ITEE ITEE-1 | Page 22

The most basic responsibilities of a corporation are conducting corporate activities in a law-abiding manner, achieving regulatory compliance, and providing products and services that combine functionality with safety. Moreover, CSR is increasingly expected to encompass such aspects as environmental initiatives, social welfare activities, and local community cooperation as corporations explore their approach to social contribution. Management resources ●People From a corporate perspective, the term “people” refers to employees (human resources). People are the most important resource for all corporate activities. Enhancing human resources by imparting each employee with the corporate philosophy and objective, and training them in a manner that is consistent with these values can lead to increased profits. ●Materials From a corporate perspective, the term “materials” refers to products and merchandise. In the manufacturing industry, it also refers to production facilities. Although seemingly unrelated, the services industry is also dependent on a variety of materials such as computers, printers, and copy machines to facilitate corporate activities. Some materials are essential and others are non-essential. It is important to clearly identify those materials that are essential and non-essential to the corporate activities of a corporation. Corporate and legal affairs The three major elements that are essential to the management of a corporation and serve as corporate resources are “people, materials, and money.” More recently, “information” has been cited as a fourth element. Chapter 1 2 ●Money From a corporate perspective, the term “money” refers to funds. Money is required to purchase and make materials, and secure people. Money is an essential resource to fund the execution of corporate activities. ●Information From a corporate perspective, the term “information” refers to documents and data that enable a corporation to make correct decisions and remain competitive. The effective use of information can lead to improved productivity, added value, innovative ideas for activities planning, and other positive results. 16