Responsibility in the form of blame has been at the forefront of the Global Financial Crisis.

It seems that the outpouring of distrust from the Recession has spurred an alignment between the Investor and Consumer that many Socially Responsible Fund Managers have sought to develop throughout their careers. There now exists a desire to understand Risk and the implications of Business Decisions for all Stakeholders.

With firms from scores of industries fighting for survival “responsibility” or lack thereof leaves consumers in a position to make vital demands.

The Recession has increased investor concerns in terms of Transparency of Business Processes and Firm’s Growth Strategies.

The Consumers’ distrust of Financial Institutions and desire to save can be heard on the street. It is reflected in the TV Ads of Banks, Insurance Companies and Fast Food Chains.

The recession has rallied a global push for Transparency and Regulation that leaves Consumers in a position to ask Business:

“How does what you do or plan to do affect me in the short term and long term?” What is the possible impact of your decisions on my family the Community…Globally?

The time is right for Consumers and Investors to heavily influence Business’ Products, Services, Processes, Strategy and Management.

Corporate Social Responsibility, Sustainability, Corporate Citizenship and the Triple Bottom Line are concepts that have shown partial visibility for some years; encouraging firms to consider the impact of their products on people and planet. Slowly we are seeing a shift from “after the fact” corporate philanthropy to monetizing strategies that benefit society.

IBM (IBM) introduced a number of initiatives including their “Green Infrastructure” that takes a holistic “Green” approach to Facilities, Building Management Systems and IT Equipment.

Johnson and Johnson (JNJ) promotes their Healthy Planet 2010 goals in which they aspire to be “the most environmentally responsible company in the world.”

Toyota (TM) performs Lifecycle Assessments to reduce their environmental impact.

Proctor and Gamble’s (PG) “Live, Learn and Thrive” initiative provides resources to children in need.

Goldman Sachs (GS) recently expanded its “10,000 Women” Initiative to Brazil; providing training and support to female Entrepreneurs.

General Motors (GM) announced that the impact to “unemployment rates and carbon-dioxide emissions” were key considerations when deciding on the location of their new plant.

Publicly traded funds such as The Ariel Appreciation Fund (CAAPX) and Market Vectors Environmental Services ETF (EVX) offer Socially Responsible Investment options.

The Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and FTSE4Good Index Series allow investors a means to evaluate businesses as a Socially Responsible investment.

CSR Wire tracks Corporate Social Responsibility News.

While boutique firms like The Business Channels works with companies to develop and measure the impact of Socially Responsible Business Strategies and re-engineer existing processes and procedures.

Though efforts of the business community are not as good as we need them to be, their current approach to Social Responsibility serves as a stepping stone towards a cultural shift in which every Business Strategy mitigates the risk of negative impact to society and most of a firm’s revenue comes from products that benefit the Environment and Community.

The global financial crisis offers endless opportunities for firms to develop Socially Responsible growth strategies.

The credit industry can address the consumers’ need for additional income by offering Training/Coaching on the usage of credit to grow viable part-time and full-time businesses; as opposed to using credit cards for non-essential personal purchases.

Banks can help customers by offering ongoing coaching on proper budgeting and investing. Client coaching brings the Voice of the Customer directly to the bank’s ear. It puts Financial Institutions in a position to understand customer’s buying habits and risk tolerance. This approach aids firms in the development of long term growth strategies and offers direct feedback on current products.

Passing are the days of profit by any means. The Global Financial Crisis has brought to the forefront the true costs of negligent risk.