商务英语阅读(第三版)chapter 12

According to the business case for corporate social responsibility, firms will increasingly behave more responsibly because more managers now believe that being a better corporate citizen is a source of competitive advantage.
Getting started:
Many companies are making efforts to maintain sustainable development, but companies that talk the most about sustainability are not always the best at executing. Among the examples given in the text, which ones do you think are better at executing?
Culture, and Unethical Behavior Brought a Giant to its Knees
It is impossible to exaggerate the significance of the contemporary claim that there is a business case for corporate responsibility, business ethics, corporate citizenship, environmental stewardship, pollution control, sustainable development, and the like. And virtually all contemporary writing on corporate social responsibility emphasizes its links to corporate profitability.
A more responsibly managed firm will face fewer business risks than its less virtuous competitors: it will be more likely to avoid consumer boycotts, be better able to obtain capital at a lower cost, and be in a better position to attract and retain committed employees and loyal customers. Correspondingly, firms that are unable or unwilling to recognize this new competitive reality will find themselves disadvantaged in the marketplace.
Background information Text A: Beyond the Green Corporation Exercise: Vocabulary and Grammar Exercise: Sentences and Paragraphs Exercise: Comprehension and Discussion Text B: Enron: How a Failure of Leadership,
In this chapter, we’ll first read an article discussing how ethical behavior and corporate social responsibility can help improve a company’s bottom line. Then, in the supplementary text, we’ll see a case in which the lack of ethical and socially responsible practice resulted in the debacle at Enron.
Do you think it viable for investors to take sustainability factors into consideration when making investment decisions?
Do you agree with the author that eco-friendly and socially responsible practices can help improve a company’s profitability?
Sustainability reports were considered much of public relations efforts to polish the corporate image several years ago. What is the more sophisticated understanding of sustainable practices now?
百度文库
Text A
Getting started:
In your understanding, is it of significant importance to place a high priority on corporate social responsibility for business?