Environmental Responsibility

INSTITUTION:.
MAASAI MARA UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL: ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES.
DEPARTMENT: MEDIA FILM AND COMMUNICATION.
FACULTY: COMMUNICATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
UNIT: ETHICS IN PUBLIC RELATIONS.
COURSE CODE : CPR 3205-1
NAME ADM NO SIGN
LINET MUENI NGUA AB12/SR/MN/13393/2020
CYNTHIA ACHIENG OLOO AB12/SR/MN/6854/2018
QUESTION: Discuss ethics in relations to corporate social responsibility. Use

relevant examples.
Corprate social responsibility (CSR) is the idea that businesses have a responsibility
to operate in a manner that benefits society and the environment. According to Jason
Fernando (2022), he states that Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a self-
regulating business model that helps a company be socially accountable to itself, its
stakeholders, and the public. By practicing corporate social responsibility, also
called corporate citizenship, companies can be conscious of the kind of impact they
are having on all aspects of society, including economic, social, and environmental.
Ethics are the moral principles that governs an individual or how an activity is done.
Ethics and CSR have a symbiotic relationship. For example in a business context, any
business or an organization will operate ethically in consideration of the impact to the
stakeholders or a society as a whole. Nadia Reckmann(2023), generally categorizes
CSR in four ways: environmental responsibility, ethical/human rights responsibility,
philanthropic responsibility and economic responsibility.
The ways in which ethics and CSR play in ensuring that businesses are behaving in a
way that is responsible and sustainable are as discussed below:
1. Environmental responsibility.
CSR makes it an obligation for businesses to take environmental responsibility as an
ethical consideration. Businesses are for example expected to to operate in a way that
minimizes negative impact on the environment.
This is enhanced by reducing their carbon footprint, conserving natural resource sand
implementing sustainable practices throughout their supply chains.
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2. Social responsibility.
Businesses can create more equitable and just society by acting ethically and
responsibly. This may include initiatives such as investing in local communities,
promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and ensuring fair labor practices.
For example, Unilever, a cosmetic company, was forced to stop production of Even
and lovely face cream since it was perceived to promote racism, as the society felt that
it was against dark skin. They later came up with Even and Lovely that is now
embracing and promoting diversity in race.
3. Ethical treatment of employees.
Companies should ensure that employees are treated fairly, paid a living wage and
have safe working conditions. For example during the Corona virus pandemic,
organizations ensured that their employees were provide with face masks, vaccinated
and working conditions modified to suit the control of the pandemic.
4. Ethical sourcing of materials.
Since organizations and companies coexists, each should ensure that their suppliers
are also operating ethically and not engaging in practices such as forced labour or
environmental destruction. For example Apple faced criticism for the working
conditions, including reports of workers being subjected to long hours and low wages.
As a result, the company implemented new policies to improve on working conditions
in its supply chain.
5. Sustainability.
Companies have made it an ethical norm of prioritizing sustainability not only to
reduce their impact on the environment. But also to contribute to a more sustainable
and equitable world for future generations; this is among the sustainable development
goals. For example, a clothing company Patagonia has made sustainability a key part
of its business model, and has implemented initiatives such as using recycled
materials, reducing waste, and supporting environmental causes. Patagonia, together
with the society, prioritizes purpose over profit and protect the wondrous planet,
home. Patagonia, by this, has demonstrated its commitment to ethical behaviour and
corporate social responsibility.
6. Contributing to well-being of surrounding communities.
Companies that prioritizes ethics and corporate social responsibility understand that
they have a responsibility to contribute to the well being of their surrounding
communities. For example, The Body Shop is a cosmetic company that has been
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recognized for its commitment to CSR by promoting fair trade and supporting local
communities through charitable donations.
7. Transparency
Companies must be transparent about their CSR initiatives and disclose accurate and
complete information about their impact on stakeholders and the environment.an
example of transparency case in CSR can be seen in supply chain management.
Companies that are transparent in their supply chain practices, such as supplier
selection criteria, monitoring and auditing practices, and corrective actions taken to
address non-compliance, can build trust with stakeholders by demonstrating their
commitment to ethical and responsible sourcing. Accountability This refers to the
responsibility of individuals or organizations to take ownership of their actions,
decisions, and impacts and to be answerable for them on society and the environment
and must take measures to address any negative impacts resulting from their
operations. An example of accountability in CSR can be seen in a company's response
to allegations of human rights violations in its supply chain. If a company is made
aware of such violations, it is accountable for taking appropriate action to remedy the
situation and prevent future occurrences. This may involve terminating contracts with
suppliers that violate human rights, providing remedy to affected individuals or
communities, and implementing measures to prevent future violations.
8. Respect for human rights
Respect for human rights in CSR refers to the recognition and protection of the
fundamental rights of individuals, as set out in international human rights law. This
includes rights such as freedom of expression, freedom of association, and the right to
fair working conditions. An example of respect for human rights in CSR can be seen
in the way companies ensure that their supply chains are free from forced labor and
other human rights abuses. This may involve implementing policies and practices that
ensure that suppliers do not use forced or child labor, and that workers are treated
with respect and provided with fair wages and safe working conditions. For example,
companies like Nike and Coca-Cola have implemented supply chain programs to
address labor rights issues and ensure that their suppliers meet certain ethical
standards.
9. Fairness
Fairness in CSR refers to treating all stakeholders in a just and equitable manner,
without discrimination or bias. This includes treating employees, customers,
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suppliers, and communities fairly and with respect. An example of fairness in CSR
can be seen in the way companies ensure that their employees are paid a fair wage and
provided with safe working conditions. This may involve implementing policies and
practices that ensure that employees are paid a living wage, provided with benefits
such as healthcare and paid time off, and given opportunities for career development.
For example, companies like Costco and Patagonia are known for providing their
employees with above-average wages and benefits.
Conclusion.
In conclusion, ethics are a critical component of corporate social responsibility.
Companies that invest in ethical behaviour not only benefit society as a whole but also
create a positive reputation and competitive advantage for themselves. They also
increase trust and loyalty from their customers and stakeholders.
Conversely when businesses prioritize their financial interests over ethical
responsibilities, it can have adverse consequences for both the society and the
business itself.
References.
1.Jason Fernando 2022, Socially Responsible Investing.
2.Nadia Reckmann, Business News Daily, 2023
3.Oxford Dictionary 9th edition.
4. Patagonia 2023.
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INSTITUTION:.

MAASAI MARA UNIVERSITY

CYNTHIA ACHIENG OLOO AB12/SR/MN/6854/2018

QUESTION: Discuss ethics in relations to corporate social responsibility. Use

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