Five International Companies Who Do the Most Good in the World

Demonstrating genuine corporate social responsibility is a huge concern in the modern world. In fact, companies that contribute to the community and their employees are statistically more successful. Every year Fortune Magazine ranks the top 50 most admired companies in the world. Below introduces the top five companies and why they are the most widely admired companies in the world. 

Apple
Apple was awarded the number one spot for the eighth year in a row. Apple had a perfect score on all categories, which include innovation, social responsibility and people management. Fans of Apple could argue that computer and smart phone technology naturally improves peoples’ lives, but Apple does so much more on a global scale. Apple has conducted over 600 overseas compliance audits to ensure that suppliers provide safe and ethical working conditions.

Google
Google is the world’s leading search engine and provider of innovative internet services. Google has invested in different charitable projects around the world. For example, Google has set up the Google China Social Innovation Cup for College Students. The aim of this program is to empower young Chinese citizens to become agents of positive change. This is critical improving the living and working conditions of people in Mainland China. This is notable because Google and the Chinese Communist government famously clashed over privacy and government sanctioned online monitoring concerns in China. Google has spearheaded over 20 different charitable endeavors since 2001 in China.

Berkshire Hathaway
This property and casualty insurance company is led by the famous investing guru Warren Buffet. Berkshire Hathaway owns a conglomerate of different companies, many of whom also embrace social stewardship and environmental sustainability. For example, prior to becoming part of Berkshire Hathaway, Russel Corp. used sweatshops in China and Honduras. Activists documented multiple violations of human rights and brought them before management at an annual Berkshire meeting. The problems were promptly corrected. This is an excellent example of how a complex, decentralized company can still successfully bring about positive change in a timely manner.

Amazon.com
The iconic internet retailer is ranked as the fourth most admired company in the world. Amazon has made great strides in protecting the environment through innovative packing. For example, most Amazon shipments come in 100 percent recyclable corrugated containers which are made with over 40 percent recovered fiber content. Amazon Web Services created the Amazon Climate Research Grant Program in 2014 to support the U.S. Government's Climate Action Plan through providing over 50 million hours of supercomputer to research climate change.

Starbucks
The famous coffee chain has a perfect ranking for social responsibility. Over 96 percent, or 400 million pounds of coffee, is sustainably grown every year through Starbucks Ethical Sourcing program. In addition to this, Starbucks works with Conservation International (CI) to promote environmentally friendly growing methods. Starbucks also created the Coffee and Farmer Equity (C.A.F.E.) Practices in 2004 to ensure farmers were ethically treated and appropriate compensated. Starbucks also offers the Starbucks College Achievement Plan to help employees complete their education. Investing and supporting employees is an excellent way to demonstrate social responsibility. For example, other companies, such as the health company ASEA, encourages employees and customers alike to participate in their organized mountain climbs. Companies like these show employee health is equally as important as environmental health.

In conclusion, these different international companies owe part of their financial success to the commitment that they have made to society and the environment. All businesses should consider following these excellent corporate examples.
Learn about all 50 companies and why they are admired here.