Today I was honored to present the keynote address to the
Taiwan National NGO Conference. My topic was the Interactive Relationship
between American Enterprises and Nonprofit Organizations. Here is an excerpt
from my remarks. To read the full speech: Download Speech
People are inter-dependent. We rely on each
other. This extends to our families, our neighbors, our workplaces and
our communities. When we look at all of these components of what makes up
a community, we begin to realize the importance of collaboration. I was
asked to speak to you about the Interactive Relationship between American
Enterprises and NGOs. And to fully understand this important
relationship, we must first look broader to society as a whole.
Businesses are made up of people, just like NGO’s are made up of people.
So are governments. If we take off the labels we wear for a moment, let’s
look at what we all strive for in life. Good health, education, safety,
happiness, prosperity, a good family, friends. All of us share these
aspirations. Unfortunately, not all of us are fortunate to have all of
these components. Many people have built in safety nets… family and other
resources to help fill the gaps. It’s those that don’t have the resources
where we all share the opportunity to help people in need. And we also
have the opportunity to help with the cultural, spiritual and environmental
aspects of our life on earth. NGO’s play a critical part. Governments do
as well. So do businesses. And that sets the context for my remarks
this morning.
Businesses provide needed products and services.
Businesses provide jobs. Businesses provided for an economic
engine. Businesses need suppliers. Businesses need good
employees. Businesses need customers. A healthy ecosystem with
everyone giving and taking is necessary for businesses to thrive. When
there are elements of the community that are failing, work needs to be done to
prop up the weak links for the betterment of society as a whole and
specifically for businesses.
It has been in more recent years that this symbiotic
relationship has been more fully explored and recognized by businesses.
In parts of the world, corporate philanthropy is more than one hundred years
old. Employee volunteerism is over 25 years old and then the notion of
Corporate Social Responsibility came to the forefront in the 1990’s. The
world is becoming too interdependent, too complicated and too aware for
businesses to operate without taking into consideration both their positive and
negative impacts. How a company operates, with integrity and responsibly,
is proving to be profitable.To be successful in business today, one must have more than
a good product to sell and a willing customer. While businesses would not
succeed without that critical relationship, in this complex world being a good
corporate citizen is also an important factor. A corporate responsibility
program can provide a competitive advantage that helps create markets for
products, deepens affinity with current and potential customers and can be a “license
to operate.” It can also be powerful in attracting, retaining and motivating
employees. With an ever expanding middle class in many countries, global
business potential is huge. As nations, businesses, NGOs and consumers
become more aware of the world around them, and its many social and
environmental challenges, the expectations of how a company conducts business,
and gives back, are higher. Being a good corporate citizen does not have
to be difficult, but you do need a strategy and good execution. In
January, I was asked to write an article for Singapore’s Business Times titled Doing Good
Pays. It gives a high level overview of some of the elements of
a good CSR program. As our opportunities for international trade expand,
we must do so responsibly, for the sake of society, the environment and the
bottom line. This gives you, the NGO community a large opportunity
to work more collaborative with businesses. http://www-lovefromtaiwan.org.tw/speakers.html
