HOW
SOCIALLY-CONSCIOUS BUSINESSES CAN ACHIEVE ABOVE-AVERAGE
RETURNS
Ethics and spiritual
principles should be the basis of everything we do in life. All that we say. All that we
think. Every activity should be based on that--especially business
strategy. This page was created to show that by engaging in ethical &
charitable activities, businesses will not only benefit through long term
profitability, but will make a difference in the world as well. And that's
something everyone should strive for.
SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE
INVESTING
Socially responsible investors have proved that not only do
business and ethics mix, it can also be a winning
combination. In the past 2 years, many socially responsible corporations
and mutual funds have been among the best stock market performers. In
1999, the Dow Jones
Sustainability Index became the first global index that tracks the
performance of the leading sustainability-driven companies worldwide.
These are the businesses that derive long-term returns from economic,
environmental and social developments. Finally the business world is
listening to the social idealists.
Some of the most influential
businesses include the Women's Equity
Mutual Fund (FEMMX), which invests in public companies that advance the
social economic status of women in the workplace. It's a prime example of
socially responsible investing, and the WEMF is proud to be a mutual fund that
makes use of this progressive investment strategy.
The Green Century
Funds employ another socially responsible strategy: Invest in the companies that
are leading the way toward a greener future. Refuse to invest in companies that
are polluting the planet. If you
want to start a portfolio of socially responsible funds, a
wide variety are available from Pax
Funds.
Over the past decade, shareholder activism has brought about
numerous positive changes, although nothing to equal the movement's crown
jewel--its role in bringing an end to apartheid in
CHARITY AND BUSINESS
With all
the extra cash flow some businesses accumulate, the usual answer might be to
invest in R&D, acquire new companies, diversify SBUs, or give out dividends. And these are all valid
options. But wouldn't it be better for profitable businesses to give back
to society through charitable organizations instead? Which is
better: turning one million into two, or helping
someone with cancer or AIDS live more comfortably for the last days of their
lives? Wouldn't you want to use your profits to see a girl with a
developmental disability who was once an outcast from stereotypes become truly
happy and fully integrated into the life environment of children without?
There is an unspeakable number of charities
businesses can become involved in and share the wealth with. Cases in
point: The Ronald McDonald house & its support of cancer victims and
building housing for people to be with their sick and dying relatives in
cities. Petro
So get on
board. Many firms have become privy
to the long-term altruistic returns donating profits to charity can bring.
From the immortal words of the Beatles: "And in the end, the
love you take is equal to the love you make."
Contact:
Ann Castaldi