A panel discussion on social responsibility Thursday night raised eyebrows when panelist Adrian Hodges pulled out an open pack of condoms from his pocket.
Some companies have effectively lessened health expenses and decreased labor turnover by increasing HIV and AIDS awareness among workers, he said.
In Brazil, Volkswagen reduced HIV infections in its workforce by 90 percent, said Hodges, co-author of “Everybody’s Business: Managing Risks and Opportunities in Today’s Global Society,” to an audience of more than 50 students, faculty members and Evanston residents.
At the discussion, “Business Values Chicago: An Evening on Corporate Social Responsibility,” Hodges and two other speakers from the corporate world analyzed social responsibility in business.
Weinberg junior Anees Fazili said he came to the event hoping to change his view of U.S. corporations.
“I don’t think a lot of corporations are socially responsible out of good will,” Fazili said. “They’re more concerned with PR.”
Weinberg sophomore Holly Sonneland expressed similar sentiments.
“On the whole, corporate America is going through some bleak times,” Sonneland said. “That’s about all there is to say.”
But Hodges said business leaders are starting to recognize the need for reform.
“It’s no longer about nice-to-dos but have-to-dos,” Hodges said.
Co-sponsored by the Global Chicago Center of the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations and Northwestern’s Center for International and Comparative Studies (CICS), the event included complimentary cocktails, short speeches by the panelists and an intimate question-and-answer period.
Robert Langert, senior director of social responsibility for McDonald’s Corp., discussed measures the company takes to be socially, and nutritionally responsible.
In response to allegations that McDonald’s contributes to obesity, Langert said he eats at McDonald’s every day. A self-proclaimed health fanatic with a lean physique to match, Langert cited grilled chicken sandwiches and yogurt parfaits as his favorite healthy choices on the menu.
“Everybody in America heard about our change of cooking oil,” he said. “People expect us to be leaders and we set trends.”
A graduate of NU’s Kellogg School of Management, Langert went on to make a “Big 10” list of ways to integrate social responsibility with effective business techniques.
Langert’s recommendations include the willingness to engage critics and the development of partnerships with non-governmental associations.
“They push us, they challenge us, but they’re not out to destroy us,” he said.
Judy Gearhart represented one such non-governmental association.
As program director for the New York-based nonprofit Social Accountability International, Gearhart said she works to implement standards for workplace conditions. The association’s latest standard, Social Accountability 8000, has been voluntarily adopted by Toys ‘R’ Us, Avon, Dole and other multinational companies.
“There will always be someone trying to undercut, but there are a lot of benefits to better treated workers,” Gearhart said.
Fazili said he left the discussion with a positive attitude about corporations.
“It changed my view,” he said. “There are some complex factors. I saw how (social responsibility) can affect and better business itself.”
For Lorraine Snyder, program officer for the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations, Fazili’s comment proved she accomplished her mission.
“For students, it’s important for them to know that they can actually be more competitive with fair business practices,” Snyder said.
