The evolution of the Corporate Social Responsibility concept dates back to1953 when there was a publication of 'Social Responsibility of Businessmen', which posed the question 'what responsibilities to society can business people be reasonably expected to assume?' by Bowen (Corporate Sourcewatch, 2006) In the 60s and 70s the definition of the subject expanded which suggested that companies had certain responsibilities to society. The 90s saw CSR become an established industry with major companies such as Pricewaterhouse Coopers, KPMG and Burson Marsteller establishing CSR programmes in a bid to play a role of being responsible to the society.
CSR today has evolved into a much more respected and essential discipline for organisations whereby increasingly the organisations are taking responsibility for the impact of their activities on their stakeholders by voluntarily improving the quality of life of these stakeholders.
The answers as to why more organisations are adopting CSR strategies vary with some people arguing that organisations are interested enhancing their reputation and making more profit while others argue that some organisations do carry out CSR for purely philanthropic reasons.
From a business perspective CSR plays a significant role as it helps organisations ‘escape’ regulation and restriction from the government. Improved government relations means that organisations can enjoy trading without stringent regulatory measures. CSR in this case plays a significant role by ensuring a positive relationship between the organisation and the government.
Today’s media has become intrusive and can make or break the reputation of an organisation if not managed well. Most organisations therefore like to enhance their media relations by carrying out social responsibilities and inviting the media to cover some of their key activities.
In an era of cut throat competition in business; organisations are increasingly seeking a competitive edge in order to survive in the market. CSR is thus seen to provide a competitive advantage by shaping a favourable opinion from consumers.
Arguably CSR also helps strengthen brands. The continued association of CSR activity with certain brands helps strengthen the brand reputation and positioning in the market.
CSR today has evolved into a much more respected and essential discipline for organisations whereby increasingly the organisations are taking responsibility for the impact of their activities on their stakeholders by voluntarily improving the quality of life of these stakeholders.
The answers as to why more organisations are adopting CSR strategies vary with some people arguing that organisations are interested enhancing their reputation and making more profit while others argue that some organisations do carry out CSR for purely philanthropic reasons.
From a business perspective CSR plays a significant role as it helps organisations ‘escape’ regulation and restriction from the government. Improved government relations means that organisations can enjoy trading without stringent regulatory measures. CSR in this case plays a significant role by ensuring a positive relationship between the organisation and the government.
Today’s media has become intrusive and can make or break the reputation of an organisation if not managed well. Most organisations therefore like to enhance their media relations by carrying out social responsibilities and inviting the media to cover some of their key activities.
In an era of cut throat competition in business; organisations are increasingly seeking a competitive edge in order to survive in the market. CSR is thus seen to provide a competitive advantage by shaping a favourable opinion from consumers.
Arguably CSR also helps strengthen brands. The continued association of CSR activity with certain brands helps strengthen the brand reputation and positioning in the market.
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