Do you shop at or know of any socially responsible companies? If so, what are they and how do they contribute positively to society?

In “BlackRock’s Message: Contribute to Society, or Risk Losing Our Support,” Andrew Ross Sorkin writes:

On Tuesday, the chief executives of the world’s largest public companies will be receiving a letter from one of the most influential investors in the world. And what it says is likely to cause a firestorm in the corner offices of companies everywhere and a debate over social responsibility that stretches from Wall Street to Washington. Laurence D. Fink, founder and chief executive of the investment firm BlackRock, is going to inform business leaders that their companies need to do more than make profits — they need to contribute to society as well if they want to receive the support of BlackRock. Mr. Fink has the clout to make this kind of demand: His firm manages more than $6 trillion in investments through 401(k) plans, exchange-traded funds and mutual funds, making it the largest investor in the world, and he has an outsize influence on whether directors are voted on and off boards. “Society is demanding that companies, both public and private, serve a social purpose,” he wrote in a draft of the letter that was shared with me. “To prosper over time, every company must not only deliver financial performance, but also show how it makes a positive contribution to society.” It may be a watershed moment on Wall Street, one that raises all sorts of questions about the very nature of capitalism. “It will be a lightning rod for sure for major institutions investing other people’s money,” said Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, a senior associate dean at the Yale School of Management and an expert on corporate leadership. “It is huge for an institutional investor to take this position across its portfolio.” He said he’s seen “nothing like it.” In a candid assessment of what’s happening in the business world — and perhaps taking a veiled shot at Washington at the same time — Mr. Fink wrote that he is seeing “many governments failing to prepare for the future, on issues ranging from retirement and infrastructure to automation and worker retraining.” He added, “As a result, society increasingly is turning to the private sector and asking that companies respond to broader societal challenges.”

Students: Read the entire article, then tell us:

— What do you think of BlackRock’s move to hold companies accountable to being socially conscious? Could it be a watershed moment with the potential to spur widespread change on Wall Street and throughout American businesses?

— Do you think companies have a responsibility to contribute positively to society? Or do you think business leaders should stay out of politics and social issues altogether? Why?

— If you do think companies should make an effort to benefit society, who do you think should hold them accountable to their mission? Investors, chief executives, employees, consumers, the government or others? How can these stakeholders make sure the companies are making positive contributions?

— Do you think it is possible for companies to have a social purpose and maximize their profits? Why or why not?

— Would you, or have you ever, chosen to shop somewhere or not because of the company’s social impact or political views? If so, what was the company and why did you make the choice you did?