Social Responsibility

The Nature of Social Responsibility

"Pyramid of Corporate Social Responsibility" by A.B Carroll

There are four categories of social responsibility according to the pyramid: economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic ( voluntary). Collecting money and earning profit is the base of the pyramid, obeying the law is the next level ( in other words, all business activities are legal), the 3rd dimension considers to be ethical responsible in any business decision, and the top of the pyramid includes voluntary work - work that does not lead to a profit and is not required to do.

Since Starbucks made the "social responsibility" to one of its major concerns and has been doing a lot of charity work, it belongs to the top category of that pyramid.

One incidence of Starbucks superior social responsibility can be seen in 2008:

Starbucks Helps NYC Neighbor Hood

As their social responsibility to their neighbor hoods where it serves in, Starbucks announced on October 3 rd that the coffee company will introduce a new partnership model with community organizations in Harlem, NY and Crenshaw, LA. The Starbucks' stores in those community will share their profits with the communities. The company will donate a minimum of $ 100,000 to each organization for the first year of their partnership. Starbucks hopes to create a new form of engagement in communities and also to set a example and drive for other companies to get involved in community work. Additionally, Starbucks hopes to encourage the local residents to support and be part of the positive impact.

Starbucks will cooperate with Abyssinian Development Corporation (ADC) which is highly known for generating progress in disadvantaged communities. The store located on 125Th Street and Lenox Avenue in Harlem will support ADC in helping the children and families through affordable housing, economic development, social service, quality educational opportunities and civic engagement. 

“We are honored to work with Starbucks as a beneficiary of one of the first community stores in the nation,” said Sheena Wright, President & CEO of Abyssinian Development Corporation. “We applaud Starbucks for its development of this community store concept, which has the potential to do much good not just in Harlem, but in other similar communities nationwide. This partnership will enable us to expand and improve upon the education and social services we have provided to the Harlem community and beyond for nearly 25 years.”