So often we hear about the lack of integrity and responsibility in business. The costs to our society and the environment are enormous. But, it is heartening to know that the movement for corporate social responsibility is growing. These organizations' passionate enthusiasm to serve society is contagious and is making a positive difference in the world.

"According to the international accounting firm KPMG, more than half of the world's global companies issued corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports in 2005."*

Aron Cramer, CEO of Business for Social Responsibility, says that there have been four stages so far for corporate social responsibility:**

1. Damage control [not wanting the public image to suffer]
2. Innovation - self-analysis and stakeholder expansion
3. Companywide performance standards - [putting processes and standards in place to change outcomes]
4. Strategic - looking for solutions to critical social problems in a way that has a dollars-and-sense impact on the bottom line.

Examples of strategic solutions in the private sector, government and non-profits are emerging that provide evidence of positive transformational change and hope for a sustainable future.

* 2007 Shift Report: Evidence of a World Transforming, Institute of Noetic Sciences

** Adapted from "Value-Driven Leadership," Fortune, November 13, 2006. Brackets are my editorial comments.

Responsible Business Resources

• Ethics, Integrity & Values Resources
• Triple Bottom Line - Sustainable Business Practice Resources
• Business for Social Responsibility
• Ethical Corporation
• Better Business Bureau - National
  • International Torch Awards for Marketplace Excellence
• International Business Leaders Forum
• World Economic Forum
• Vistage
• Happy Planet Index