General Education Development (GED) Practice Exam

A manufacturing company implements anti-pollution measures as required by legislation but does not adopt any additional measures. Which approach does this company likely adopt?

1. Social Responsiveness Approach

2. Social Responsibility Approach

3. Social Obligation Approach

4. Cost-benefit Approach

The correct answer is: Social Obligation Approach

The company in question is adhering to the legislative requirements for anti-pollution measures, which indicates it is fulfilling its basic legal obligations. This scenario aligns with the concept of the social obligation approach, where an organization focuses primarily on complying with laws and regulations without necessarily going beyond those requirements. By only implementing the mandatory measures and not pursuing any additional efforts to mitigate environmental impact, the company demonstrates a level of responsibility that is restricted to legal compliance. This approach suggests a minimalistic view of corporate responsibility, where the primary goal is to avoid legal penalties rather than to actively contribute to societal or environmental well-being. In contrast, the social responsiveness approach would involve a more proactive stance, where the company would not only respond to regulations but also take further actions to address social concerns. The social responsibility approach often implies a commitment to broader ethical considerations beyond compliance with the law. The cost-benefit approach typically refers to analyzing actions based on financial implications rather than on social or ethical obligations. Thus, the actions of the company reflect the social obligation approach as they comply with the law without extending their practices to further benefit the environment or society.