Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility: Aligning Actions with Values

Your Magenta Monday Magic.

At what point do you say “This is it. I’m done”?

With a dead-end job?

With a dying relationship?

With your own behavior?

What is it that gets you to that point? Exhaustion? Despair? Frustration?

It’s most likely all of those things. It may also be that whatever has grated on your last nerve is in direct conflict with your values.

I was recently pushed to the brink – and I drew a line in the sand; actually, it was two lines.

Line 1: Meta

Recently Meta (the owner of Facebook, Instagram, Threads, Whatsapp, and others) announced that they were no longer going to fact-check posts, creating an opportunity for conspiracy theories to be posted unabated. In addition to that, they have revised their policy around hateful conduct.

An article in Axios says:

‘Under Meta's newly relaxed moderation policies, women can be compared to household objects, ethnic groups can be called "filth," users can call for the exclusion of gay people from certain professions, and people can refer to a transgender or non-binary person as an "it."

I can’t see how this could possibly improve our current heightened rhetorical climate, beyond smoothing the path for those already perpetrating crimes against marginalized and targeted groups.

This raises significant concerns about ethics and corporate social responsibility.

Line 2: Amazon

I’ve fallen out of love with Amazon due to Jeff Bezos’ actions over the years, and more recently because of his decisions at the Washington Post – ones that essentially amounted to kissing the ring of our incoming president.

I don’t like what he does to small businesses – studying their sales trends so he can undercut their pricing by selling cheaply made knock-offs for a fraction of the price.

Amazon has repeatedly denied these claims, but “thousands of pages of internal Amazon documents examined by Reuters – including emails, strategy papers, and business plans – show the company ran a systematic campaign of creating knockoffs and manipulating search results to boost its own product lines in India, one of the company’s largest growth markets.” (Reuters Investigates)

On top of that, the whole quick ship process is just the epitome of conspicuous consumption. It has had me in its clutches for years, but I can no longer ignore how highly detrimental it is to the environment.

These companies’ actions are in direct opposition to my values around human rights; BIPOC, LGBT, and women’s rights; responsibility to the truth; empowering small businesses, and sustainability and environmental issues. This is a direct example of the need for stronger ethics and corporate social responsibility in major corporations.

I was done.

So, effective early January, I left both platforms.

I’m not pretending this was easy to do. My FOMO and my desire for instant gratification are real.

What finally had me draw a line in the sand was my commitment to my values and to how I choose to show up in the world.

There are few things we can control, but what we do have 100% control over are our own actions. When our actions are in alignment with our values, we cultivate a sense of peace.

My actions might seem like a tiny drop in a very large bucket, but they are my way of taking control over the things in my life that no longer fit.

And in that, there is great agency, freedom, and empowerment.

Monday Mindshift

It’s the 1° shift that makes the biggest difference over time.

In a world that seems like it’s gone crazy, it sometimes feels like taking action won’t make a difference at all – that the issues are just too big. You might find yourself saying “How can one person possibly make a difference?” I’ve been there myself.

But the reality is, when you are clear about your values, and you choose to take actions that are in alignment with them, you are on the right path. And while it may be tough to make hard choices, it feels good to do so. That’s because you know – unequivocally – that they are the right ones for you.

And your actions have an impact. For example, when you choose to buy from small, women-run or BIPOC businesses, you are empowering both yourself and the stores you support. At the same time, you’re taking your dollars away from the mass merchants who are destroying our environment, utilizing overseas factories, and showing little to no regard for human rights.

Still think your one small choice won’t make a difference? Consider this: according to recent data, women control 85% of consumer spending. That’s a lot of power.

As you start changing your behaviors and feeling more empowered, you also show up differently to your family, your friends, and your community. That good feeling is contagious and it inspires others to consider their actions. Before you know it, you’ll start to see your one small step having an impact – one that is far greater than you will ever know.

Your energetic vibration will also become elevated, which can’t help but impact the energy of those around you.

Your values are your guideposts – leading to actions that are in alignment with who you choose to be.

Where you shop, who you hang out with, what you eat, what shows you watch, what news you take in – all of these daily acts provide an opportunity to show up in alignment with your values. As you get more clarity on them, that little voice in your head or the feeling in your gut will tell you when something isn’t supporting your values.

So, think about where you shop, what you listen to, which corporations and organizations you support (knowingly or not), and who you hang out with. Then, think about some of the things you care about. Human rights? Animal welfare? The environment? Ethics and corporate social responsibility?

Ask yourself if the actions you take on a regular basis align with your beliefs or what you care about. Then, make a list of the actions you can choose that align with those.

For example, research the stores where you shop. Find out if their practices align with your values. If not, find some that do. Before you know it, you’ll find that you’ve drawn your own line in the sand.

Living BRIGHTer is...

B - Be Brave

R - Cultivate Relationships

I - Live with Intention

G - Practice Gratitude

H - Prioritize Health

T - Live your Truth

What is Magenta?

The color magenta is one of universal harmony and emotional balance. It is spiritual yet practical, encouraging common sense and a balanced outlook on life. Magenta helps to create harmony and balance in every aspect of life; physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

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