Business's Social responsibility?

Ford recently announced that it will no longer promote it luxury automobiles in GLBT publications. The had already not advertised their other automobiles in those places, but their lagging luxury car line will be excluded now as well. This comes at a time when the boycott of Ford by the American Family Association ended. This conservative group boycotted Ford over the pro-gay stance. After ending the protest, they said that their issues with Ford are being resolved. Ford says they are doing this for a business reason.

This brings up the issue of social responsibilities of businesses, and if there even such a thing required. While directors and officers of a corporation do have a duty to the corporation and shareholders, do they also have a duty to the society at large? I mean look at Target. They by far have the best social policy of many organizations. They give millions of dollars to communities every year. However, one could argue that this money should go into the business and/or the shareholders. What about a company's good will that goes towards improving business? An argument could be made that some people some at Target because of the fact that Target gives back to the community. Then one could argue that money given to the community will, in the long run, help the bottom line of the corporation. One could see why giving back and taking a stand for important rights and liberties of society would not only be ethical but a duty of a corporation.

Anyways, it is a pretty complicated topic, and I have a corporate law final coming up, so I better shut up. I am confusing myself.

Bottom line: be aware of Ford's actions before you buy one.