Edwin M Sarmientocorporate social responsibility – Edwin M Sarmiento https://www.edwinmsarmiento.com Intentional Excellence Mon, 13 Apr 2026 21:00:49 +0000 en-US hourly 1 84283043 Compassionate Capitalism as some may call it https://www.edwinmsarmiento.com/compassionate-capitalism-as-some-may-call-it/ https://www.edwinmsarmiento.com/compassionate-capitalism-as-some-may-call-it/#respond Sat, 02 May 2009 15:19:00 +0000 Edwin M Sarmiento http://bassplayerdocs.wordpress.com/2009/05/02/compassionate-capitalism-as-some-may-call-it In a world where capitalism focuses more on profits and revenues, others may think making a difference is totally out of the picture. I was reading about TOMS Shoes and how the company started out as Blake Mycoskie, Chief Shoe Giver, wanted to help children from developing countries by providing them shoes to wear. Their motto: “One for one.” His company would match every pair of shoes sold with a pair given to a child in need. Talk about real and authentic corporate social responsibility. I was reading more about TOMS Shoes and how it garnered a lot of media coverage, one being the AT&T ad featuring TOMS Shoes while they do their shoe drop activity.

If you can’t see this video in your RSS reader or email, then click here.

What’s really amazing is the fact that the business model is built on the concept of compassionate capitalism where their vision is primarily what sustains the business. His explanation on the CGI U meeting with President Bill Clinton highlights that even during this time of economic crisis, they have sold three times as much in the same month as compared to last year.

TOMS story is a testimony of compassionate capitalism at work and how organizations should think about their impact in society. More than just the leader’s vision of growing the organization to greater heights, couple that with being socially responsible is how we can create a sustainable environment and make this world a better place to live in.

]]> https://www.edwinmsarmiento.com/compassionate-capitalism-as-some-may-call-it/feed/ 0 1040 Include corporate social responsibility in your business model https://www.edwinmsarmiento.com/include-corporate-social-responsibility-in-your-business-model/ https://www.edwinmsarmiento.com/include-corporate-social-responsibility-in-your-business-model/#respond Sat, 07 Feb 2009 05:28:00 +0000 Edwin M Sarmiento http://bassplayerdocs.wordpress.com/2009/02/07/include-corporate-social-responsibility-in-your-business-model It took me a few weeks to get back to blogging due to a lot of changes happening. But then, again, great ideas are always worth spreading.

A few weeks ago, I was privileged to assist Microsoft Singapore in providing software assistance to non-profit organizations. Normally, it only required reading thru some documentation and providing some analysis based on that but I’ve decided to go even further. Visiting the facility of the Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore (MINDS) was definitely an unforgettable experience. The SIA-MINDS is actually a joint-project with – guess who – Singapore Airlines. The head phones that you see and use on the Singapore Airlines flights are being prepared for by the trainees at MINDS. What’s really encouraging is the fact that not only do we see people who are intellectually disabled doing the work that nobody else would probably see but we see them doing a really good job. And what’s good about Singapore Airlines is that they have included corporate responsibility and welfare in their business model, recognizing the importance of contributing to the communities it serves. Corporate social responsibility has become a buzz word in today’s modern organizations. But every now and then, it gets challenged by stakeholders especially in times of recession (I still believe that recession is a state of mind). But whether we like it or not, the community is part of any organizations’ stakeholders. If the community flourishes, so does our businesses. It’s a win-win situation.

I think the best thing to do is to include corporate social responsibility in our business model. That way, we even have budgets allocated for any related projects. What’s more, apart from the fact that we feel good when we extend our hand to someone else, it’s nice to know that a warm smile is waiting for a hand somewhere where we could have extended ours.

So the next time you fly Singapore Airlines, ask for a head phone – those cute colorful ones. You’ll know that somebody went thru a lot of effort making sure that they are in good shape for your entire flight.

]]> https://www.edwinmsarmiento.com/include-corporate-social-responsibility-in-your-business-model/feed/ 0 1045