We have been reading a lot about corporates undertaking various CSR initiatives like creating education funds, medical facilities, educating villagers, creating a green environment so on and so forth. Companies like Tatas & Birlas have always been doing a lot for humanitarian cause, nowadays a lot of other companies have taken seriously to the act of giving. Wives of biz wizards Narayan Murthy, Nandan Nilekani and many more are doing a lot of good work for social cause.
I was pleasantly surprised to read about a dedicated stock exchange being set up in London by an Indian & his friend for listing companies that work largely for a social cause like social housing, education, health, public transport, greentech etc. Interestingly the newspaper also reports about The Act of Giving as the theme of The Economic Times Awards for Corporate Excellence. The value of philanthropy being the central idea of a business award- captivating, is'nt it?
On a much serious note, I find these acts to be motivators for the people actually doing all this. I am referring to the employees who are involved in carrying out various philanthropic activities. It acts as a great intrinsic motivator in the following ways:
- Gives a meaningful purpose
- Increases trust between employer & employee
- Increases self-worth
- Motivates to do better
- Gives a sense of fulfilment
- Increases credibility
I urge each one of you to make use of such motivators. Those of you who are at the helm of affairs, please engage your employees in some philanthropic work apart from their routine duties; and others, take up some such activity on your own. You'll feel a new zest for life altogether. Whenever I am engaged in such activities, I get a different high and sense of accomplishment; and am sure you'll experience the same. Please try it out.
Do write in and share your ideas.
