Est1 Company Q

Company Q makes it pretty clear that they have absolutely no social responsibility. Every business has to deal with theft and a good business will implement procedures and programs to mitigate their losses. For a business to assume that everyone is a thief and limit their opportunities, because theft may occur, is really a bad management decision. Small businesses are facing more pressure everyday to match prices offered by their large corporate competitors that are able to buy and ship the same products at a discount. It is more important than ever for small businesses to be embraced by the community they serve and without being an active participant in their community, with a good reputation for social responsibility, their business may not be able to compete. Additionally, by destroying day-old food, as opposed to donating it, they may inadvertently push their loyal customer base towards one of their competitors that has a better reputation for being socially responsible even though the competitor has no real investment in the local community.

The first and most obvious action to improve Company Q's attitude towards social responsibility is to work with a legitimate third party non-profit group to implement a day-old food donation program. This program should serve to not only allow the day-old food to be distributed to those in need, but it should also be used as a vehicle to create goodwill towards Company Q within the community they serve. Businesses spend a good portion of their budget every year on advertising in an effort to get their brand recognized and to entice their target market to walk through the door. This program has the potential for free advertisement, if the local press is invited to do a community service story, and you cannot buy better advertising. In addition to the free advertising and community goodwill, Company Q will most likely be able to realize a tax break, because of their charitable donations. There is really no downside for...