Technology
Introduction
In the last three decades, the world has seen unprecedented growth in technology. In this text I look at the main factors fuelling international technological growth and how these factors impede or support corporate social responsibility. I also discuss the major social responsibility issues arising out of the use of technology as well as scientific research. Lastly I compare and contrast organizational self regulation versus governmental regulation on issues such as eugenics, cloning as well as DNA testing.
Factors fuelling international technological growth
A few decades ago, an individual could sit in the office all day long working on a pile of files received from another office. Today however, things are swiftly changing and it is not uncommon to find individuals in an office working behind computer screens to accomplish in an hour what could have taken several days to complete a few years ago. The unprecedented technological growth has not however come without its challenges. According to Clarke (2005) technology today is driven by a constellation of factors taking place globally. One of the key drivers of technology in the international landscape is the need for profitability and efficiency for business organizations. Today, technology has come to be associated with cost cutting and businesses are embracing technology as a cost cutting measure. What could be done by 100 people can now be done by machines at a reduced cost. Clarke (2005) notes that in the advent of the internet, businesses do not have to establish physical offices in far away regions. This approach to business is not resource extensive and hence the need for businesses to enhance their profitability has enhanced the growth of technology.
Another issue that can be said to have fueled technological growth is demand. Technology is on high demand, from hospitals to schools to business enterprises (Clarke 2005). Technology has brought with itself new ways to combat diseases as well as availed options that were not available initially. The demand of technology by schools for purposes of imparting knowledge has for example seen advances in new frontiers like distance learning etc. Lastly, competition and innovation is cited as another aspect which has fueled technological growth. To remain relevant in the market place, technology firms have each day been churning out new products driven largely by innovation.
Technology and corporate social responsibility (CSR)
Technology has over time become arguably one of the most contested issues when it comes to corporate social responsibility. Technological growth drives Globalisation and as Hopkins (2007) argues; the bushfire growth of technology poses a threat to jobs worldwide. As businesses pursue profitability, they may have to layoff a few unskilled workers in favor of cheaper technology. It has been claimed that lying off employees to enhance profitability is inherently unethical as this will inevitably pose problems to families of those who are laid off. This is clearly an impediment to CSR. However, it hoped that as firms enhance their profitability, they will have surplus funds to engage in charitable ventures. Clarke (2005) also notes that advances in technology and innovation could see reduced environmental degradation. Already, new ways have been developed to recycle waste matters.
Concerning scientific research and use of technology, several other issues come to light with regard to corporate social responsibility. Of all the contentious issues, the laying off of employees to enhance profitability has been most contested over time. Some claim that a business entity has responsibility to its shareholders and so should concentrate on the enhancement of shareholder wealth. However, this stand is questioned by those who feel that nothing can justify lying off employees in favor of technology (Hopkins 2007). The use of scientific research has also come under heavy criticism most notably by religious leaders who claim scientists go overboard and tend to play God in their quest for new discoveries and advances. Religious leaders claim some scientific research initiatives undermine the very sanctity of life (Hopkins 2007). Areas of contention include but are not limited to genetic engineering as well as DNA testing.
Regulation
Organizations have always preferred self regulation as opposed to government regulation. Special interest groups however claim that organizations cannot be able to regulate themselves. Organizations claim that the peer regulation model can work especially in scientific research i.e. with regard to cloning as well as DNA testing. Peer review involves an organization closely watching the activities of another. However, Hopkins (2007) claims in scientific research, government regulation seems to work because of it being mandatory. Here, organizations are supposed to submit reports of their activities for review unlike in instances of self regulation where the submission of such reports for review may not be mandatory. Any deviation from the laid down rules when it comes to government regulation is detected faster and corrective or punitive measures taken immediately. When it comes to self regulation, there are risks that deviations fro the set down standards are quickly covered up to avoid punitive measures. Government regulations are inspired by the agency theory where organizations act as agents for the government which is the principle.
Conclusion
It is important to note that though the technological advances have courted controversy in some quarters, the benefits basically override the downside. With regard to CSR, corporations should ensure that technology enhances CSR initiatives rather than threaten he same.
References
Clarke, D. (2005). Theory of technology. Transaction Publishers
Hopkins, M. (2007). Corporate social responsibility and international development: is business the solution? Earthscan
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