Question: Visit Ben & Jerry's Homemade Ice Cream website. After studying the information contained within this website, assess Ben & Jerry's record on meeting social responsibility goals? How does this company meet its discretionary responsibilities? Give examples of social responsibility actions taken by Ben & Jerry's, and outline them in a brief synopsis. Do you think that more businesses should adopt their strategy? Why, or why not?
200-300 words

Instruction Ben & Jerry's Homemade Inc. is a leading producer of premium ice cream. The customer focus and socially driven organization founded in 1978 was purchased by Unilever in 2000, but still “marches to the beat of its own ice cream scoops on its drums of ice cream” (Dunn and Bradstreet, 2009).The company produces and markets its colorfully named ice cream, ice-cream novelties, and frozen yogurt with a primary goal of “making the best possible ice-cream in the nicest possible way” (Ben and Jerry’s website, 2010). The organization has an impeccable record of meeting social responsibility goals evident by its commitment to donating a minimum of $1.1 million annually of pre-tax profits to philanthropic causes to help improve the quality of life domestically and globally (Ben and Jerry’s, 2010). The organization continuously strives to achieve its social mission of “operating the company in way that actively recognizes the central role that business plays in society” (Ben and Jerry’s, 2010). To accomplish this mission, the organization financially supports partner shops, non profit organizations such as good will industries, global warming initiatives, saving family farms, gun control initiatives etc. (Gunther, 2008). Ben and Jerry’s steadfast commitment to social responsibility is clearly illustrated by several actions undertaken by the organization since its inception. Some of the organizations social responsibility actions include: 1. Commitment to using only natural and humanely produced ingredients in products (Ben and Jerry’s, 2010). This is a standardized practice that is used across all of its products in the numerous geographical regions. For example, its European locations have been using eggs from free-range hens for 100% of our European since 2004 (Ben and Jerry’s, 2010). 2. Global warming concerns heightened by scientific studies indicate the challenges the world faces in the future regarding the environment. Ben and Jerry’s has grapped the “bull by the horn” by partnering with some organizations to establish a “Cleaner, Greener, Freezers” program to ensure environmentally friendly hydrocarbon (HC) freezers. 3. In response to the need for organizations to address the issue of climate change, the organization has invested both human and capital resources into researching how to reduce the organization’ greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative is deemed critical to the protecting the environment and has been applauded by several environmental groups. 4. The organization is part of alliance of several public interest groups in the United States that have been fighting for the right to put rBGH labels on dairy products (Ben and Jerry’s, 2010). The organization stands firm in its notion that genetically engineered hormones injected into cows to enhance milk production is just not right because of health issues. Thus, they believe that customers should be aware of their options and placing rBGH labels should enable consumers to make choices about what they prefer to purchase. 5. Committed to the “Free Trade Movement” which “allows socially conscious consumers to have a positive impact on people and communities in the developing world.

The social responsibility actions undertaken by Ben Jerry’s is are best practices organizations should adopt when conducting business. Despite the need of increasing market share, competitive advantage and profitability the organization remains steadfast in its commitment to the core values of product quality, customer satisfaction, non exploitation, and just simply doing what is right for society. Organizations are considered to be a phenomenon that plays a significant role in the socio-economic realm of society. It behooves organizations to adopt identical strategies or even better strategies deployed by Ben and Jerry’s because it is a good way to ensure the organization’s business activities function align with laws ethical standards, and international norms. In addition, it is important for businesses to embrace responsibility for the influence business activities may have on the environment, consumers, employees, communities and stakeholders. Ben and Jerry’s business practice proactively supports several public interest initiatives which organizations should consider adopting. It is always good practice for organizations to support community growth and development initiatives, and desist from business practices that may harm consumers of products or society even though there be may no legal issues by partaking in such actions. It is critical for organizations to always maintain sound social ethical standards.

References:
Dunn and Bradstreet (2009). Ben and Jerry’s Homemade Inc: Company Reports. Retrieved May 18, 2010 from: http://www.dnb.com

Gunther, M. (2008). Ben and Jerry's Chills Ice Cream and the Planet. Retrieve May 18, 2010, from Proquest Database.

Ben and Jerry’s Homemade Inc. (2008) Social and Environmental Assesment Report. Retrieved May 18, 2010 from: http://www.benjerry.com/company/sear/2008/index.cfm

Ben and Jerry’s Homemade Inc. (2010) Company Website. Retrieved May 18, 2010 from: http://www.benandjerrys.com