Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) emphasizes that firms should think about ALL "stakeholders" rather than just the "shareholders" in ALL of its operations (Value Chain) ("Stakeholders as Shareholders", 1996). It seems only logical that business leaders should engage in responsible decision making and behavior in their personal and professional roles. Yet, critics of CSR contend that the job of the business is to focus only on making money; "... the notion that the corporation should apply its assets for social purposes, rather than for the profit of its owners, the shareholders, is irresponsible" (Atkins, 2006). However, these critics fail to realize that CSR is an investment that will actually help a company's bottom line because consumers increasingly value supporting businesses that are socially responsible ("Good Business Deeds", 2004). Three companies that have recognized this sentiment include Ben & Jerry's, McDonald's and Avon as shown by their web sites and media communications.
             Ben & Jerry's (http://www.benjerry.com/)
             Ben & Jerry's web site goes beyond most company's efforts at corporate social responsibility in that is supports a very liberal political agenda and more closely links the identify of the company to its views, referring to itself as "the socially-minded ice cream maker". For instance, it takes strong stances against spending for nuclear weapons technology while neglecting to care for children and allowing meat and milk from cloned animals into the nation's food supply. Ben & Jerry's supports small-scale family farms and reports annually on its social and environmental performance. The company has endowed the Ben & Jerry's Foundation which supports and encourages other organizations that are working to eliminate the underlying causes of environmental and social problems.
             Unlike other large companies, Ben & Je...