With the memory (not so long-term) of corporate scandal nipping us all in the back, we, the rest of the world A.K.A. the good guys, try our best to show the world our bare bones. What is Corporate Transparency?

Well, according to our good old friend, Wikipedia, Corporate Transparency is the concept of “removing all barriers to – and facilitating of – free and easy public access to corporate, political and personal information and the laws…and processes that facilitate and protect those individuals and corporations who freely join, develop and embellish the process.”

This only being one of many definitions, applying this concept, as it is rather vague, can be difficult. Since doing nothing is unadvisable, the only other option is to create your company’s own strategic plan to make your corporate actions visible. Articulate your mission, articulate your goals. Let the world know what you are doing and how you are doing it or how you are going to do it. There are a variety of customary venues to use to inform the public on corporate activity, such as press releases, SEC filings, news stories, etc. And, since it’s the future, there are many more outlets to funnel information, such as the internet and social media. Anyway, it is doable, I promise.

An important aspect in corporate transparency is to be proactive, not reactive. So what are you doing?

Some corporate executives are using social media to articulate the latest news. Take “the See-Through CEO”, Glenn Kelman of Redfin, an online brokerage firm. According to news reports, the company was struggling when Kelman acquired the post of CEO back in 2006. So how did Kelman propose solving this problem? He blogged! By opening up about Redfin’s practices, he was able to show the public that the company wasn’t all that bad. Kelman believes that it was through his “tell-all” strategy he was able to save the company.

Other companies are using the internet as well to get out real-time announcements and ensure the public is well informed of corporate activity. Not to talk about ourselves, but iCIMS is also a good example of being proactive. Take our Customer Care Site. Originally a site made for clients only, iCIMS recently revamped the CCS and made it available to the public. The site gives all viewers, whether client or non-iCIMS user, access to the latest iCIMS news and real-time announcements. By creating this information venue, the public is able to understand iCIMS goals, missions and business activity. iCIMS also utilizes the site to give users the chance to learn up-to-date technology information about iCIMS’ candidate and employee management system, the Talent Platform. Last week, iCIMS launched a publicly available user-propelled forum to enable all readers to be well informed on iCIMS products and practices. Be sure to check it out!

How about Twitter? Twitter does not have to be detailed, but it can give up to the minute news. Do you have an announcement that may not be descriptive enough for a press release? Here’s an informal way of telling the world.

Many companies are utilizing the internet and social media for some of their corporate transparency initiatives. With technology still improving at a fast rate, what do you think the future of corporate transparency will look like?

"The world is hugged by the faithful arms of volunteers."
 ~Everett Mámor~

As human beings, it is in our nature to aid those who suffer. But do businesses have that same innate sense of responsibility, or even obligation? Whether you feel the answer is yes or no, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is quite necessary. CSR is a term that holds a dozen different meanings, but nevertheless, one meaning will always stand true: Corporate Social Responsibility is the act of giving back to the community. And, as the human elements of an organization, it is our duty to implement these CSR programs that assist our neighbors, our community and our world, whenever and wherever possible. As tomorrow marks the one month anniversary of Haiti’s devastating earthquake, it is time for people and organizations alike to step up and renew their commitment to give back.

First, on this anniversary, let us remember the ones who were lost, the ones who survived and the ones who still need our help.  Also, let us thank the ones who are already donating their time and energy.

On January 12th, 2010, Haiti was overwhelmed by an incomprehensible earthquake that left millions of people in the midst of despair.  In response, individuals volunteered their time, international groups sent aid shipments, and corporations sent donations. Dee Flores, an iCIMS Opportunity Consultant living in the Dominican Republic, joined in the effort and offered her assistance.

Living only a few hours from the epicenter, Dee was in her Santo Domingo home when she felt the effects of the quake, which locally registered 5.4. As she turned on the news, she saw just how destructive that same earthquake was only a short distance away. Haiti: 7.0. Instead of sitting and watching, Dee made a difference.

Due to the Dominican Republic’s proximity to Haiti, the wounded country turned to the DR for help. In Dee’s case, she took an "iCARE" volunteer day at work and devoted her time to the people who needed it most.  Dee volunteered at local Santo Domingo hospitals where American and foreign victims were being treated. There she saw pain, love and hope: a French man searching the Santo Domingo hospitals for his love; a Haitian-American baby in surgery to recover from painful wounds, while the parents sat and hoped; and an American searching for clues to his uncle’s whereabouts. Bearing their suffering on her shoulders, she stood by them.

One month has passed since that heartbreaking day, and help is still needed. While we can’t all participate in onsite relief efforts, we can help in other ways. We can increase awareness with online announcements, offer support, and donate.

With an estimated 3 million people in need of emergency care, it is important that we and the businesses we work for follow in Dee’s footsteps.  Be socially responsible: give back to the world and those in need.

For ways to help click on the link below:

10 ways to help