Corporate social responsibility is becoming a key initiative and an essential tool in the growth of multinational corporations and the development of third world countries throughout the globe. The two concepts can work hand in hand to provide benefits for all; however difficulties in regulating and implementing corporate social responsibility need to be overcome before effective changes can be made.
Definitions of corporate social responsibility can be somewhat varied depending on the perception and perspective an individual or group has towards the situation; the definition has also varied through time. In general terms, Manakkalathll & Rudolf (1995) define corporate social responsibility (CSR) as “the duty of organisations to
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“CSR is now intertwined with international development and the related goals of poverty alleviation and sustainability,” (Blowfield, 2005). There are many benefits for a company who develops a high CSR profile. Although the costs of implementing a CSR strategy can be high, the overall outcome can prove most beneficial for both the bottom line and reputation of the company; as well as the development of third world countries and as stated above, the alleviation of poverty.
The Body Shop is an example of an organisation that is highly successful due to their deep commitment to social responsibility and environmental change. The core values that drive their business include being: against animal testing, supporting community trade, activating self esteem, defending human rights, and protecting our planet. The Body Shop thrives off these beliefs, and in staying true to themselves and the positive development of our world, they have become one of the most respected, internationally successful, socially responsible organisations in the world. Company CEO Jean Paul Agon states that “their values have been upheld for over thirty years…and they will continue to be nurtured for the benefit of all,” (The Body Shop Values CSR Report 2007).
In my paper I will be discussing the topics related to corporate social responsibility. Corporate social responsibility (CSR, also called corporate responsibility, corporate citizenship, and responsible business) is a concept whereby organizations consider the interests of society by taking responsibility for the impact of their activities on customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders, communities and other stakeholders, as well as the environment. This obligation is seen to extend beyond the statutory obligation to comply with legislation and sees organizations voluntarily taking further steps to improve the quality of life for employees and their families as well as for the local community and
Nowadays, many international companies take sustainable development seriously. They understand that sustainable development can enhance their quality of life and their reputation in public. Sustainable development is "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." (Brundtland, 1987) Sustainability requires monitoring and managing all the person to ensure that our economy and society can continue to exist without destroying the social and natural environment during development. The sustainability includes three pillars, which are economic, social and environment, forming a triple bottom line. The triple bottom line demands that a company 's responsibility lies
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is something that affects all companies and should be an active factor in the company’s decision making. It is something all corporations need to care about. CSR is when business’ or corporations take part in an initiative or campaign for a cause that will benefit society and/or in some way make the world a better place (Taylor, 2015). Initially, Corporate Social Responsibility started to take shape around the 1950’s, but some say that it dates all the way back to the 1800s, the idea of CSR was seen (Carroll, 2007). One may think that because it is dated so long ago, it doesn’t have an important impact today nevertheless, it is proven that Corporate Social Responsibility is a pathway for entities to self benefit as they are in the process of benefitting society.
The benefit to business of good Corporate Social Responsibility is difficult to quantify as it varies depending on the nature of the enterprise. Some scholars believe that there is a business justification for CSR. That is, what is good for the environment and society will be good for company profitability. And studies have shown a slightly positive correlation between CSR and financial gain (Steiner and Steiner, 2006). However, as Freidmanism claims, the first responsibility of business is to make enough profit to cover the costs for the future. If this social responsibility is not met, no other responsibilities can be (Hargreaves, 2006). Therefore it is critical that CSR activities are included in strategy formulation and that the level of resources devoted to CSR is determined like any other strategy through cost/benefit analysis. Corporations will not throw money away they need to see it
CSR is entwined in the strategic planning process of many multinational organizations. The reasons behind social, human and environmental responsibility whether driven by ulterior motives, enlightened self-interest, or interests beyond the enterprise, is subjected to much debate.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) is a term describing a company’s obligation to be accountable to all of its stakeholder in all its operation and activities. Socially responsible companies consider the full scope of their impact on communities and the environment when making decisions, balancing the needs of stakeholder with their need to make profit.
Corporate Social Responsibility (“CSR”) is often described as the measures taken by companies to manage environmental, social and economic impacts of their business activities. Since the globalisation of economic and labour markets, CSR has become an argumentative topic. For companies to be considered as good in terms of CSR, they are required to go above and beyond of their legal requirements and take into consideration what is in the best interests of its stakeholders.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY By Lori S. Mohr-Corrigan, For The Paper Store - © October 1999 VISIT www.paperwriters.com/aftersale.htm -- for more information on using this paper properly! Because society is fundamentally based upon performance and profit, it is not unusual to find that it is necessary to impart a sense of corporate social responsibility with regard to contemporary commerce. The ethical approaches of purpose, principle and consequence are integral components of business social performance; itemizing these contributions finds one incorporating the interests of ethics and morality within the corporate structure, essential concepts that are often absent from a managerial standpoint. Chapters two and three of Beauchamp and
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the corporate event sector can be for everyone operating in this sector a basis for innovations, opportunities and competitive advantages with regard to social, environmental and economic aspects. This essay deals with the question what CSR is and how it influences the corporate event industry in the UK, as well as with the strategies companies have to do to generate a sustainable company structure and how they can advise their workforce to improve responsibility. Furthermore, the right communication of a CSR company structure is an essential aspect and how it has negative or positive effects on the people. The Global aspect of CSR is also interesting with regard to the corporate event industry and
A recent study published by Ernst and Young (2011) stated that 80% of top companies in Austria do not report their performance in terms of Corporate Social Responsibility. Reports that are published are not well integrated in the annual financial statements and are often not verified by external auditors. However, more and more companies adopt standards of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and become more and more aware of the importance of these issues.
People’s lives are increasingly controlled and shaped no longer by governments but also by corporations. For example, the liberalization and deregulation have given more influence, liberty and choices to private actors.
As we all know, corporate social responsibility is a discipline in business practices. This is one of the business practice sector that is most demanding and constantly changing sector in business enterprise. Because of these demanding tasks that corporate social responsibility has posed on business, business leaders or stakeholders has been faced with the responsibility of bringing a favorable environment for business activities. The prospect of corporate social responsibility became famous in the 1960s. Many companies have used this term in an unlawful manner to benefit the business responsibility rather than overall business welfare, which it is meant for (Ferrell 2014, pp. 3-17).
Multinational corporations have operations in multiple countries which in turn brings together many cultures. Saying a multinational corporation has no moral or social responsibility to engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs goes against what a company should strive to be. In recent years, firms have undertaken corporate social responsibility programs due to pressure from their stakeholders as well as their shareholders (McWilliams & Siegel, 2000). If a company does not believe they have to be morally and socially responsible, that company will not be around long.
The term social responsibility means different things to different people. Generally, corporate social responsibility is the obligation to take action that protects and improves the welfare of society as whole as well as organizational interests. According to the concept of corporate social responsibility, a manager must strive to achieve both organizational and societal goals.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has the negative connotation of “putting in extra effort to make a difference”. However… when large companies such as Pick and Pay makes it their responsibility to give back to the community it has the ability to change the lives of everyday, struggling South Africans. CSR can be defined as management’s obligation to promote and protect the welfare of all stakeholders. (1) It is clear that Pick and Pay has chosen to make a difference in the community and support their stakeholders.