Guru Speak

For the ultimate happiness of society, a business can choose to do good things in many ways without causing any difficulty, as appropriate to the type of business, its financial situation and its business philosophy.

Ethical social activities start with the smallest element of a firm - its employees. Filled with a spirit of social responsibility, employees can utilise their knowledge and capabilities in developing products and services that are friendly, not harmful, to the economy, society and environment, and that will make positive contributions.

Apart from doing well in their jobs, socially responsible employees can also contribute to society during their free time.

In many businesses, staff members form groups of volunteers to teach and impart knowledge on a variety of subjects, such as how to save money or use computers. Others may act as "volunteers" in organising entertaining activities for the underprivileged or in helping to create jobs.

From the smallest element, the next and very important level is motivation and support by the firm for initiatives serving the needs of communities and society by encouraging staff to organise social activities, and providing them with the opportunity to "do good" while performing helpful deeds for their fellow citizens.

Outcomes derived from such activities can be extended or sustained by the community for their continued benefit.

In contributing their time and effort to social activities, employees will be exposed to other experiences, in addition to working relationships, which will foster the mindset of volunteerism, good feelings, unity and improved employee engagement.

Importantly, any such activities should be in line with the firm's business philosophy in order to create a fully sustainable collaborative culture within the firm.

Speaking at the recent "CSR Direction and Vision Talk" organised by the Thaipat Institute and the Corporate Social Responsibility Institute of the Stock Exchange of Thailand, Paiboon Wattanasiritham, the former social development and human security minister, said social responsibility is composed of three main components.

They are good deeds, capability and a state of happiness.

Good deeds provide a creative way to contribute to society while helping establish a culture of good deeds.

Capability comes from the thoughts, actions and management efforts that ensure the success of every endeavour.

Eventually, a state of happiness, whether from physical, mental, intellectual or even social happiness, will merge into a happy workplace. In other words, happiness is a reflection of capabilities combined with good deeds.

Social responsibility thus not only benefits communities and society, but also those who make contributions in the form of good deeds, who will find happiness for themselves, their families and their organisations.