Whatever you want to call it - responsible business practice, corporate social responsibility, ethical business - we've reached the point where almost everyone is talking about this major business issue either in its broadest sense or an element of it.

 

In our book, it's about being proactive and managing stakeholder relationships ethically. But, to give you a rounded perspective, here are just a few other definitions from organisations with a vested interest in the matter.

 

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) urges companies to co-ordinate their activities and demonstrate their commitment to corporate social responsibility. Effective CSR depends on being seen as important throughout an organisation - “delivery, not rhetoric, is the key to stakeholders developing trust in an organisation.”

 

According to the government website CSR.gov.uk, it's about how companies conduct their business in an ethical way, taking account of their impact economically, socially, environmentally and in terms of human rights. This moves beyond traditional business stakeholders such as shareholders or local suppliers.

 

Meanwhile, in the words of responsible businesses membership organisation Business in the Community, it's the way in which companies respond to the full range of social and environmental factors.