Companies should provide sports and social facilities for local communities

Answer:

Companies should indeed provide sports and social facilities for local communities. In fact, many firms are already doing so, while following the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR). CSR involves a company putting in funds and effort to help improve the lives of the locals through various initiatives. These initiatives can include giving out merchandise, sponsoring free health checkups and even scholarships. Sports and social facilities are therefore part of CSR.  

Investing in the local communities in terms of facilities and infrastructure is beneficial for both the company and the locals. The company effectively uses its resources to help the locals. For instance, Microsoft is known to fund the drive against malaria in South Africa. It helps keep the locals out of trouble while also gaining a reputation of being ‘humanitarian’ towards the underprivileged.  

Sports and social facilities help engage the youth and keep them away from crime. Lower crime rates contribute to the peace of the area and keep the companies’ interests safe as well. The United Nations have often laid emphasis on using sports as a means to bring about change in society.  

Starbucks’ CSR policy includes hiring veterans, who often feel left out, and also being more open to freshers starting their careers with the company. Such an initiative helps reduce unemployment rates for  those who are just starting out or those who are at the end of their careers. It reduces frustration and creates a socially positive environment.  

Corporate Social Responsibility allows companies to engage with the communities in a close-knit manner. Famous companies like GE, Microsoft, Netflix, Ford Motors, and many others, shoulder such responsibility in one way or another, social facilities and sports being two options of giving back to society.