Corporate social responsibility in business isn’t just a do-gooders’ charter or latest example of regulatory overdrive. We’re talking about creating sustainable businesses through the best possible relationships with their communities and stakeholders.

 

The expectations of the traditional stakeholders – shareholders, customers, and employees are increasing and so, too, is the list of groups wanting to know how your organisation is run.

 

As a result, more and more companies are working harder not only to make a positive impact on society and the environment through their operations, products or services, but also to demonstrate it to these groups.

 

A comprehensive set of policies, practices and programmes incorporated throughout a business can increase productivity, contribute to competitiveness, improve staff recruitment and retention rates and create a more positive corporate image.

 

Unfortunately, many companies only use the responsible business approach as a risk management tool. This limits the benefits that could be achieved through focusing on opportunity rather than risk. Socially responsible business is not about restricting business growth; it’s about creating new opportunities, the better way of doing business.