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remote areas in Afghanistan , the private sector has shown its propensity to initiate and lead efforts in confronting societal challenges . But the private sector also needs a buy-in from society to continue to flourish sustainably and supply what the public demands .
In today ’ s business environment , the sustainability of an enterprise is highly reliant on its reputation and public image to continue its operations and generate revenue , and a key element enhancing that reputation is trust . Trust can be a fragile yet powerful asset that is indispensable to the success of businesses . One key factor that can build trust and better connect the business community to society is the integrity of the private sector . Integrity encompasses a commitment to ethical behavior and responsible corporate citizenship and components that ensure ethical behavior , such as transparency and accountability . Integrity is also a value that must come from within , from a belief that ethical behavior is the bedrock of any successful enterprise . It guides decision-making , actions , and behaviors that align with moral
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principles and societal norms . It is not a program to be developed by professionals so that practitioners can check the box and move on .
At its core , an enterprise ’ s C & E program is a social contract to establish a bond between the private sector and society . It is a contract in a way that it ensures the integrity of the private sector in its conduct , and it is a bond in a way that develops the kind of trust necessary to bring the two sectors closer to one another .
In our increasingly interconnected world , the role of the private sector extends far beyond its traditional business operations , and with that , so does the role of C & E and its practitioners . These enterprises , ranging from small startups to multinational corporations , significantly impact the societies in which they operate . The business community has always had that impact , but only in recent years have we seen a conscious awareness to highlight that impact and leverage that to bridge the gap between the business community and society . As the role of
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a C & E practitioner evolves to straddle multiple components of an enterprise , from legal to marketing and communications , to HR and beyond , building this bridge is the most value that a C & E practitioner can add to the equation .
The role of C & E practitioners is undoubtedly the linchpin in creating a harmonious relationship between the private sector and society . By upholding ethical standards , safeguarding reputation , building trust , and promoting transparency , C & E practitioners ensure that a company not only thrives but also contributes positively to the community and the world . They are pivotal in shaping a company ' s image and fostering a prosperous and mutually beneficial relationship with the public .
When businesses prioritize integrity , they benefit financially and become responsible and trusted members of society . The business community can create a positive impact far beyond their bottom line by fostering a strong connection with society
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