Which companies are you targeting in your job search? Have you given consideration to a cultural fit or a shared vision? In a previous blog post, What Skills Should You Be Flaunting, a cultural fit and shared vision were given top priority in a decision to hire. Are you interested in a company that publicly communicates sustainability objectives or policies? A company actively engaged in community and social causes, procedures to improve energy efficiencies or progressive plans to reduce environmental impact? Your job search should consist of targeting companies that share your values and vision. In doing so you just might end up with the competitive advantage needed to land your next job and position yourself within an organization with a bright future.
“Corporate Social Responsibilty in the Noughties”, clearly relays the growing trend in a survey of over one thousand CEO’s on the importance of corporate social responsibility with 56.2% believing it to be a high priority in 2007 and increasing to 68.9% in 2010. Consumer expectations continue to grow with the understanding that a corporations actions and behaviour do have social consequences. Marketing a product at a great price is no longer a successful strategy on its own if it is at the expense of social, economic or environmental conditions. Social media continues to provide a more level playing field for millions of consumers to share their concerns. Companies are listening, interracting and responding to consumer feedback realizing that the once one-sided, in your face marketing campaigns are no longer acceptable.
Sustainability is the long term maintenance of well being, which in turn depends on the well being of the natural world and the responsible use of natural resources. Wikipedia provides the most quoted definition from the Brundtland Commission of the United Nations, 1987 as, “sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. Sustainable organizations are slowly emerging and with some investigation you may just find the perfect employment opportunity providing a cultural fit and a shared vision.
B Corporations, Corporate Knights, InCourage, Orenda, MaRS, 3BL Media
Leave a Reply