Social Responsibility | 4 Approaches That Organizations Can Take With Respect to Environmental Issues & Going Green

Explain the four approaches that organizations can take with respect to environmental issues and going green.  

Answer: 

a. Legal approach - This approach is also known as the light green approach. Under this approach, organizations simply do what is required legally. They exhibit little environmental sensitivity. They obey laws, rules, and regulations without legal challenge. This approach illustrates social obligation.

b. Market approach - As an organization becomes more sensitive to environmental issues, it may adopt this approach. Here, organizations respond to the environmental preferences of their customers. Whatever customers demand in terms of environmentally-friendly products is what the organization provides. This approach illustrates social responsiveness.

c. Stakeholder approach - Here, the organization works to meet the environmental demands of multiple stakeholders such as employees, suppliers, or community. This approach also illustrates social responsiveness.

d. Activist approach - If an organization pursues this approach, it looks for ways to protect the earth's natural resources. It is also known as the dark green approach. This approach reflects the highest degree of environmental sensitivity and illustrates social responsibility.

Source: Management, 11e (Robbins/Coulter)