Corporate Social Responsibility (csr)

INTRODUCTION

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is defined as the voluntary activities undertaken by a company to operate in an economic, social and environmentally sustainable manner. The Government of Canada understands that responsible corporate behavior by Canadian companies operating internationally not only enhances their chances for business success but can also contribute to broad-based economic benefits for the countries in which they are active and for Canada. Investing and operating responsibly also plays an important role in promoting Canadian values internationally and contributes to the sustainable development of communities. The Government of Canada is therefore committed to promoting responsible business practices; and expects and encourages Canadian companies working internationally to respect all applicable laws and international standards, to operate transparently and in consultation with host governments and local communities, and to conduct their activities in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. (Corporate Social Responsibility, 2018)

Types of CSR There are four types of CSR according to its beneficiaries:

1. Environment-Focused Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) This type of CSR focuses on reducing detrimental effects of the corporation’s operations on the environment. The corporation innovates in its manufacturing stage to reduce the production of environment harming by-products. It also promotes the use of non-renewable energy sources to prevent harm caused to the environment by burning of fossil fuels.
2. Community-Based Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) The corporation joins hands with other organizations (usually Non-Profit ones) to ensure the welfare of a local community’s people. These organizations either fund or receive funding from corporations to perform tasks that can improve the living conditions of the community’s people.
3. Human Resource (HR)-Based Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Corporations focus on the well-being of their own staff and improve their living conditions. The companies may extend compassionate leaves like paternity leaves so that the employee can look after his newborn. They can also provide medical insurance to their employees to take care of accidents caused due to occupational hazards.
4. Charity Based Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) In a charity-based CSR, corporations donate to organizations or individuals (usually through a charity partner) to improve their financial condition and for their general upliftment. This is the most common form of a CSR activity. Most corporations provide direct financial support to organizations or individuals who require such assistance.

IMPORTANCE OF CSR

The benefits and advantages that corporations adopting Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives may obtain the following (Campbell, 2007)

TO BUSINESS

• Increased employee’s loyalty and retention.
• Gaining legitimacy and access to markets.
• Less litigation
• Increased quality of products and services.
• Bolstering public image and enhanced brand value.
• Less volatile stock market.
• Avoiding state regulations.
• Increased customer loyalty.

TO SOCIETY

• Improved quality of life and changing habits.
• Capacity building creates wealth and employment.

ENVIRONMENT

• Balanced eco-system.
• Waste management.
• Clean and green environment

HOW DOES THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA SUPPORT CSR?

The Government of Canada has in place a variety of initiatives which demonstrate Canada’s longstanding commitment to promoting responsible business practice. Through its actions, the Government facilitates the commercial success of Canadian companies active abroad while enhancing the contribution of their activities to the broad economic growth of Canada and its trading partners, including those with developing and emergent economies. We work with the Canadian business community, civil society organizations, foreign governments and communities, as well as other stakeholders to foster and promote responsible business practices, and thus support sustainable economic growth and shared value. (Corporate Social Responsibility, 2018)