How might a business benefit when an operations manager acts in an ethically and socially responsible manner? Support your answer with relevant examples - HSC - SSCE Business Studies - Question 21 - 2012 - Paper 1

Businesses may not always prioritize corporate social responsibility (CSR) due to several reasons:

1. Cost Concerns

Implementing CSR initiatives can require significant investment, which smaller companies may find challenging. The perceived short-term financial burden might discourage businesses from engaging in responsible practices.

2. Lack of Awareness or Understanding

Some companies may not fully understand the benefits of CSR or may lack knowledge about how to implement it effectively. This can lead to a reluctance to change existing practices.

3. Competitive Pressure

In highly competitive markets, businesses may prioritize profit margins over CSR as a strategy to stay ahead, often viewing ethical practices as secondary to profitability.

In summary, concerns about cost, lack of understanding, and competitive pressures contribute to resistance towards adopting corporate social responsibilities.