Being a good neighbour

All businesses, large or small, have an impact on the communities in which they operate. Managed well, this impact can bring significant benefits to both the community and the business concerned.

Business has a positive impact on the community because of the employment the company provides. It also produces goods and services which may be consumed locally.

A company can add an extra dimension to this by taking the initiative, and by supporting and building the community through a programme of corporate community investment. This programme can take the form of charitable donations, staff volunteering and providing other resources, such as the use of professional skills or the use of equipment and premises. It can be the most visible part of a company’s approach to social responsibility, and one of the most satisfying.

Of course a business may also have a negative impact. This might include disruption and noise from the day to day operation of a site and poor relationships with key local stockholders. A good community programme should go hand in hand with measures to keep these negative impacts to a minimum.

(Source: Winning with Integrity - Business in the Community)