By Pae Ki-pyo

P&G Corporation located in Cincinnati, which is one of the most conservative cities in Middle America, boasts a family oriented and humane corporate culture.

The corporate ethics are made clear through the work they do for charity. ``Live, Learn, Thrive,'' is a program that helps improve life for children in need aged 0~13 around the world. Projects include providing access to education in China and India, providing safe water and hygiene programs in Africa and helping disabled children live more independently in the U.S. The Children's Safe Drinking Water program aims to provide clean drinking water to children in developing countries and preventing sickness and deaths caused by diseases contracted from contaminated drinking water. P&G also provides humanitarian and disaster relief around the world in response to natural disasters and other emergencies requiring relief aid.

With a 170 year history, P&G has always prided itself on their emotional investment in their customers and employees. The fair and conscientious corporate culture of P&G has given satisfaction its employees and has worked as a foundation to strengthen their outward negotiations.

Thus, corporate contribution partakes with its primary objective which is making money.

Furthermore, it is observed by the corporation that, growth of its consumers who belong to society equals growth of the corporation.

Peter F. Drucker, father of the business management study quotes ``It is the best method for the corporation to take responsibility in society to pioneer new business fields.''

Contribution to public welfare is a good investment strategy as companies without any social responsibility cannot develop into respectable global businesses.

Domestic corporations have also been making contributions in order to achieve title as members of society. However, they have still been lacking in contributing in various fields for a long period of time. The philosophy of the business must be reflected in its contributions. A one-off contribution without following up on its philosophy in a specific field has little effect for the business or for society.

In Korea, it is a pity to see excessive contributions by large corporations whereas in foreign countries many small and mid-sized companies also make charitable donations. The governments actually create an atmosphere to encourage corporate contributions, and so voluntary help by businesses can often be seen.

The contributions do not immediately bring a tangible increase in sales or profit. But just like the butterfly effect, a trivial change that brings great results in the end, even though it is not instantly recognized, will provide big returns for both the corporation and society.

The writer is a certified public accountant operating in Delaware, the United States. He can be reached at pkp1004@hotmail.com.