Corporate Social Responsibility

"Corporate Social Responsibility is the continuing commitment by businesses to

behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the
quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the local community
and society at large"
On the other hand, the European Commission hedges its bets with two definitions
wrapped into one: "A concept whereby companies decide voluntarily to contribute
to a better society and a cleaner environment. A concept whereby companies
integrate, social, and environmental concerns in their business operations and in
their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis".
The concept of international social responsibility is being practiced all over
countries and the global environment. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a
concept that frequently overlaps with similar approaches such as corporate
sustainability, corporate sustainable development, corporate responsibility, and
corporate citizenship. While CSR does not have a universal definition, many see it
as the private sectors way of integrating the economic, social, and environmental
imperatives of their activities. As such, CSR closely resembles the business pursuit
of sustainable development and the triple bottom line. In addition to integration
into corporate structures and processes, CSR also frequently involves creating
innovative and proactive solutions to societal and environmental challenges, as
well as collaborating with both internal and external stakeholders to improve CSR
performance. It is a way of staying competitive on the market both as a company
and around the globe. For example we can look at a local supermarket chain and
its efforts to be socially responsible.
Super J has collaborated with the St. Lucia Banana Corporation in order to give
back to the farmers in St. Lucia. Every quarter Super J would host a farmers
awards to top farmers of the banana and vegetable industry. This in effect will
mobilized farmers that yes they can get a market for their vegetables with Super J
and farmers will also be frequenting the supermarkets even to shop, thereby
maximizing profits for both Super J and helping the farmers socially. This as a
matter fact is a marketing strategy for Super J.
On the international scene, international social responsibility, is a critical issue
where economic and social decisions have to be made. There must be a level of
planning and control within the organization where social responsibility is concern.

Before social responsibility became important in an organization, maximizing

profits was the most important goal of any good marketer. Now companies should
anticipate and try to solve problems in society. International corporations presently
is being criticized less due to a greater emphasis on being socially responsible
especially in the host country. Another example is the Irish Company Digicel
where this telecommunications company is fueling a lot of money in society
sponsoring major community and other important events such as international
cricket and Jazz.
Reference - Deresky,H.(2008). International management: Managing Across Borders and
Cultures, 6th Edition
Written by Theresa Jn Baptiste