Page 45 - KZN Top Business Portfolio eBook -2024

Professor King emphasised that some of the greatest
minds on earth had been drawn together over the
past decades to focus on models to support ESG
initiatives, integrated reporting, and the development
of manageable governance frameworks. “While many
of these fine minds brought together for this purpose
of improving business effective considerations
had different backgrounds and perspectives
on organisational success, each had a valuable
contribution to make in defining supportive business
frameworks to result in more businesses being
successful in the market,” furthered Professor King.
As the conversation continued, King highlighted the
importance of conscious corporate leadership as the
collective mind of any Board.
Professor King also noted that: “One hopes that
mankind does one day reach that point of evolution leadership, and meeting responsible corporate
wherein a mature and caring fashion can share citizenship expectations, were more critical than
knowledge and kindness to others that seek to merely providing a governance framework to guide
establish their value-creating pursuits in the economy business leaders and governing bodies towards
for the betterment of communities, society, the achieving success and prosperity.
environment, and the world at large.”
That it is relatively easy for business leaders and
At this point, it was pointed out that the King organisational teams to follow processes to reach
Committee had recognised that the best frameworks milestones and goals has become clearer. However, to
ever conceptualised needed to start with the concept Professor King’s point, when they are empowered to
that the organisation was incapacitated, and its make collective decisions, they can, at times, become
corporate leaders were the heart, mind, soul and subjective, and choose outcomes that positively affect
conscience of the company. their prosperity and hierarchical endeavours.
Responsible Corporate Citizenship Executives’ ultimate aim should be to recognise their
Great value is given to organisations that meet true responsibility as leaders and as governing bodies
legislative requirements to operate efficiently and to act in the long-term best interests of the health and
to ensure value creation and process effectiveness. sustainability of the organisation.
To support the aim of encouraging leaders and White reveals that he learnt from the great Professor
governing bodies to adopt ethical practices, King that, in particular, business outcomes are
the term ‘responsible corporate citizenship’ was directly affected by the simple processes of thinking,
created. This is the recognition by an organisation, considerations and actions adopted by business leaders.
no matter its incorporation, that it has legal, social,
cultural and environmental responsibilities. Guiding Light
Being a responsible corporate citizen means being White concludes “Clearly maturity in the business
guided by moral and ethical standards in daily leaders and governing bodies, who recognise their
interactions with customers, stakeholders, and role in society as critical in creating engaging work
employees. It also means that one values, monitors and environments that include community, environmental,
beneficially affects communities and societies at large. social and governance considerations, is the
For example – constructively mining or harvesting, guiding light needed to help improve our collective
without absorbing more raw materials from the and economic challenges. This is the proud work
environment than can be replaced by nature herself BusinessFit SA, BusinessFit Academy, and BusinessFit
within a reasonable period. International.”
BusinessFit has recognised that quality assurance
Lastly, the mantle of responsible corporate citizenship
strengthens employee engagement and commitment, standards, when implemented correctly within an
raises staffing energy levels, and enhances purpose enterprise, significantly increases the enterprise’s
and contribution from individuals and teams within the ability to achieve success. Successful enterprises
organisation. create sustainable employment, and as such,
quality assurance and a well-structured governance
Achieving Success framework is essential in building thriving enterprises
Professor King’s emphasis that ethical and effective and support growing nations.

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