perspective. My involvement in creating a national report for Stop AAPI Hate, which has been cited over 100 times, has significantly contributed to the discourse on Anti-Asian racism, further underscores my dedication. I spearheaded the development of a financial aid plan for my sorority, a strategic initiative that aimed to make membership more financially inclusive, thereby ensuring that opportunities for leadership, networking, and personal growth within our sorority were accessible to a more diverse group of women, regardless of their economic backgrounds. My experiences with innovative entities like VocaliD, a startup creating customized voices for assistive technology, have cemented this belief. My career is more than a professional path; it is a testament to the power of aligning one's work with a greater societal purpose. Each of my experiences has shown me the power of mission-driven teams in creating sustainable change and breaking new ground in underrepresented sectors.
My career ambition extends to combating socioeconomic disparities through purpose-driven investing. My career is anchored in a mission: to invest in people/founders who are creating genius solutions to traditionally overlooked problems. This mission transcends the conventional boundaries of business, advocating for a paradigm where financial success and social impact are not mutually exclusive but are interdependent. By channeling resources and support to underrepresented communities, I aim to catalyze solutions for underserved needs. This form of investing is not just about monetary returns; it's about leveling the playing field and giving voice and opportunity to those often marginalized in the traditional business landscape. An organization that stands as a beacon of what I aspire to achieve is Gold House. As a non-profit that invests in and unites Asian and Pacific Islander creators and companies, Gold House exemplifies how organizational missions can align with broader societal goals. Their model of empowerment and inclusivity mirrors my vision of a career that not only generates economic value but also fosters social equity and cultural representation.
While individuals may pursue social responsibility as a life purpose and non-profit organizations are founded on this basis, applying these principles to larger for-profit organizations presents a more complex and challenging endeavor, as it often requires a fundamental shift in corporate ethos and operational strategies. Milton Friedman’s position that the primary responsibility of business is to increase its profits, a perspective that has shaped corporate conduct for decades, appears increasingly narrow and potentially outdated in today's increasingly interconnected and socially conscious world. That said, contemporary market dynamics have shown that a focus on sustainability may lead to more profits. As highlighted by a McKinsey study called “Consumers care about sustainability—and back it up with their wallets,” consumer preferences are increasingly tilting towards sustainability. This shift has pressured businesses to adapt, not necessarily out of altruism but as a strategic move to maintain market relevance. While businesses still operate with a primary goal of profit maximization, the landscape in which they operate has evolved significantly, demanding a broader consideration of their role in society. Nevertheless, corporate social responsibility is a multifaceted issue, and it is crucial to recognize that, despite potentially profit-driven motives, businesses can still create real, tangible impact through their actions.
The concept of corporate sustainability as found in Rake’s article suggests a more complex model where businesses not only seek profit but also address societal needs. Rake defines corporate social responsibility as "a business approach that creates long-term shareholder value by embracing the opportunities and managing the risks associated with economic, environmental and social developments." The emphasis on “shareholder value” in such definitions often blurs the line between genuine social impact and profit-driven motives. This ambiguity is evident in practices like greenwashing or performative activism on social media, where businesses’ efforts towards social responsibility may be more about image management than actual impact. As a result, I question the intentions of such actions.
Reflecting on my experience at for-profit organizations, I have observed firsthand how even small changes in corporate practices can have sustainable, substantial impacts. For example, at lululemon, the expansion of size ranges for inclusivity did more than just broaden the customer base – it sent a powerful message about body positivity and inclusivity in the fitness clothing industry. This initiative not only catered to a previously underrepresented demographic but also aligned the company with progressive social values. Such a move demonstrates how businesses, even those primarily driven by profit, can contribute to societal change. By acknowledging and catering to diverse body types, lululemon challenged the industry's narrow standards and, in turn, influenced consumer perceptions and expectations. This decision, while seemingly small in the grand scope of corporate strategy, played a significant role in promoting inclusivity and diversity, showing that responsible business practices can indeed align with and even enhance a company's profitability. While lululemon was making organization-wide changes through expanding the range of sizes offered, simultaneously, employees in my store were making harmful comments. As a result, I initiated collaboration with a manager to lead a discussion on body inclusivity for other associates. I believe the real challenge lies in ensuring that these changes are deeply rooted in the company culture, as opposed to being superficial or marketing-driven. Regardless of a business’ intention, the influence and reach of businesses position them to enact substantial and positive social transformations.
As I reflect on my journey, navigating the realms of corporate responsibility and individual purpose, I recognize the nuanced relationship between my aspirations for social impact and the broader objectives of for-profit organizations. My experiences, from organizing inclusive events to expanding product lines for greater accessibility, have shown me the complex yet hopeful path businesses are taking towards aligning profit with purpose.
The exploration of the validity of Milton Friedman’s argument begs the question: Do for-profit organizations bear the onus of being socially responsible? While it is encouraging to see companies like lululemon taking steps towards inclusivity and diversity, one must ponder whether these actions are a moral obligation or a strategic choice. The answer to this question is complex and multi-layered, reflecting the diverse motivations and constraints within which modern businesses operate. As we move forward, it is essential to maintain a balanced perspective. While we should continue to encourage and applaud businesses that make genuine efforts to drive social change, we must also remain vigilant and critical of superficial measures. The future I aspire to is not just about companies being socially responsible; it's about them embodying this responsibility in every facet of their operation. This vision drives me to advocate for a world where individual purpose and corporate strategy synergize, fostering a landscape where businesses are celebrated not only for their financial success but also for their role as catalysts for positive societal transformation.
* This essay was previously submitted for a class assignment and modified for the purposes of sharing here *
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