Corporate Communication - Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Through the previous post we have seen how important building relationships are. Corporate social responsibility aims at just that and hence it is the topic of discussion today.

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So says the textbook, the term corporate social responsibility can be defined as, “The continuing commitment by business to contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as the community and the society at large”. According to John Elkington, corporate social responsibility is based on the notion of a  ‘triple bottom line’, which consist of people (social), planet (ecological) and profit (healthy financial accounts).

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People indicates all social and labour issues that might occur inside and outside the organization. This includes employee support and compensation, gender and ethnic balance of the workforce, reducing corruption and fraud in business, health and safety codes.

Planet refers to the responsibility towards the environment. Reduction in pollution, recycling, proper disposal of residue, production processes which are environmentally friendly.

Profit signifies selling products in order to have financial gains for the organization and its stakeholders. It is the financial gains of the organization are the base line as if there is no profit it cannot fulfill the other responsibilities of people and planet.

Basically, is the initiative undertaken by the organization in order to give back to the society what it has taken. These initiatives are generally in alignment with the vision, mission and core values of the organisation.

It's just like if you have started earning a lot and are now rich, you decide to help those who are less fortunate than you … in a way!

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Corporations undertake CSR activities for marketing and public relations purposes. This is one good way of connecting to the society and market their company as well as do good for the society.

Photo credit: Google images

Plus another way to looks at corporate social responsibility and more often this is the reason, to help the society and gain the trust and love of its stakeholders. Most organizations look to not only make profits but also to maintain goodwill with their consumers, employees and all the stakeholders.

Corporate social responsibility has now become one of the essential functions of the corporations. The main idea is to build a strong and long lasting relationship with its stakeholders and consumers. A relationship is one investment that never fails us. At the end of the day what people remember is how they were treated and cared for not only how much profit they made. The idea is to spread kindness and generosity among the publics.

I can’t believe I have managed to stick to the theme so far … I am surprised myself, I hope this goes on with the post that will follow :)

Till then Namaste! :D

"Corporate Social Responsibility is a hard-edged business decision. Not because it is a nice thing to do or because people are forcing us to do it because it is good for our business" 

– Niall Fitzerald, Former CEO, Unilever