Ethics and CSR

1) Will the word be a better or worse place in the next fifteen years?
Better:
Transparency:
Connectivity
Equality
 Sustainability
Awareness
Standard of Living
Quality of life
Healthcare and medication will have greater penetration. Education levels, in general,
would be higher. There will be a reduction in absolute poverty. Technology will be more
pervasive and affordable hence leading to a greater ease of life. Therefore, the values that
will improve in the coming years are affordability, transparency and sustainability.
Affordability will improve since technological evolution would lead to cheaper price
products. People will be more responsible about their actions and more energy would be
derived from cleaner sources.
Worse:
Greed
Intolerance
Self Interest
Accountability
Monetization
Privatization
Mans desires are unlimited. The growing middle income population will lead to high
aspirations, which will lead to faster resource depletion and hence put a lot of burden on
the earths resources. There will be a decline in ethical values: utilitarianism will be the
guiding force for many decisions. For example, tribals and local populations will be
displaced for development projects without any regard for their welfare. Privatisation will
be a major threat. In developed countries, utilities, water supply and train services are
already privatised. This will result in unprecedented power in the hands of corporations
and is bad for developing countries like India. Income disparity will increase. There is a
great threat of breaching planetary boundaries due to human activities: we have already
crossed the boundaries of climate change and biodiversity loss. (source: Wikipedia)

2) What values should individuals possess to create a better world?

Altruism
Generosity
Modesty
Empathy
Honesty
Tolerance
Trustworthiness
Inclusiveness
Non-Violence
Fraternity
Integrity
Accountability
Individuals can be more sensitive towards the environment, fellow humans and animals
and be judicious in consumption of resources and reduce wastage. Individuals can make
wise choices and buy only sustainably-sourced products and services. Individuals can help
by being responsible and exercising their franchise and vote the right leaders. Individuals
can be more accountable for their actions.
All these aspects apply to organisations also. Organisations can be more responsible by
curbing exploitative practices. Organisations should involve themselves in social
initiatives. Organisation should employ efficient production practices.