Business, not as a process, but as a subject of activities, is part of society and plays its role in achieving the common good. Social responsibility of private business is an often debated topic, and many believe that in fulfilling its main task - to multiply legally gained profit of its shareholders - and thus paying taxes, it is already contributing to the common work. But something still makes companies and businessmen do more: build schools, sponsor a football team, pay for education of talented children. Many successful business people are well aware that those material goods that they have accumulated and continue to increase are not only their merit.
There are several factors affecting the decision of the company head, the oligarch or a businessman to somehow support individual members of society or a group of people. Rather, it is even a mixture of factors. First, it is the tradition with religious roots, and the ethical norms existing in this society. In Azerbaijan, the Soviet authorities for 70 years tried to erase these traditions from people, but it failed to do it by the end.
Secondly, a company or a businessman acting as an individual, conducting the social activity, creates a favorable opinion about him/herself, even if not to specifically pursue this goal, but it is considerable, especially in such a small country as Azerbaijan. Tomorrow, having long-term social projects, such company will easier solve its problems in the society, part of which it supports. Let us set an example of an oil magnate Zeinalabdin Tagiyev - for his multi-faceted philanthropy activities, not only port workers, but the Tsar's authority had sincere respect for him. And if you are truly respected, it is easier to do business and negotiate.
Thirdly, even if this contribution to the future of the country is not sounded loudly. ExxonMobil Corporation with its ExxonMobil Foundation annually makes huge investments in education, scientific, health projects conducted in the U.S.. In developing countries, where the company's branches are operating, huge funds are also provided to combat malaria and other infectious diseases, basic education, assistance in employment of women as catalysts for economic development, environmental projects.
In 2008 the company spent $225 million on social initiatives around the world, of which $89 million accounted for educational projects. A few weeks ago the U.S. President Barack Obama presented his Nobel Prize of $1.4 million to support war veterans, help Haiti recover from the recent earthquake, and educational projects, both in the U.S. and other countries. These and many other examples indicate that many wealthy people and businesses understand: they are just part of the whole, and supporting others, they would also benefit themselves (or their children), and the money in the scale of values does not take the first place.
On March 12 making a speech at the conference on the first year of implementation of State Program of socio-economic development of regions for 2009-2013, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev addressed this in terms of future development of Azerbaijan, theme: "It would be better if the entrepreneurs actively join the social initiatives. The possibilities are already there. Maybe five years ago, it would be wrong to claim it. But today in Azerbaijan there are very large, regional, transnational companies.
They have huge turnover, huge capital. I would only welcome it. I believe that participation of businesses, entrepreneurs in solving social issues will be moral fuel both for the business and for the development of the country. These processes are going on, particularly in the regions entrepreneurs spend their financial resources on school construction. I would like this work to be carried out in other spheres within their capabilities. Of course, this work can not be forced. But I think that it would be good if the wealthy firms, companies, business people are helping people living in difficult conditions.
There are various ways to help people. Charity in the narrow sense, that is, donating money or property to those who are in need, building schools and mosques in remote regions of the country - this is a decent respect for the mission, which should have its place in the overall spectrum of social activity of the Azerbaijani business community. It needs to mention that there are many talented children and youth who if are now supported, will in future bring many benefits not only to themselves, but also to society.
It is necessary to remember the names of the millionaires of the first oil boom in late 19th early 20th century, who spent their money on education of a whole galaxy of brilliant Azerbaijani engineers, scientists and doctors at prestigious universities in Europe, who afterwards made their worthy contribution in the development of the country. States implement these plans, but local businesses could also help in this regard.