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The Role of Leaders in Good Governance and Corporate Responsibility in A Publicly or

Privately Held Company

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The Role of Leaders in Good Governance and Corporate Responsibility in A Publicly or

Privately Held Company.

Introduction.

In today's intricate business landscape, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is pivotal for

effective governance, applying to both public and private companies. CSR involves a

commitment to ethical and responsible operations, impacting society, the environment, and

stakeholders beyond shareholders (Jamali et al., 2008). Leadership plays a crucial role in shaping

CSR. This report explores CSR's concept, development, and context, examining the relationship

between ethics, morals, and values in guiding corporate behavior. It evaluates the strategic

implications of CSR and business ethics, addressing real-world ethical dilemmas (Lee, 2008).

Lastly, it clarifies how leaders establish corporate responsibility within organizations,

referencing relevant models, concepts, and theories in organizational behavior and corporate

responsibility.

Background of Qualcomm.

To set the stage for our analysis, consider Qualcomm, Inc. This global technology and

telecommunications leader, publicly traded, is renowned for innovations in wireless technology,

semiconductors, and telecommunications infrastructure. As a major industry player, Qualcomm

grapples with the opportunities and challenges of its global reach and market influence. It boasts

a diverse workforce, engages various stakeholders, and prioritizes environmental sustainability.

This context forms the basis for discussing leadership's role in promoting good governance and

corporate responsibility at Qualcomm.

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Definition and Understanding of Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Corporate Social Responsibility: A Conceptual Overview.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) encompasses a company's commitment to ethical,

social, and environmental concerns in its operations and interactions with stakeholders. It goes

beyond profit and involves voluntary actions that demonstrate accountability beyond legal

requirements. The evolution of CSR, influenced by societal changes and ethical considerations,

has shifted from early philanthropy to encompass broader strategies like sustainability, ethical

sourcing, employee well-being, and responsible marketing (Dahlsrud, 2008).

The Interplay of Ethics, Morals, and Values.

Ethics, morals, and values are crucial aspects of CSR. While often used interchangeably,

they have distinct meanings:

Ethics. refers to moral principles governing behavior, guiding ethical decision-making

based on established codes or frameworks.

Morals. represent personal beliefs about right and wrong, shaped by various influences.

Values. are enduring beliefs that guide actions and underpin ethical behavior within an

organization's culture.

In CSR, ethical conduct aligns with societal norms and stakeholder expectations. A

profound grasp of these concepts and a dedication to ethical standards are essential for effective

CSR implementation.

Applicability of Approach

The applicability of CSR and ethical considerations extends to various aspects of an

organization's operations, including:

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1. Governance and Leadership.

Leaders in an organization play a critical role in shaping ethical behavior and responsible

decision-making. They lead by example, showcasing dedication to CSR principles in actions and

choices (Dashwood, 2012). At Qualcomm, the leadership team defines and oversees the

company's CSR strategy, ensuring alignment with core values.

2. Stakeholder Engagement.

CSR emphasizes considering the interests of all stakeholders, including customers,

employees, suppliers, communities, and shareholders (Freeman & Dmytriyev, 2017). Qualcomm

actively engages with stakeholders through diverse channels, seeking input on CSR initiatives

and transparently addressing concerns.

3. Environmental Sustainability.

In today's eco-conscious era, organizations are expected to reduce their environmental

impact. Qualcomm invests in sustainability practices, like energy reduction, waste minimization,

and eco-friendly product designs.

Impact of Concepts on Organizational Commitment and Decision-Making

Employee Engagement:

Engaging employees in CSR initiatives is pivotal for fostering a culture of responsibility

within an organization. At Qualcomm, leaders drive employee engagement by communicating

the significance of CSR, encouraging active participation in CSR programs, and acknowledging

and celebrating employees' contributions to CSR efforts.

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Innovative CSR Initiatives:

Qualcomm's commitment to CSR extends to innovative initiatives that aim to address societal

and environmental challenges. Leaders promote innovation by encouraging cross-functional

teams to brainstorm and implement groundbreaking CSR projects, fostering an environment

where creativity aligns with CSR goals.

Managing Ethical Complexity:

In the dynamic business landscape, ethical complexity often arises. Qualcomm's leaders

navigate these complexities by providing ethical guidelines and resources to employees,

promoting open

Examples of Ethical and Business Dilemmas

Challenges related to ethics and business are prevalent in the corporate world, and

companies like Qualcomm encounter various hurdles in maintaining their CSR commitments.

Let's delve into a few instances of such ethical and business challenges and the approaches that

can be employed to address them:

Ethical Predicament in the Supply Chain.

Qualcomm uncovers that one of its suppliers engages in exploitative labor practices in a

foreign country. The predicament revolves around the decision of either severing ties with the

supplier, potentially affecting product availability and costs, or collaborating closely with the

supplier to enhance labor conditions.

Approach: Qualcomm chooses a collaborative strategy, working alongside the supplier

to rectify labor issues, implement ethical standards, and conduct regular audits to ensure
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compliance. This strategy aligns with the company's commitment to responsible sourcing while

fostering positive changes in the supply chain.

Environmental Impact Challenge.

Qualcomm faces a substantial environmental impact challenge when expanding its

production facilities, which could significantly affect the local ecosystem. The dilemma centers

on whether to proceed with the expansion for financial benefits or explore alternative, eco-

friendly options.

Approach: Qualcomm elects to prioritize environmental responsibility by exploring

sustainable construction methods, energy-efficient technologies, and initiatives for ecosystem

restoration. While this decision may involve higher initial costs, it harmonizes with the

company's dedication to environmental sustainability and enhances its reputation as a responsible

corporate entity.

Analysis of How Leaders Set and Influence Corporate Responsibility.

Leaders in organizations like Qualcomm wield significant influence over corporate

responsibility through the following means:

Vision and Values.

Leaders articulate a clear CSR vision and instill CSR values within the organization's

culture. They lead by example, demonstrating their commitment to these values in their actions

and decisions (Waldman et al, 2006). Qualcomm's leadership serves as a role model for ethical

conduct and sustainability.

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Strategy Development.

Leaders play a pivotal role in crafting and executing the organization's CSR strategy.

They define CSR objectives, allocate resources, and establish performance metrics (Jamali et al,

2015).Qualcomm's leaders collaborate with cross-functional teams to seamlessly integrate CSR

initiatives into the overall business strategy.

Ethical Decision-Making.

Leaders champion ethical decision-making by offering guidance and assistance to

employees navigating ethical dilemmas. They promote open communication and the reporting of

ethical issues (Liu et al, 2022).Qualcomm's leaders underscore the significance of ethical

behavior and equip employees with the resources needed for responsible decision-making.

Conclusion.

In today's dynamic business environment, leaders hold a critical role in promoting good

governance and corporate responsibility. Effective leadership sets the ethical direction for

organizations, guiding them toward sustainable practices that benefit society, the environment,

and all stakeholders (Maak & Pless, 2006). Corporate social responsibility, rooted in ethics,

continually shapes the behavior of companies like Qualcomm. Leaders are tasked with

addressing ethical challenges, engaging stakeholders, and integrating CSR principles into their

organizations. By utilizing relevant models and concepts, leaders can steer businesses toward a

future where good governance and corporate responsibility are tangible realities rather than

abstract ideals.
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References
Jamali, D., Safieddine, A. M., & Rabbath, M. (2008). Corporate governance and corporate social

responsibility synergies and interrelationships. Corporate governance: an international

review, 16(5), 443-459.

Lee, M. D. P. (2008). A review of the theories of corporate social responsibility: Its evolutionary

path and the road ahead. International journal of management reviews, 10(1), 53-73.

Dahlsrud, A. (2008). How corporate social responsibility is defined: an analysis of 37

definitions. Corporate social responsibility and environmental management, 15(1), 1-13.

Dashwood, H. S. (2012). The rise of global corporate social responsibility: Mining and the

spread of global norms. Cambridge University Press.

Freeman, R. E., & Dmytriyev, S. (2017). Corporate social responsibility and stakeholder theory:

Learning from each other. Symphonya. Emerging Issues in Management, (1), 7-15.

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Jamali, D. R., El Dirani, A. M., & Harwood, I. A. (2015). Exploring human resource

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model. Business Ethics: A European Review, 24(2), 125-143.

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Liu, B. F., Shi, D., Lim, J. R., Islam, K., Edwards, A. L., & Seeger, M. (2022). When crises hit

home: How US higher education leaders navigate values during uncertain times. Journal

of Business Ethics, 179(2), 353-368.

Maak, T., & Pless, N. M. (2006). Responsible leadership in a stakeholder society–a relational

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Commitment.pdf

The key to inclusive leadership. Harvard Business Review. (2021, August 30).

https://hbr.org/2020/03/the-key-to-inclusive-leadership