(VOVworld) - Enterprises and businesspeople play an important role in the socio-economic development of a nation. When the economy is struggling, they have to work to maintain their production and sales and protect their employees. They also actively participate in social activities benefiting the community. To mark Vietnam Entrepreneurs’ Day on October 13, we’ll look at social responsibility in business.

Business social responsibility is a commitment to sustainable economic growth through activities which improve the living standard of employees, their families, and community. In tough economic times, social responsibility requires Vietnamese businesses to maintain production and a sufficient supply to society. Many enterprises have restructured themselves to focus their resources on products yielding short-term profits and cut their managerial costs. Huynh Van Tam is Director of the Dong Tam company in Quang Nam province."We calculate the cost per unit of product. The workers have to know how much gas, oil, water, and electricity a unit consumes. We keep track of each index and if the unit cost increases, we have to bring it down," Tam elaborates.

Thien Nam Hoa company in Dong Nai province, which is involved in trading electronic equipment, performs charitable activities for the community. This year, the company has granted 100,000 USD worth of scholarships to poor students and children with disabilities, donated gifts to disadvantaged families, and supported victims of natural disasters. Nguyen Minh Thu, Deputy General Director of Thien Nam Hoa company, says: "We to encourage our 1,500 employees to lead socially responsible lives. Our charitable programs have shared the burdens of poor people and natural disaster victims."

Vietnamese enterprises have shown social responsibility, not just in Vietnam, but also in neighboring countries, where they have built houses, granted scholarships, and given free medicines to disadvantaged people. The Nam Sao-Cambodia Company, an affiliate of Nam Sao Fertilizer Company, has provided relief aid to local poor people. Tran Van Nghia, General Director of Nam Sao – Cambodia, says: "We have a program to support people in 5 flood-damaged provinces, including Kandan province where we do business. We care for the life of the local people."

The Nha Vui Architecture Company of Ho Chi Minh city has also conducted many charitable activities. Nguyen Nhu Phong is Chairman of the Executive Board. "A number of businesspeople acknowledge that enterprises and businesspeople should exhibit social responsibility. In the current difficult period, businesses have the social responsibility of ensuring work for their employees. In addition to salaries and bonuses, they are responsible for organizing activities that promote a sustainable family bond for their employees."

 Thu Hoa