Why Corporate Social Responsibility Is So Important

By Sebastian Troup


In 2013, many companies are examining exactly how effective their branding is and how they are perceived by their customers and the general public. With all else being equal, companies that take an active role in promoting their corporate social responsibility programs are generally viewed more favorably than those that do not have highly visible programs. Having goals and a vision for your company that go beyond products and profits definitely provides a warmer image of your business that consumers will be more eager to engage with.

Corporate social responsibility, or CSR, exists in two different forms. One type of CSR exists when companies fund or provide resources for various social endeavors, such as donating money to a charity or enlisting employees to help out with a charitable cause. This is certainly worthwhile, and when people think about active CSR, this is the image that generally springs to mind. However, you can certainly expand your CSR and create a detailed plan that touches every part of your operation, such as ensuring that the materials you use in production are safe for people and the environment. Creating a corporate plan that helps the environment and reduces your carbon footprint might be another goal. Creating jobs and improving local or international economies is another goal you might set in your CSR plan.

The most successful corporate social responsibility programs integrate these two types of CSR together to show a true commitment to a cause. For example, a company that uses sustainable materials in their products, donates financial resources to environmental causes, and allows employees to take paid time off for volunteering at environmental charities would be showing a true commitment to the environment that goes beyond any single CSR initiative.

The prevalence and impact of social media cannot be brushed aside, and this is a huge part of any company's perception by the public. When your CSR programs are in place, using social media is an excellent way to quickly and effectively provide a positive public relations outlet. This improves your branding and also allows your target audience to truly interact with your company in a way that moves beyond simply buying your products or using your services.

Never underestimate the impact of positive public relations. Using PR is an outstanding way to build up your company's image and brand. Companies should consistently promote their charitable actions and endeavors through social media and traditional print media in order to ensure that their efforts are visible to the public.

Corporations that place an emphasis on corporate social responsibility typically have an easier experience when dealing with politicians and government regulators. In contrast, businesses that present a reckless disregard for social responsibility tend to find themselves fending off various inquiries and probes, often brought on at the insistence of public service organizations. The more positive the public perception is that a corporation takes social responsibility seriously, the less likely it is that activist groups will launch public campaigns and demand government inquiries against it.

Finally, one of the greatest benefits of promoting social responsibility in the workplace is the positive environment you build for your employees. When employees and management feel they are working for a company that has a true conscience, they will likely be more enthusiastic and engaged in their jobs. This can build a sense of community and teamwork which brings everyone together and leads to happier, more productive employees.




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