The need of the hour is all hands and resources on deck to fight COVID-19

With the number of COVID-19 cases increasing in the country, His Excellency the President Dr. Hage Gottfried, Geingob declared a state of emergency on account of public health and subsequently announced measures to be take in curbing the spread of the virus. It used to be said that when “America sneezes, the world catches a cold”. But, as we wake up to the virulence of COVID-19, the knock-on contagion from China is stoking global fear.

The country is on a lock-down, church gatherings, sporting events and conferences are suspended, staff are being told to work from home, and panicked consumers are stockpiling masks, medicines and shelf-stable foods. In this state of fear and the unknown, we need to remain calm and follow all guidelines as issued. One may have observed the efforts of the government in containing and mitigating the spread of the virus. Nonetheless, we cannot be relying on the government alone; we all need to do our part in curbing the spread of this virus.    

Gone are the days where the government was considered the exclusive social change agent and problem solver of the society. So where are the private sectors? Many corporations or entities'  existence depend heavily on the community as their customers, so firms cannot survive on their own and it is not reasonable for corporations to idle back and observe their stakeholders (customers or society) being exposed to coronavirus. It is a high time for companies to come on board through moral duties and complement the government’s efforts to minimize the spread of coronavirus.

Organization and society are interdependent and in this context, the moral duties of companies and the idea of interdependency between organizations and society are manifested in the concept of Ubuntu, which is captured in the expression 'uMuntu ngumuntu ngabantu', 'I am because you are; you are because we are'. Ubuntu implies that there should be a common purpose to all human effort, including corporate endeavors that is based on service to humanity. As a logical consequence of this interdependence, one person benefits by serving another. Companies are to find better ways of plowing back to the community through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) most especially during this time.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) requires the governing body of an entity to govern the organization ethically that is seen as a good corporate citizen. A citizen that has comprehensive policies and practices in place that enable it to make decisions and conduct its operations ethically, meet legal requirements and show consideration for the society and able to address issues of the communities. Corporate citizens are part of the community and their mandate is not just to make a profit but also to aid and advance the society.

During this dire situation of a national health emergency where the health of the stakeholders is at risk, organizations are expected to help the society where they operate with whatever fit to mitigate and prevent the spread of the virus. Organization needs to take advantage of this calamity and invest in the community through CSR because it builds a positive relationship with the community, as the firm would now be perceived as a member of the community. Also, the entity may pay less in corporate tax because costs for CRS are an allowable deduction for tax purposes and CSR enhances corporate image and adds brand value.

COVID-19 is a socio-economic challenge that has effects on individuals and business sectors in our country. The prevalence of COVID-19 may have a direct impact on the company’s workforce resulting in absenteeism due to illness, loss of skilled workers, loss of customers and most importantly potential loss in profits. The disease if it is not contained is likely to result in loss of valuable skills and stable breadwinners whose families will then become dependent on the state’s welfare system.
In his briefing statement on the 24^th March 2020, His excellency The President Dr. Hage G. Geingob pledge N$ 250 000.00 toward the fight of the virus and invited the private sectors to support the government and mobilize resource to combat the further spread of the virus. Hence is important for private sectors to focus on helping their most vulnerable stakeholders, which is the community by supplying them with for instance sanitizers, mask or gloves. The need of the hour is all hands and resources on deck to fight this coronavirus.

With the active involvement of the private sector in fighting coronavirus, we may have hope that much-needed relief can be brought to affected people in parts of the county and then suppress spread the deadly virus.  

                   “A business that makes nothing but money is a poor kind of business”
By:

Onesmus K Joseph - ACIS/BAP/CFIP/PPL

MPHIL Candidate - KNUST (Kumasi; Ghana) 

Governance Professional

josephonesmus@yahoo.com