Corporate Social Responsibility

1. Corporate Social Responsibility Unit 4 Jones

2. Corporate Social Responsiblity • What is it?? • CSR is the standards and practices regarding human rights, the environment, human resources, and community relations.

3. So what does that mean?? • In plain English • ….companies trying to do good things

4. Examples of What a Company Can Do • Making a charitable donation • Treating employees ethically • Being environmentally conscious • Ensuring safe working conditions • Sponsoring local sports teams • Creating and promoting diverse workplaces

5. Key Issues in CSR • Labour rights: • child labour • forced labour • right to organize • safety and health

6. Environmental conditions • water & air emissions • climate change • Human rights • Access to health care/education

7. End Poverty • job creation • public revenues • skills and technology

8. Why Would Companies Participate in CSR programs? • Companies use CSR as a marketing tool (Starbucks, Honda, Roots) • Usually, you don’t have government interfering and implementing regulation that may interfere with business (ex. Pollution) • Companies attract and retain excellent employees if they have solid CSR practices (ex Motorola’s Global Day of Service)

9. Sum It Up!! • http://education-portal.com/academy/lesson/business-ethics-corporate-social-responsibility.html#lesson

10. Arguments Against Company Involvement • Cost companies LOTS of money (are companies “stealing from shareholders”?) • Companies exist only maximize shareholder’s wealth • May enhance domestic image but not act ethically in other countries.

11. Can be used to distract consumers from problems the company may be creating. • Example: Imperial Tobacco Canada donates 1% of its profits to non-profit organizations…..hummmm……

12. Let’s Have a Look • http://www2.macleans.ca/2012/06/14/266237/