Philantrophy - A Good Business Practice, But Unethical?

Philantrophy is hip today.

So many individuals and companies do this, for different reasons.

What is philantrophy, anyway?

In my noob words - philantrophy is an act of donating resources - money, time, and goods - for a charitable cause, usually carried out as a campaign of an organisation.

Philantrophists (people who do philantrophy) are usually having business-influenced causes. So, many promote philantrophy as a good business practice.

Giving is good - why philantrophy stirs pros and cons?

Although the concept, in itself, is good, philantrophy is often considered unethical.

Why? Like I mentioned above, companies do philantrophy as one of their campaign. And, in my opinion, charities as business agendas are like people hoping something in return for their good deeds.

My argument - if it is solely for a good cause, why bother creating a press release campaign about it?

People would argue - as long as it is doing something useful for the society, why bother whether it is on spotlight or not?

It is a gray area, really.

Why I wrote this post, anyway?

I love seeing companies that, in their silence, contributing their resources for a good cause. In my opinion, entrepreneurs and business owners have to be more ethical approach. You can monetise your business as much as you want, but leave the charity part alone.

I wrote this post in support to those entrepreneurs that do charity in silence, without the buzz and press releases. I see them as ethical entrepreneurs and the real life-changing people.

If you want to really help the world, or on a more realistic scope - your community, do a true philantrophy with no intention of getting anything in return.

One last comment - white label your charity, please :)

White label philantrophy - now that’s a good tag!

Ivan Widjaya
On white label philantrophy

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