Global citizenship is a fairly new phenomenon that entails many aspects, ranging from awareness of the international world, a commitment to social justice and strong dedication to the betterment of the world as a whole. In the recent past, the issue of global citizenship has become increasingly relevant for individuals, companies, and not-for-profit organizations. This is significant considering that, a decade ago, not more than a dozen Fortune 500 companies issued their corporate social responsibility (CSR) or sustainability report. Today, a majority of companies release annual reports and in excess of 8,000 businesses from all over the world are signatories to the UN Global Compact for good global citizenship in such areas as labor standards, human rights and environmental protection (Shallcross & Robinson, 2006).
Companies are coming up with new CSR models by striving to embed CSR into their operations. Companies, not-for-profits, and individuals around the world are more concerned about their effect on society along with the environment. This is reflected in the types of jobs they provide, the nature of products and services they provide as well as the manner in which they utilize resources (Shallcross & Robinson, 2006). Undertaking Corporate global citizenship is in the self-interest of global corporations such as HP, Walmart considering that their growth, prosperity and sustainability depends entirely on the state of the global economic, political, social and environmental landscape (Treviño & Nelson, 2011).
Visa, a blue-chip company, has created news markets in the developing countries by intimately paralleling social causes with its overarching corporate strategies. Walmart has also proved its global citizenship through its ambitious dedications to sustainability as a means to save money as well as tighten their supply chain. Hewlett Packard (HP) is renowned for its global citizenship efforts which have seen the company scoop prestigious awards (Treviño & Nelson, 2011). This includes the 2012 Bloomberg Businessweek’s “The Civic 50”. HP has been acknowledged as one of the multinationals that best use their time, resources and talent in improving the quality of life for communities they do business. Net Impact is a good example of a not-for-profit organization that exemplifies good global citizenship through its commitment to help global business promote sustainability.
A perfect example of a global citizen has to be Oprah Winfrey. Over the years, she has transcended cultural, geographical as well as gender barriers to make the world understand that it is one’s heart, and not their circumstances, that determine how far they go in life (Harris & Watson, 2007). Winfrey has demonstrated her genuine compassion for the people around the world through her charity programmes by the Oprah’s Angel Network to help improve the lives of others.
Furthermore, she established The Oprah Winfrey Foundation to support the empowerment, inspiration, well-being and education of women, children and lots of families around the world (Harris & Watson, 2007). Winfrey has also been a major inspiration through her openness, compassion, influence and vision of a better world. In general, Winfrey’s imprint on the world has served to redefine the way that the world perceives, women, children, business, billionaires, celebrities while being the best composite of the best in the global family.
In conclusion, global citizenship translates to having the best interest of the world, its people and resources at heart. Companies such as HP, Visa and Walmart have taken this responsibility well into their stride; not-for –profits such as Net Impact are the archetype of global citizenry in the private sector; and personalities like Oprah Winfrey have shown what it means to be a global citizen throughout her life.
References:
Shallcross, T., & Robinson, J. (2006). Global citizenship and environmental justice. Amsterdam: Editions Rodopi B.V.
Harris, J., & Watson, E. (2007). The Oprah phenomenon. Lexington: University Press of Kentucky.
Treviño, L. K., & Nelson, K. A. (2011). Managing business ethics: Straight talk about how to do it right. New York: John Wiley.
