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Does Humanity Matter to Corporate America?

James McGovern Chief Architect | IT and Business Transformation Leader | ex-Gartner Analyst | |Military Veteran (USCG) | Innovation Thought Leader Published Oct 19, 2023 + Follow


This week, I spent time in the Park talking to strangers. One lady, I met was a #socialjustice warrior who held the believe that humanity does not matter to corporate America. She caused me to obsess on whether this is a factual truth or something that I have experienced which is the topic of this article.

It's important to recognize that there is a wide spectrum of corporate behavior, ranging from businesses that prioritize profit above all else to those that actively seek to balance profit with social and environmental concerns. Increasingly, many of us in this declining economic have felt the former very strongly and at the expense of caring about social and environmental concerns. While many will desire the government to regulate corporate morality, I thought an analysis of the problem space is in order.

The perspective on whether humanity matters to Corporate America can vary significantly depending on the specific corporation and the values and priorities it holds. Corporate America is not a monolithic entity, and different companies may have different approaches to how they consider and prioritize humanity in their business practices. Here are some key points to consider:

Profit Motive: Many corporations in America, like businesses elsewhere, are primarily profit-driven. Their primary goal is to generate profits for their shareholders. In this context, the well-being of humanity may not be the top priority, as profit maximization often takes precedence. Ironically, our government encourages this behavior for that is the source of their revenue for taxes.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Some corporations do recognize the importance of being socially responsible. They may engage in activities that benefit humanity, such as charitable donations, sustainability initiatives, or ethical business practices. These actions are often part of their CSR efforts. Sadly, there are no public metrics that allow for comparing different corporate entities in this regard.

Publics Perception: Public opinion and consumer preferences can influence how corporations behave. Companies may prioritize humanity when it aligns with their image or helps them attract customers who value ethical and socially responsible businesses. Reliance on public perception allows for many corporations to be let off the hook.

Employee Well-Being: Some corporations invest in their employees' well-being by offering competitive benefits, fair wages, and a healthy work environment. This approach acknowledges the importance of humanity within the organization. One recent trend that can be labeled as virtue signaling is companies offering unlimited vacation time. In many of these organizations, employees are not likely to be afforded the opportunity to take time off for a plethora of reasons that are unique to their business model and metrics not shared publicly.

Government Regulations: Government regulations and policies can also influence how corporations consider humanity. Laws related to labor rights, environmental protection, and consumer safety may shape corporate behavior. Many corporation may establish a floor requirement of compliance and not doing anything more.

Philanthropy and Social Initiatives: Many large corporations have foundations or philanthropic arms that donate to charitable causes and support humanitarian efforts. Many corporations donated to the Black Lives Matter movement not because they truly believe that black lives matter but rather as a form of insurance so their motives are not genuine. I. Additionally, corporate priorities can evolve over time, often in response to changing societal expectations and economic conditions.

Conclusion Ultimately, whether humanity matters to Corporate America depends on the specific corporation, its leadership, and the values it upholds. Based on the #socialjustice warriors viewpoints combined with my own, I have concluded. We cannot evaluate the trajectory of our businesses separate from civilization and without a clear appreciation for an enlarged definition of humanity. Just as we cannot separate technology from new world order or 21st century business, a business cannot single-handedly be oriented toward profit-making if we want to survive history. Business is not and can no longer be a thing in itself, isolated from economics, society or culture.

As public awareness of social and environmental issues continues to grow, many corporations are increasingly considering their impact on humanity as part of their long-term sustainability and competitiveness. Only a human centered leadership philosophy will guide them through this challenge.

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