Post by account_disabled on Feb 22, 2024 20:16:09 GMT 10
In an interview to be published in Forbes Central America magazine we consider the responsibility of rich businessmen. In relatively small economies, where a few businessmen control a large part of private economic activity, as is the case in Central American countries, the responsibility of the owners is equal to that of the company. This means that the social responsibility of the company has unique characteristics, not comparable in larger economies, whether in developed or developing countries. This is what we discuss in this interview (the questions were asked by Alejandra Aguilar, independent journalist). In a region like Central America, where one in two inhabitants (47%) lives in poverty, is being a millionaire socially responsible? That is to say, is the accumulation of wealth compatible today with social responsibility? The important thing is the millionaire's responsibility to society. Being rich does not mean being irresponsible, it may be wealth obtained legally, but it may not be legitimate. It may have been obtained by respecting the laws, but many times these laws and regulations have been developed under the influence of these rich people. What is important is legitimacy, that is, society's general acceptance of how it has been obtained. And once this wealth is obtained, it must be used, to the extent possible, and according to the needs of society, to improve it, either through the actions of the companies that they usually own or direct, or through philanthropic activities. business and personal.
As billionaire Andrew Carnegie said at the Finland Mobile Number List beginning of the 20th century, “The man who dies rich dies miserable . ” Wealth is not incompatible with responsibility to society, but it is not easy to achieve alignment of objectives. How does this correlation between wealth and social responsibility change the current business world? There should be a correlation, but unfortunately there isn't. Both people and companies must recognize that this wealth has been obtained thanks to their efforts, but also thanks to the use of natural and human resources, which belong to society, without which the company ceases to exist, for which it cannot fair prices have been paid. They have an obligation to return to society some of what it has given them, in addition to having an interest in a more prosperous society that allows them to increase that same wealth. The business world is increasingly recognizing this reality, that they are an integral part of it, but this is still in an incipient state in Latin America in general and Central America in particular. What should be the role of the richest in regional development, particularly in the case of Central America? In principle, regional development is not the responsibility of the rich or companies, but it would be very short-sighted not to recognize that its future is closely correlated (here there is a correlation) with economic and social development. And, in the case of Central America, even more so given the failures of governments to protect that society and satisfy its basic needs. It is not their responsibility, but they cannot remain indifferent to the deficiencies in education, health, access to water and electricity, to decent jobs with fair salaries, to the development of micro and small businesses, especially subsistence businesses, through doing business with them.
And, furthermore, it is their responsibility to collaborate with their immense talents to the efficiency and effectiveness of governments, but without falling into their capture to promote their personal interests. Linked to the previous question, what do you think they are doing well? What are they doing wrong or is it still an area of opportunity? There has been much progress in recent decades in recognizing this responsibility, in vocalizing it, but effective action is still limited to isolated cases, to a few enlightened people and companies. They also have the responsibility of attracting others to these causes. And it is still very limited to appearing responsible rather than actually being responsible, through specific philanthropic actions, with great visibility. The opportunity to contribute to the improvement of Central American society is immense but very little taken advantage of. There is a lot of economic power that is not aligning with society. In Mexico we have a case in the state of Chihuahua where, as a result of a water storm in businessmen agreed to pay an additional tax for reconstruction, this was maintained after the emergency, a trust was established and gave rise to a foundation that continues operating today, do you know of any similar case in the Central American region, in which businessmen have organized themselves to contribute voluntarily to the development of the region? Regardless of the intention, was it a successful case? I don't know of cases in Central America, but the case of Chihuahua is paradigmatic. It was a case derived from an emergency, where the business community recognized that the problem surpassed the government and there was a need to contribute.
As billionaire Andrew Carnegie said at the Finland Mobile Number List beginning of the 20th century, “The man who dies rich dies miserable . ” Wealth is not incompatible with responsibility to society, but it is not easy to achieve alignment of objectives. How does this correlation between wealth and social responsibility change the current business world? There should be a correlation, but unfortunately there isn't. Both people and companies must recognize that this wealth has been obtained thanks to their efforts, but also thanks to the use of natural and human resources, which belong to society, without which the company ceases to exist, for which it cannot fair prices have been paid. They have an obligation to return to society some of what it has given them, in addition to having an interest in a more prosperous society that allows them to increase that same wealth. The business world is increasingly recognizing this reality, that they are an integral part of it, but this is still in an incipient state in Latin America in general and Central America in particular. What should be the role of the richest in regional development, particularly in the case of Central America? In principle, regional development is not the responsibility of the rich or companies, but it would be very short-sighted not to recognize that its future is closely correlated (here there is a correlation) with economic and social development. And, in the case of Central America, even more so given the failures of governments to protect that society and satisfy its basic needs. It is not their responsibility, but they cannot remain indifferent to the deficiencies in education, health, access to water and electricity, to decent jobs with fair salaries, to the development of micro and small businesses, especially subsistence businesses, through doing business with them.
And, furthermore, it is their responsibility to collaborate with their immense talents to the efficiency and effectiveness of governments, but without falling into their capture to promote their personal interests. Linked to the previous question, what do you think they are doing well? What are they doing wrong or is it still an area of opportunity? There has been much progress in recent decades in recognizing this responsibility, in vocalizing it, but effective action is still limited to isolated cases, to a few enlightened people and companies. They also have the responsibility of attracting others to these causes. And it is still very limited to appearing responsible rather than actually being responsible, through specific philanthropic actions, with great visibility. The opportunity to contribute to the improvement of Central American society is immense but very little taken advantage of. There is a lot of economic power that is not aligning with society. In Mexico we have a case in the state of Chihuahua where, as a result of a water storm in businessmen agreed to pay an additional tax for reconstruction, this was maintained after the emergency, a trust was established and gave rise to a foundation that continues operating today, do you know of any similar case in the Central American region, in which businessmen have organized themselves to contribute voluntarily to the development of the region? Regardless of the intention, was it a successful case? I don't know of cases in Central America, but the case of Chihuahua is paradigmatic. It was a case derived from an emergency, where the business community recognized that the problem surpassed the government and there was a need to contribute.