​My objective is to continue to grow and develop leaders around me in the context of my work in leading The Matzevah Foundation (TMF). To this end, I desire to deepen and broaden my knowledge base of social responsibility. My reflection paper will reflect what I have learned about mentoring and coaching and will illustrate how I have applied these theoretical constructs to my life and work as a leader. 

The second group of leadership competencies addresses “the interpersonal aspects of leadership,” along with the “growth and development of others,” which is integral to the leadership function (Leadership Handbook, 2011, p. 36). Regarding the competency of social responsibility, “Leadership understands social systems and is accountable to others and endeavors to see that family, community, and environmental needs are met in local and, as appropriate, in global ways.” (Leadership Handbook, 2011, p. 36).

​The theory of social responsibility is predicated upon the notion of an individual’s (or organization’s) responsibility to act for the greater good of society. What this means is that individuals and organizations are to care for society and address social needs and issues within their midst. According to Fisher (2004), Davidson and Griffin in 2000 defined social responsibility as “[t]he set of obligations an organisation [sic]  has to protect and enhance the society in which it functions” (cited in, Fisher, 2004, p. 392).

Jewish and Christian views of social responsibility flow from the belief that God created humanity and placed men and women on this planet; therefore, he created human beings to live together. Jewish people view themselves collectively as one large community in which they care for one another. The Babylonian Talmud teaches “Kol Yisrael arevim zeh lazeh” (Shavuot 39a), which means that “All Jews are responsible for one another” (cited in, Telushkin, 1994, p. 91).

​​I would like to clear this competency at the ​​Proficient Level.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). When considering the social responsibility of corporations, Jones (1980) views corporate social responsibility (CSR) as “the notion that corporations have an obligation to constituent groups in society other than stock­holders and beyond that prescribed by law or union contract” (pp. 59-60). According to the online Cambridge dictionary, CSR is “the practice of producing goods and services in a way that is not harmful to society or the environment” (Dictionary.cambridge.org, 2020). 

Social Responsibility. Social responsibility is “the approach of an organization to managing the impact it has on society” ("Social responsibility," 2007). Social responsibility is predicated upon behavior determined “within certain socially acceptable limits,” that could be “written laws or regulations;” however, social limits could be based on “an accepted organization-wide moral or ethical code” ("Social responsibility," 2007). If organizations break such codes, they “are viewed as irresponsible” ("Social responsibility," 2007). According to Fisher (2004), Davidson and Griffin in 2000 defined social responsibility as “[t]he set of obligations an organisation [sic]  has to protect and enhance the society in which it functions” (cited in, Fisher, 2004, p. 392).