A Beginner’s Guide to Corporate Social Responsibility

Implementing a CSR strategy can impact how your organization is viewed and the manner in which its mission is shared locally and globally. Here, we walk you through the different parts of CSR  

What is CSR? 

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an initiative undertaken by companies that demonstrates how it takes responsibility for its role in the world. CSR often is broken down into four types: environmental initiatives, ethical responsibility, philanthropy and economic initiatives. Which aspect of CSR a company chooses to pursue often depends on the industry it’s in, its mission, and its brand.

Developing a CSR strategy is a crucial first step to creating a full CSR program for a business. A company must consider its existing impacts, its values, the culture it wants to create, and the concerns of its customers to define the strategy that makes the most sense for its business.   

Because it infuses the company with purpose, a well-considered CSR strategy can have a transformational effect on employees, investors and customers. With a good CSR strategy in place, an organization can stand for something, and take actions that makes a difference for communities, the environment or other impact goals.   

Environmental responsibility

This refers to an organization’s commitment to sustainability and operations that have minimal negative impacts on the environment. Prioritizing sustainable practices and considering environmental impacts at every stage of business enables an organization to uphold company values while, say, reducing the company’s carbon footprint or minimizing waste.   

Ethical responsibility 

A company that pursues ethical responsibility must demonstrate its commitment to upholding human rights and positive social principles. This means making sure your company is engaging in fair business practices across the board. Committing to operating the business in an ethical manner typically considers the impacts of the business to many stakeholders, not merely shareholders.  

Philanthropic responsibility  

Today, it’s almost an unspoken expectation that companies will give back to their communities. This is considered to be philanthropic responsibility. Whether donating earnings to community causes or establishing initiatives that include donation matching, philanthropic programs can demonstrate a company’s positive intentions and impacts.   

Economic responsibility  

Economic responsibility involves financial decisions that are based on a commitment to corporate citizenship and doing good for communities. The focus isn’t on profits, but on ensuring business operations have a positive impact on the environment, workforce and society. For example, working with a supplier that sources materials using sustainable methods.  

Other CSR initiatives to consider 

 There are additional ways an organization can make a positive corporate social impact: 

• Establish an inclusive hiring practice to promote diversity in a work environment.
  
• Look after employees to help employees prioritise their physical and mental well-being.
  
• Ensure that vendors and suppliers also prioritize corporate social responsibility. 
  
• Practice governance as a CSR strategy.

CSR strategy benefits 

When a company implements a CSR strategy, it’s a win-win for everyone involved. The organization that prioritizes socially responsible business has an advantage over competitors when it comes to attracting top talent, boosting customer retention and loyalty.  

The reputational impacts can be positive as well: supporting local and global communities can lead to positive press and a more positive public image.