Corporate Social Responsibility: What Is It and Why Does It Matter?

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become more of a standard than simply a nice-to-have, so it’s no surprise that everyone seems to be talking about it. Now an integral part of today’s business world, CSR has evolved over the years. But what exactly is it all about? In this article, we explore the concept and implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility.

Corporate Social Responsibility: What Does It Actually Mean?

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) describes a company’s commitment to not only focus on what is best for business and sales but also on what benefits society. CSR should be seen as a strategic management concept that integrates social and ecological concerns into company operations. This approach distinguishes CSR from charity or sponsorship, as social responsibility is ideally embedded within the company’s architecture and processes.

Where and How Did CSR Originate?

CSR traces its roots back to the 19th century, during industrialization, when companies began to contribute more to their employees’ welfare, such as by building housing or establishing schools near factories. In the USA, the notion that companies should be socially responsible to their communities gained prominence from the 1920s onwards. The environmental movement of the 1970s further solidified the path for corporate social responsibility. To establish standards, the EU published the Green Paper “European Framework for Corporate Social Responsibility” in 2001, marking a significant milestone in CSR history.

What Are the Economic Benefits of Corporate Social Responsibility?

Properly practiced, corporate social responsibility can be economically advantageous.

• • A Competitive Advantage: Attracting talent.
  • Investor Appeal: Increases the attractiveness of the company to investors.
  • Employee Engagement: Improves employee commitment and satisfaction.
  • Customer Perception: Advantageously positions the company in the eyes of customers.
  • Reputation and Brand Value: Enhances corporate reputation and brand value.
  • Sustainable Profitability: Promotes long-term profitability through sustainable practices.

CSR initiatives are a powerful marketing tool to enhance a company’s brand image and, ultimately, to improve bottom line. The Kantar Purpose 2020 study illustrates a direct correlation between perceived positive impact and brand value growth. Companies that were perceived by the public to have a high positive impact saw their brand value increase by 175% over 12 years. In contrast, companies perceived to have a low positive impact exhibited only a 70% growth in brand value.

How Does Corporate Social Responsibility Work in Practice?

How to Successfully Implement CSR Strategies

To integrate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into corporate culture and business strategy, the concept of the “triple bottom line” is often discussed, which balances economic, ecological, and social goals. This approach embodies the 3 Ps: profit, people, and planet, which become the driving forces for the company and its employees. For the successful implementation of CSR initiatives, it is crucial that stakeholders understand and support these strategies. Consequently, many companies communicate their CSR practices to both external and internal stakeholders through corporate social responsibility reports. To further demonstrate their commitment, some companies earn the B Corp certification, awarded by the American nonprofit organization, B Lab. Companies that voluntarily adhere to standards for sustainability, transparency, and responsibility earn a “B” for “beneficial,” marking them as exceptionally socially responsible.

Application of CSR in Social Commitment

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) can generally be divided into four categories: Environmental, Ethical or Human Rights, Philanthropic, and Economic Responsibility. This division leads to various lines of action, which include:

• Eco-efficiency
• Responsible purchasing and supply chains
• Working conditions
• Human rights
• Anti-corruption measures
• Social justice

The aim of corporate social responsibility initiatives can include supporting local communities, social programs, or projects that promote education or health. A good starting point for developing CSR strategies is the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Goals such as health and well-being are applicable to all types of companies, whereas others, like life below water, are specific to certain industries.

Most large companies and multinationals today are committed to a CSR program of some kind, whether that be focused on sustainability, diversity and inclusion, or ensuring their workforce gets treated fairly. You can read the stories of 5 surprisingly sustainable companies here.

Although large companies may have greater financial resources, startups and small businesses can still make a significant impact, particularly within their local communities. Instead of donating money, contributing time through volunteering is also a valuable form of support.

What Are the Challenges and Criticisms of CSR?

Corporate social responsibility has many positive aspects, but there are also many critical voices on the subject. Many companies implement CSR initiatives primarily because they have a positive impact on their reputation and make it easier to sell products – this is known as greenwashing. This superficiality becomes apparent as soon as CSR practices are suddenly no longer adhered to in times of crisis or when sales are low. It is also up to the government to create stronger incentives and regulations to expand corporate social responsibility. The already high annual amount of donations from corporations could be increased even further through systematic political support.

Outlook for the Future and The Evolution of CSR

How might the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) evolve in the coming years to become even more effective? Governments could play a crucial role in enhancing the use and expansion of CSR initiatives through a balanced mix of incentives and mandates, thus establishing a regulated framework. Developing a national CSR strategy could also facilitate a consensus on corporate social responsibility. With the aid of new technologies and innovations, CSR is likely to undergo significant transformations. Nonetheless, the fundamental goal remains unchanged: companies should aim to generate societal value in addition to financial profit.

Speexx CSR and Sustainability report for 2023 will soon be available; in the meantime, you can read our 2022 report here.