Corporate Social Responsibility (often known by its acronym, CSR) is one of the hottest topics in communications and a phenomenon that is increasingly taking hold in today's organizations... is it here to stay?
Although "International Earth Day" is celebrated on April 22nd, a well-known North American hypermarket chain launched a month-long global media campaign to promote its environmental initiatives and encourage consumers to purchase sustainable products and other "environmentally friendly" habits. However, let's not make the mistake of believing this is a reality exclusive to large corporations: more and more SMEs in our country are developing and implementing CSR programs, aware of the social role they play and the benefits these programs bring to the company. But before continuing, let's clarify a few points:
What is Corporate Social Responsibility?
For the International Labour Organization (ILO) Corporate Social Responsibility is the A set of voluntary actions that companies take into consideration so that their activities have positive impacts on society and that affirm the principles and values by which they are governed, both in their own internal methods and processes and in their relationship with other actors. Their voluntary nature differentiates them from actions that companies are required to take, for example, due to legal requirements (complying with current regulations regarding environmental safety or labor contracts is not a CSR action, but rather an obligation).
Corporate Social Responsibility is a business approach (a way of conceptualizing its role within a given society) and is therefore a set of policies, practices, and programs that are integrated into the entire business operations and decision-making process. CSR is based on business ethics, but it goes beyond the mere formulation of values and ethical principles: it is the implementation of business ethics, associated with strategic commercial objectives.
What is the reason for your current “success”?
Companies have realized that these practices create a positive image for the company and increase its productivity.
As?
At an internal level, we can explain its consequences with the following hypothesis: “ I work for a company that cares about my well-being and that of the society in which I live with my family. I sense that their interest is sincere (it goes beyond what their obligations dictate). This makes me feel good because I'm considered a well-rounded person (not just in my "productive" aspect), and it motivates me to work because I also feel we share a common and transcendental goal (and this is further enhanced if I can participate and collaborate directly).
Externally, it improves the company's perception (it helps us build a good reputation, a key factor in crisis prevention) and, in some cases, is an effective tool for increasing customer loyalty. It can even serve as a means of accessing certain markets.
Now, these are just side effects… The central benefit of CSR is its potential positive impact on society, the economy, and the environment. It's clear in this sense that business and society are interdependent: if we help improve our environment, we are the main beneficiaries… or are our organizations closed systems? Aren't we the ones who benefit from a healthier society, with better education, more deeply rooted values, better habits, a safer, more economically stable society? If we truly realize this, then yes: CSR is here to stay!
I look forward to your opinions…
