Corporate Podcasting Expressway

It was brought to my attention that if you wish to delete your entry on Facebook simply choosing the delete your profile is not enough. A full deletion takes time and is only possible through completing an online form.

Many people have decided to leave such social networking sites as they feel that they are either bored or feel that they may be staked! I know the latter sounds a bit extreme but by opening up your personal details, even if done innocently, these sites can allow other (non-friends) to find out about you (subject to how much you reveal on your public site).

A recent Ofcom report, which surveyed 8,500 adults and children, reveals that half of all eight to 17-year-old Internet users - about 4million people - have a personal profile. This compares with 22 per cent of adults. Ofcom said two-thirds of children using social networking sites were on Bebo, while another third were on MySpace and Facebook (Facebook is most popular with adults). The survey showed 16 per cent of parents did not know who can see their children’s profiles. A worrying 41 per cent of children admitted they did not use privacy settings and only 53 per cent said their parents set them rules for use.

NB ‘Non-friends’ can also be defined as commercial companies that can profile advertisements towards you. In addition, one should also consider that it has been reported that snooping by potential employers also takes place.

Another area to consider is the use of such networks in the workplace. The UK Trades Union Council has established some guidelines (see: http://www.worksmart.org.uk/rights/socialnetworking).

One a positive note, over the last 2 weeks I have managed to re-establish contact with a couple of really great business colleagues. It was great to catch-up with them, where they are now - NB Both after at least 10 years. One could argue and question why did it take so long to reconnect? The only answer I can give is that the world is a big place and we all get busy in our own lives.

In the future it is likely that Cyberspace will provide us with virtual worlds with advanced features that connect to existing networks – These worlds will allow people to interact in a chosen identity or identities, introducing the possibility of an even bigger potential for exploitation. I was recently told by an Internet security expert that

the problem with the Internet is that nobody knows if you are a dog and if you are a dog what kind of dog are you going to be!

With such power comes great responsibility – No, this is not just a throw away line or something that can be exploited by a Spiderman movies. It is true. Today we have more power at our fingertips than ever before and it appears that children are apt at adapting to the latest fads and openness offered.

A few years ago I was consulting at a government medical organisation.There an Instant Messenger service was established but on an Intranet only basis. A number of issues were raised in terms of its use:

1. Surely, some outlets need to be enabled to the outside world, especially for true dialogue with trusted partners.
2. The potential to send files instantly can open up security issues.

We again return to the issue of the need for greater guidelines. It is excellent that the TUC have taken a serious view on the risks of Social networking in the workplace but we need more information on the implications of information use being abused, protecting our children and the risk of exploitation from companies wishing to profile current and future customers.

Popularity: 13% [?]

Recently I attended a presentation where SACA the charity organisation that organises the yearly Birmingham to London Cycle ride (UK) gave a £25,000 cheque to the charity - Children with Leukaemia (please see picture below). Fauja Singh the world’s fastest and oldest marathon runner and Christopher Biggins - winner of the ‘I’m a Celebrity get me out of here’ reality tv programme both kindly gave up their time to receive the cheque on behalf of the charity.

Last Wednesday Knowledge Hemispheres recently edited the video for Bal Rashmi Children’s orphanage (see below).
I wondered if the the power of Web 2.0 and New Media tools is being used to help spread a message of hope.

The power of YouTube, Ning and Facebook have the potential to spread knowledge and also unite people around a common cause.

For example:

• Short field based documentaries
• Community based volunteer sites
• Inserting into Podcasts (video and audio) advertisements to help raise funds
• Announcements on areas of need and development
• ‘Live’ updates from those taking part in Sponsored events
• Journalists logging key, ‘on the ground’ facts
• Corporate charity activities - if involved - e.g: Corporate podcasts with updates
• Linking schools and initiatives together through Youtube type channels / Video sharing sites

I recently met an exBBC producer who said that the good thing about new media was that no longer are enormous transporters required to carry audio and video equipment to produce shows. He was right but only for mobile and web-content. However, good editing tools and associated skills can help in developing engaging content.

There must be an opportunity here for new media to usher in an era of reporting with hope for humanity in mind.

Popularity: 62% [?]

To subscribe and listen, head for i-tunes or listen now by clicking on the play button below:

In part 1 We look at 10 areas of Corporate Responsibility.

Part 2 features an extract from k-wiki whitepaper focused on developing a code of ethics for your organisation.
The latter is an extract from free 7 page (!) k-wiki whitepaper focused on developing a corporate ethics policy.

Enjoy… Feedback, as always is welcome.

Popularity: 92% [?]

Peter Day is a well respected and I believe excellent presenter working at the BBC.
His blogsite enitled, ‘Work in Progress’ covers some excellent business issues and provides some great insights.
I recommend you read one of his latest articles is entitled,  ‘The new crypto-capitalists’

After reading it I wondered if I could find out what the history or derivation of this term. The closest definition I could derive was that crypto-capitalists; ‘enjoy the lifestyle of the rich and famous even as they feed revolutionary rhetoric to the poor’.

Are today’s new billionaires exhibiting more than a ‘giving something back’ approach?

There is a suggestion that a moralistic stance and sense of corporate responsibility from the ‘new’ corporations is pervailing.

On the other hand, it is also proposed that, ‘the problems they attack are the symbols of a rotten system, not the rottenness itself’.

However, my view is at least they are doing something!

Take for example Bill and Melinda Gates developing a foundation against HIV Aids. We have to all stand-up and say that this is commendable.

Another example, could be ‘pop stars’, for example, Bono and Bob Geldof. Although, I have to admit that a couple of years ago I was not impressed with the Gold circle, press area and Jonathan Ross’s exclusive bubble, the latter adjacent to the stage, whilst I stood cramped and tip-toed for twelve hours during the 20 year Live Aid anniversary gig held in Hyde Park, London.

Maybe that is the point… Exclusive access and a true force for change is not happening. Why should such a demarcation form?

I also ask if much is being spent in good faith will it really make a long term difference?
This long term difference can only come through a combined investment in education and a will for the politicians in change to commit.

Ultimately, it is up to us, the consumers, that has to demand change to take place.
Sometimes people sign online petition’s but I’ve seen that money talks louder!

Maybe it is through a combination of sustained actions and greater social networking that can generate create a ‘wave’ for change.
For example, if we all refuse to buy cheap flowers from supermarkets because we want to see greater safety standards in African greenhouses, the message will I hope get through.

If the new crypto-capitalists wish to be truly moralistic, then their products and internal working practices need to reflect a new attitude of respect for the community both environmentally and through integrated ethical organisational activities.

Popularity: 45% [?]

It is also important to consider that racism in the workplace or daily life can be subtle, conscious or unintended. It might come from individuals or you may realise that your company may be institutionally racist. Racism occurs when you are treated differently to other colleagues because of your race or ethnic origin.

Remember the classic Eddie Murphy movie, Trading places? The concept of institutionalised racism is more than subtle but if you listen carefully to the dialogue that is said or even motioned behind closed walls, then one can realise how it emerges. In law, there are four recognised forms of discrimination.

For project teams it is essential for all team members to ‘gel’ together. They must also be aware of the various forms of victimisation that can occur. Failure to deal with such issues can result in serious implications, not only for the organisation but cascading into customer service delivery.

There are a number of definitions to be aware of:

Direct discrimination
For example, where a particular job is only open to people of a specific racial group.

Indirect discrimination
For example, working practices that disadvantage members of any group.

Harassment
Participating in, allowing or encouraging behaviour that offends someone or creates a hostile atmosphere.

In terms of the recent UK celebrity big brother episode(s) a pack mentality emerged with each member of the pack urges each other on.

Victimisation
Treating someone less favourably because they’ve complained or been involved in a complaint about racial discrimination.

If the racism is coming from your colleagues, rather than your boss, your employer is still legally liable. They are responsible for ensuring that there is no racism in the workplace - legally this is called ‘vicarious liability’. The employer can only avoid taking the blame if they can prove that they have taken practical steps to prevent discrimination and they should take disciplinary action against anyone guilty of racist behaviour.

However, individual employees can also be held legally responsible. An employee who knowingly discriminates against another employee or applicant on the grounds of race, or who aids discriminatory practices, is acting illegally. The UK Commission for Racial Equality’s Code of Practice states that employees have a duty to comply with measures introduced by their employer to ensure equality of opportunity and non-discrimination.

It is important to be clear in your own mind about what you see as discrimination and, if necessary, give examples in writing. Many employers have an equal opportunities policy, and you should ask to see a copy of this. If your employer doesn’t want to assist, you may need to make a complaint using your employer’s grievance procedure. You should not be victimised for complaining as this would count as discrimination.

If this still doesn’t work, you can make a claim of race discrimination to an employment tribunal. You could get in touch with the Commission for Racial Equality or your local Racial Equality Council, if there is one, for advice.

Bullying at work
Currently, in the workplace you cannot make a legal claim directly about bullying. However, if you are forced to resign due to bullying you can make a constructive dismissal claim. If you are being picked on at work and it has made your time at work so unbearable that you cannot stay any longer, you should get legal advice before leaving your job as it’s often very hard to prove that your employer’s behaviour was so bad as to make you leave.

If talking to your employer or mediation doesn’t work, and you feel that you need to resign, you should first get legal advice to see if you’ll have a case for constructive dismissal. Ideally, you should then leave immediately otherwise your employer may argue that, by staying, you’ve accepted the conduct or treatment. Also, avoid resigning before the actual breach of contract occurs, as your employer may then claim that there’s been no dismissal.
In both racism and bullying circumstances, it isa difficult and painful process to take your employer to an employment tribunal. It’s therefore in your best interests to speak informally to your employer before taking any other action.

The urgent need for a Proactive strategy and stance
What we really need is a clear statement that any form of racism is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. We need continuous campaigns to educate people about the old adage of ’strength in diversity’. In addition, mutual respect and a sense of decency when approaching people of different backgrounds/cultures. A proactive strategy must not only exist for schools but also the workplace. In the workplace, an equal opportunities policy should be more than a document, it should ‘live’ and ‘breath’ through continuous references to positive examples of its benefit of existing in the first place.

Popularity: 42% [?]

One of the world’s most famous models is Gisele Bundchen from Brasil. Recently she has come out of retirement (At 26 !) to support the ‘Red Campaign’. The campaign is, according to Gisele, the only reason she came out of a season of retirement. “I had decided I wasn’t going to do anything,” she says. “But this was so great, the whole idea. I was like, ‘I have to do this.’”

Gisele will be the new face of the Red American Express card (you may have seen large posters showing her draped, laughing, over a Masai warrior). She says that of all the trends that have littered her career, this is the one she’s most proud of. ‘Making charity trendy?’So what is Red all about? Back in January 2006 U2’s Bono launched this new global brand or associated product code called. The aim is for a share of profits from ‘Red’ branded products produced and sold by the likes of major brands, for example: American Express, Gap, Converse and Giorgio Armani. Monies to raise a percentage of purchases that will then be used to fight against Aids in Africa. Suggested / Proposed products will include: T-shirts, footwear, sunglasses and a credit card. The hope is that profits from the venture will generate a “sustainable” flow of money to support the Global Fund to Fight Aids, TB and Malaria.

Back in January Bono warned the world was losing the fight against HIV/Aids, with 6,500 Africans dying of the disease every day. He emphasised that this was a commercial venture and not philanthropy. He suggested that, ‘Philanthropy is like hippy music, holding hands. Red is more like punk rock, hip hop, this should feel like hard commerce’. The theory is that one day hundreds of companies could offer ‘red’ branded products. Red partners, in turn, hope to broaden their customer base while doing something good at the same time. Since Red was first launched with Bono and Scarlett Johansson, the campaign has been gathering pace.

Hang on ! Doesn’t this sound appear to sound like a mix of commercialism and a connection to the human spirit of giving? It is certainly not something new as many organisations in the past such as the Co-op group have tried similar initiatives like ethical energy investments on the stock exhange. I recently saw an excellent documentary on Anita Roddick of The Body Shop. Her approach is different. NB The first Body Shop

was basic and at first sold only 15 lines. The Body Shopp’s full range now has over 300 products. The Biography channel (An excellent source of information) outlined how she has helped fair trade and support communities, again by linking the human spirit to everyday purchases.

Being positive, any initiative that raises money has to be commended. Although the concept of red could be described as a built-in mechanism for raising fund, for example according to the terms for the card, everytime an American Express RED card holder spends money, 1% of the eligible spend will go to the Global Fund - one could argue that something is better than nothing. However, when it comes to negotiating trade allowances many countries find it difficult to give away any trade allowances. Led by the United States and the European Union, the rich nations’ campaign to force open Third World countries’ markets while protecting their own was frustrated again when the round of World Trade Organisation-sponsored negotiations initiated in 2001 at Doha, Qatar, were suspended on July 27. Under the Doha Round, the rich nations want to make further inroads into “liberalising” the “trade in services”, slash Third World countries’ attempts through import tariffs to protect their domestic markets from domination by First World-based transnational corporations, and scale-back economic concessions granted to Third World countries by the rich Western powers under previous trade deals.

Athough commercial retail organisation have commenced the red programme, after years of governments talking, we cannot seem to get to the root of the issue - some concessions are needed to harmonise world economies. Models can help yet the true will for change must come from all of us urging those that have the power to make change happen for the benefits of all in this world.

Popularity: 43% [?]

Also known as CSR it comprises of 10 areas:

- Reputation and Trust
- Values
- The environment (climate change, pollution and resource use)
- Health and well being (decease, malnutrition and quality of life)
- Population and Demographics (affluence, education and consumer trends)
- Human rights and diversity (labour standards, working conditions)
- Transparency and accountability (reporting and engagement)
- Governance (leadership, function of board)
- Shareholder activism and pressure groups
- Regulation

This list of 10 unfortunately misses out on the need to address global issues such as hunger and disease. One may argue that these standards could be applied to global organisations but the reality is that those multi-nationals that are strong are quite prominent in the West.

Corporaions have an opportunity to view spare capacity, establish secondments and also provide greater opportunities to give to charity. Again, none of these feature in the list.

Take for example, the last world soccer cup. It was revealed that a certain goods manufacturer was exploiting child labour to produce sporting merchandise!

In the past the anti-sweatshop movement succeeded the campaign to divest from Apartheid South Africa. The latter, also premised on Western corporate social responsibility, preoccupied the concerns of many grassroots protest activists of the developed world from the mid-seventies to the mid-eighties. The movement was global but was targeted at only one country – South Africa. In contrast, the new movement, dating back to the early nineties, is truly globalised. The concern is no longer just on one country but many—those that export labour-intensive goods to the developed world. This includes, in particular, several countries that are located in Asia, the fastest developing region in the world over the past decade.

The anti-sweatshop movement has introduced a new player into the traditional paradigm of industrial relations as a tripartite structure constituting the state, employers and labour. Grassroots non-government organizations (NGOs) such as student groups, religious groups, environmental groups, labour organisations, consumer groups and community groups have become players that can no longer be dismissed as fringe. The movement has taken the moral high ground, and today a large number of transnational corporations (TNCs) have openly accepted that they hold a responsibility to upgrade labour standards in the factories that produce merchandise bearing their names. Many TNCs have now hired a corps of staff to handle labour rights/human rights issues. In the mid-1990s a flurry of internal and external social monitoring, auditing and verification activities to ensure improvement of labour standards gave birth to a flourishing new monitoring and auditing business, but only limited improvements in labour conditions have ensued.

In summary, there is much to do - As individuals we need to be more aware / alert and ensure that as soon as we find out about people being exploited, we avoid their products.

Four years on and the world soccer cup looming, one needs to wonder if any improvements have been made (?) – Maybe the football players need to be more involved with their sponsors in ’striking out’ human exploitation!

Popularity: 40% [?]