Corporate Social What?

July 18, 2011 | Social Responsibility

If you have heard the phrase ‘corporate social responsibility’ or the term CSR bandied about you have perhaps wondered what it means and may only have a vague inkling. If this is the case then it is high time to get to grips with it – think of it as a duty.

Essentially the method of thinking stems from the idea that your business is not an isolated unit which only functions in order to make money. Your business impacts on the people who work for it and their lives, the people who you come into contact with in terms of customers and suppliers, the local community you are situated within, and the environment at large. Corporate social responsibility is therefore about considering how you impact on all of these and how that can be positive and good for the business as well.

Taking these things into consideration can often impact positively on your bottom line. For example, if you recycle by using an office shredder then your paper consumption should go down, and if you pay attention to the use of electricity by turning off lights in infrequently used areas of your building then your energy bills should also reduce. Paying attention to what your suppliers are doing can also play a part – dealing with energy efficient companies may also reduce their costs to you. All of this ethical work is something to be proud of as well so let your customers know and the good will generated will be a positive and valuable outcome.

So what else can I do apart from turning off lights and buying a shredder?? Well, if you need help – perhaps with a larger organisation – then find a local CSR advisor who can make an assessment of your current position and put together a programme of improvements. Think of it as a business benefit and you won’t go far wrong.