Assessment of the Impact of Social Responsibility on Poverty

Abstract

Being one of the open social innovations of business entities, social responsibility is taking an important role in our society. It not only contributes to the improvement of the financial indicators of business entities, but also has a significant impact on the economic development of countries and the creation of well-being of the society members. The business contribution to environmental and social initiatives influences various economic processes and, at the same time, affects the level of poverty in countries. The purpose of this thesis is to review the concept of social responsibility and its content after the analysis of the scientific literature, and to assess the impact of social responsibility on poverty indicators after an empirical study. The assessment was performed by using the methods of analysis of the scientific literature, mathematical–statistical analysis, comparative analysis, correlation analysis, as well as by studying the presented statistical data at the level of the three Baltic States — Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. The conducted research manifested a significant impact of the business units operating in the production sector on the employed people who are at the brink of poverty, by categorizing them by sex, age, and education. The research revealed the negative impact of the business social responsibility that is directed towards the environment field on the poverty rates of older age (65+) residents, due to the installation of new equipment and technologies. Additionally, business investments mostly affect people with secondary, and lower than secondary, education. The influence of the actual pollution amount in the production sector, to ensure the financial stability of the society, was observed. The research results are significant not only to the Baltic region, but to other economies that are seeking to reduce the poverty level in the country, by integrating the business social responsibility as well.

The Role of Social Responsibility and Ethics in Employees’ Wellbeing

“…Programs in the SR area stimulate the improvement of health, the environment, and involvement in educational activities, acting as an essential mechanism for mediating between the organization’s ethical practices and improving employees’ and communities’ WB [ 110 ], as demonstrated by the confirmation of the validity of Hypothesis H3. Companies are increasingly recognizing the strategic importance of OE and SR in ensuring employees’ WB and the sustainability of their business [ 69 , 84 , 86 ], as well as employee satisfaction in implementing SR programs and ethical conduct. Organizations that promote health and safety management practices and ensure an adequate work environment [ 88 ] benefit from increased employee engagement, as the organization demonstrates an interest in employees’ WB.…”

“…Researching employees’ perceptions and attitudes towards SR, OE, and WB is important [ 34 , 84 , 85 ] because it can lead to seeking opportunities for better implementation of responsible and ethical social practices and initiatives. In addition, companies are increasingly recognizing the strategic importance of OE and SR in ensuring employees’ WB and the sustainability of their business [ 69 , 84 , 86 ], as well as employee satisfaction in implementing SR programs and ethical conduct.…”

Does Political Participation Influence the Waste Classification Behavior of Rural Residents? Empirical Evidence from Rural China

“…In addition, heterogeneous results also show that registered households (groups that receive government subsidies) are more supportive of waste classification policies, suggesting that the Chinese Government will get more environmental benefits in return for helping the poor. In the existing literature, Listyaningsih, et al [69] explored that poverty alleviation plans can be implemented through poverty level detection, Leadley, et al [70] showed that poverty can lead to occupational deprivation and occupational inequity, with lifelong impacts on individuals' health and well-being, Jakunskiene [71] explored the relationship between poverty and social responsibility, but there are few discussions on the relationship between poor populations and environmental benefits. Therefore, the findings of this study provide new evidence for discussing the environmental welfare effects of poverty management.…”