Implementing Corporate Social Responsibility
Implementing Corporate Social Responsibility
Implementing Corporate Social Responsibility
Social Responsibility of Businessmen" (Corporate watch report, 2006). The evolution of CSR is as
old as trade and business for any of corporation. Industrialization and impact of businesses on
the society led to a complete new vision. By 80's and 90's CSR was taken into discussion, the first
company to implement CSR was Shell in 1998. (Corporate watch report, 2006) With well
informed and educated general people it has become a threat to the corporate and CSR is the
solution to it. In 1990 CSR was standard in the industry with companies like Price Waterhouse
Copper and KPMG. CSR evolved beyond code of conduct and reporting, eventually it started
taking initiative in NGO's, multi stake holder, ethical trading. (Corporate watch report, 2006).
There are no generic CSR methods, each method is based on the individual firms needs
and circumstances. Each method will vary in its attentiveness of CSR issues and how
much work needs to be done with respect to the approach. CSR can be utilized
integrated into a firm's core decision making, management processes, strategy and
activities, be it over a period of time or systematically. Most companies already possess
policies with respect to the handling customers, community, employees and the
environment. These can be perfect starting points for firm-wide CSR approaches.
What follows below is a framework for the development and implementation of a CSR
approach that builds on current existing policies as well as experience and knowledge of
other fields, such as economic and environmental. The broad framework follows a
familiar "plan, do, check and improve" model. This framework has been designed with
the intention to be flexible so that firms would be able to mold and adapt it as
appropriate for their organization.
Implementation Framework
When?
(Conceptual phase)
What?
(Task delineation)
How?
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Do
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Some businesses have as their main purpose the fulfilment of social or environmental
goals, as opposed to a business that tries to achieve its financial goals while minimising any
negative impact on society or the environment. These businesses are called Social
Enterprises.
Corporate social responsibility is not a mandated practice in the United States; instead, it is
something extra that companies do to improve their local and global communities.
Understanding the context and issues within which you operate, making the best
choices you can, and continually progressing your role (perspective).
Maintaining the desire to do better as an organization (leadership).
Establishing the structure/systems to ensure you have the intended impact
(management).
Leveraging activities to bring value to the organization (communication).
o Ethical Responsibilities - Once a company is profitable and meets its legal responsibilities, it
can move up the ladder to ethical responsibilities, which might include paying higher wages,
offering employees better benefits, avoiding trade with unscrupulous companies or providing
jobs to those who would otherwise have difficulty finding work.
2. Patagonia - This popular clothing company has focused heavily on CSR, with all products
made under fair labor practices and safe working conditions. Patagonia recently launched its
Common Threads Partnership, which offers used Patagonia clothing in four outlets across the
United States. Customers can trade in jackets, pants, shirts and more for credit on new clothing.
This effort has helped advance the company’s recycling efforts by keeping Patagonia clothing
out of landfills.
3. Starbucks - The international coffee company has seen firsthand how shifting weather patterns
can affect coffee farms. Starbucks supports progressive climate change policy and works with
the countries that produce its coffee to conserve, preserve and restore their forests. The
company also provides thousands of employees with college benefits, has a supplier diversity
program and raises funds for various organizations in need.
Corporate Social Responsibilityis know by many other names. These include corporate
responsibility, corporate ethics, coporate accountability and corporate citizenship just to name a
few. A key point to note is that Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR has no universal
definition; however, it generally refers to clear business practices with respect to ethical values,
compliance with Legal requirements and respect for economic values. CSR goes beyond making
profits, companies and stakeholders are responsible for their impact on people and planet.
Increasingly, stake holders should expect that companies should be more responsible both
socially and environmentally in their conduct of their business. The World Business Council for
Sustainable Development has described CSR as the business contribution to sustainable
economic development.
MANILA, Philippines, 2 March 2017 – Ford Philippines was the recipient of two
prestigious awards for its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs at the first-ever
‘Driven to Serve’ Awards of the Society of Philippine Motoring Journalists (SPMJ) – one
each for its Driving Skills for Life driver safety program and its Operation Better World
initiatives.
The Driven to Serve Awards were launched this year to recognize the best CSR
initiatives in the local automotive industry, with categories including environment,
community development, road safety and education, and training.
Ford received the top award in the Road Safety category, Platinum, for its Driving Skills
for Life (DSFL) program. Ford launched the global DSFL program locally in 2008, which
was customized for the Philippines market and helps to raise awareness on safe driving
techniques, road safety, techniques to improve fuel economy, and other road safety
issues. Since its local launch, more than 18,000 licensed drivers of private and public
utility vehicles have participated in DSFL sessions, all free-of-charge.
Ford received a Silver Award in the Community Development category for the
company’s Operation Better World initiative, a global Ford CSR platform that inspires
community service from employees and dealership staff to do their share in building a
better world.
In the Philippines, Ford’s Operation Better World programs have seen Ford employee
and dealer volunteers help provide clean water access to homes, providing medical and
dental services, and assisting families build their houses.
“We are proud of this recognition, and equally as proud of the contributions and efforts
of our Ford employee and dealer volunteers,” said Lance Mosley, managing director,
Ford Philippines. “The Ford DSFL and Operation Better World initiatives are
representative of our commitment to act as a responsible corporate citizen and make
positive and long-term contributions to the communities where we conduct business.”
“SPMJ salutes these responsible corporate citizens, and we hope to inspire many
others to embark on similar programs by creating awareness of these selfless
programs. We share with them the common goal of uplifting the lives of our fellow
Filipinos,” said Ray Butch Gamboa, SPMJ founding chairman. “Through Driven to
Serve, we hope to recognize the efforts of automotive companies in creating positive
societal impact through their CSR initiatives.”
Ford Motor Company is a global automotive and mobility company based in Dearborn,
Michigan. With about 201,000 employees and 62 plants worldwide, the company’s core
business includes designing, manufacturing, marketing and servicing a full line of Ford
cars, trucks and SUVs, as well as Lincoln luxury vehicles. To expand its business
model, Ford is aggressively pursuing emerging opportunities with investments in
electrification, autonomy and mobility. Ford provides financial services through Ford
Motor Credit Company. For more information regarding Ford and its products and
services, please visit www.corporate.ford.com.