With threats like global warming and inhumane practices frequently making headlines, consumers’ desire to support positive social reform is growing. While the sentiment is positive, not all businesses are truthful about their efforts to promote a better world or working environment.
Now that people are paying attention to the impact of their consumer and investment choices, businesses attempting half-truths and public manipulation is a big deal. Stunts like this are not surprising; it’s just business, after all. But is it?
As more and more news stories emerge about the suffering caused by corrupt business practices, consumers are becoming increasingly adamant about supporting businesses that stand by social and environmental protection.
Indeed, people are becoming more informed about the social and ecological impacts of the businesses they support. Preserving the genuineness of ethical investing is possible with some insight into the differences between the two main types of benefit corporations.
Despite titles that officialize these corporations, things are not as they seem. To stress the importance of ethical investing, we did some digging. Read on to learn about B Corps vs Public Benefit Corporations and how to spot the red flags within both for-profit structures.
B Corps vs Public Benefit Corporations
Businesses that strive to optimize their profits while promoting as much positive social impact as possible are called Benefit Corporations.
To understand B Corps vs Public Benefit Corporations, you’ll need to make sense of the terms behind both structures. For a business to be considered a Benefit Corporation, it must do either of the following:
- Obtain B Lab certification. Businesses taking this approach are referred to as “B Corps.”
- Become registered under a state government with the title of a Benefit Corporation. Companies that take this route go by Public Benefit Corporations.
In comparing B Corps vs Public Benefit Corporations, you’ll find that both have socially-conscious implications, but it is important to note that the PBCs came after the start of B Lab. Legal limitations interfere with a company’s goal to become either type of benefit corporation.
PBCs: Are They Good Or Bad?
The Public Benefit Corporation structure allows businesses to remain protected regardless of social impact. PBCs must meet specific guidelines to maintain social consciousness, but ultimately, businesses can fully realize themselves without worrying about the significance of public benefit efforts.
PBCs may be perceived negatively by socially-conscious consumers aware of these preconditions. Debating B Corps vs Public Benefit Corporations leaves PBCs in the dust for these consumers.
At the same time, B Lab is not without its scrutiny. B Lab requires that B Corps pay a yearly fee depending on revenue. Some believe that B Lab looks the other way against public deception if it means accumulating more in annual charges.
Do Your Research
The amount of heart behind B Corps vs Public Benefit Corporations is challenging to identify. Ultimately, both approaches are questionable, suggesting that people involving themselves with such companies should do their research before following through on purchases, partnerships, or investments.
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