What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) ?

The world is changing: a new consciousness

Since the 70’s, we notice a change in mentality and consciousness within the corporate world. More and more companies express new aspirations, working to create wealth but also in a responsible and sustainable way.

In the 90’s, the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR, was mainly to ensure a sustainable development of the company towards its people and environment.
In some countries, investing in CSR is still not an obligation but in emerging countries and worldwide companies, it is something they have to do by law.

The pillars of the Corporate Social Responsibility

Maignan and Ralston create a Typology of CSR. This typology helps the companies draw their CSR Policy and engagements

3 foundation critera:

• Core values,
• Performance,
• Involved parties.

5 types of questions to answer through the CSR positioning:

• Community,
• Clients,
• Employees,
• Share-holders,
• Suppliers.

7 different types of processes:

• Philantropic processes,
• Sponsoring,
• Volunteering,
• Code of Ethics,
• Programmes of quality,
• Health and Safety Codes,
• Environmental management.

The benefits in investing in Corporate Social Responsibility

Some of the benefits in investing in CSR are:

• Focus on long term outcome,
• Customer loyalty,
• Profits / resources optimisation,
• Social and environmental risks reduction,
• Sustainable development.

CSR has a real and measurable positive influence since:

• It creates a synergy between the actors,
• It develops a sense of solidarity and purpose within the companies,
• It strengthens the team’s dynamic around the core values of the company and identification with the company,
• Reinforces the social connections within the company,
• It reduces wastes and loss and increases capital,
• Creates a culture of innovation to increase competitiveness,
• Creates a positive aura strengthening the company’s image and reputation.