Definition (1):
These responsibilities are those that are voluntarily assumed by a business organization. They include public relations activities, good citizenship, and full corporate social responsibility. Through public relations activities, managers attempt to enhance the image of their companies, products, and services by supporting worthy causes. This form of discretionary responsibility has a self-serving dimension.
Definition (2):
Responsibilities voluntarily assumed by a business are called discretionary responsibilities, such as public relations, good citizenship, and full corporate responsibility.
Definition (3):
“Discretionary responsibility is voluntary and guided by a company’s desire to make social contributions not mandated by economics, law, or ethics. Discretionary activities include philanthropic contributions that offer no direct financial payback to the company and are not expected.”
These responsibilities are one of the social commitments for strategic managers. These are the highest criteria of social responsibilities.
Use of the Term in Sentences:
- The large corporate houses are very concerned about performing their discretionary responsibilities.
- As businesses grow they concentrate on performing discretionary responsibilities towards society.
- The company is sponsoring a music competition as a part of its discretionary responsibilities.