Corporate Social Responsibility

CSR

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – The Societal Responsibility of Companies

Introduction

The voluntary compliance of social and ecological responsibility of companies is called Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Corporate social responsibility is basically a concept whereby companies decide voluntarily to contribute to a better society and a cleaner environment. Corporate social responsibility is represented by the contributions undertaken by companies to society through its business activities and its social investment. This is also to connect the Concept of sustainable development to the company’s level.
Over the last years an increasing number of companies worldwide started promoting their Corporate Social Responsibility strategies because the customers, the public and the investors expect them to act sustainable as well as responsible.
today it is felt that living in light we cannot keep surrounding dark. CSR can not only refer to the compliance of human right standards, labor and social security arrangements, but also to the fight against climate change, sustainable management of natural resources and consumer protection.
The concept of Corporate Social Responsibility was first mentioned 1953 in the publication ‘Social Responsibilities of the Businessman’ by William J. Bowen. However, the term CSR became only popular in the 1990s, when the German Betapharm, a generic pharmaceutical company decided to implement CSR.

In July 2001, the European Commission decided to launch a consultative paper on Corporate Social Responsibility with the title „Promoting a European Framework for Corporate Social Responsibility“. This paper aimed to launch a debate on how the European Union could promote Corporate Social Responsibility at both the European and international level.

CSR is not new to India; companies like TATA and BIRLA have been imbibing the case for social good in their operations for decades long before CSR become a popular cause. Inspite of having such life size successful examples, CSR in India is in a very nascent stage.

A lack of understanding, inadequately trained personnel, non availability of authentic data and specific information on the kinds of CSR activities, coverage, policy etc. further adds to the reach and effectiveness of CSR programmes. But the situation is changing. And CSR is coming out of the purview of 'doing social good' and is fast becoming a 'business necessity'. The 'business case' for CSR is gaining ground and corporate houses are realising that 'what is good for workers - their community, health, and environment is also good for the business'. A number of companies with good social and environmental records indicate that CSR activities can result in a better performance and can generate more profits and growth. To guarantee the supply of responsible and ethical goods, it is especially important to implement a nationwide system of CSR standards.

How "social responsible" are Companies in reality?

Due to the lack of international CSR guidelines, the practical application of CSR differs and CSR Strategies within most companies still show major deficiencies. There are still complaints about multinational companies wasting the environment and NGOs still denouncing human rights abuses in companies.

CSR or in prompting companies to adopt socially responsible practices:

 Critics suggest that better governmental and international regulation and enforcement, rather than voluntary measures are necessary to ensure that companies behave in a socially responsible manner. Corporate social responsibility should therefore not be seen as a substitute to regulation concerning social rights or environmental standards. In countries where such regulations do not exist, efforts should focus on putting the proper regulatory framework in place on the basis of which socially responsible practices can be developed.

 LOTS OF AREAS ARE VACANT TO HELP/UPGRADE/UPLIFT/EDUCATE

Lift people out of poverty and eradicate poverty altogether: A number of people are struggling from the problem of unemployment. The possibility maybe explored to engage them

·         Protect the planet's natural resources: Going green is easier than you think. There are little things you can do every day to help reduce greenhouse gases and make a less harmful impact on the environment. Taking care of the Earth is not just a responsibility -- it's a privilege. ­In that spirit

·         Ensure equal opportunity for everyone and sufficient jobs: The individuals or offices or organization should treat all as same. The service can be prioritized on ‘first come first get basis’.

·         Provide clean water and sufficient food: Installation of hand pumps/bore well/tube wells/submersible pumps, construction of elevated water tanks, providing water tap connection, rainwater harvesting projects/kits, aqua guard water purifiers/water coolers to schools/community centre etc.

·         Provide  quality healthcare and education for all: Organising Medical/Health Camps on Family Planning, Immunization, AIDS awareness, Pulse Polio, Eye, Blood Donation, Pre and Post-natal Care, Homeopathic Medicine etc., distribution of free condoms, providing anti-mosquito fogging treatment, toilets, medicines to primary health centres, mosquito nets, ambulances to Medical Centres/Hospitals/NGOs, hearing aids/wheel chairs to physically challenged, financial assistance to hospitals, medical equipments etc.

·         Ensure access to energy: One in five people currently lack access to electricity. Demand for electricity will increase significantly. Three billion people still use wood, charcoal, coal or animal waste as a cooking tool. Providing them with electricity will reduce a significant amount of toxic and carbon emissions. It will also help reduce the two million deaths per year which occur due to the toxicity of these materials. Technology transfers, as well as significant support and implementation by the government and other organizations, can help in the adoption of renewable energies; and

·         Empower women and girls and secure their equal social status: today females work together with males. They have right to enjoy their life. They should be protected at their working places.

·         Release of one-time grant to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families in the rural areas: the company or individual can contribute one time donation to needy.

·         preserve and promote the National Heritage:

·         Government or private co: organizations must prioritise these issues, tailor them according to social demand and start emphasizing a united approach to executing environment and development agendas.

Pollution from fossil fuels. A transformation of our culture of energy consumption shows us a path towards “People” Smart Energy, leading to an energy industry revolution.