Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a term used to describe the concept of an organisation taking responsibility for the social and environmental impact of their business activities.

There are many reasons why companies implement CSR programmes, although ironically these are almost always driven by purely commercial motives.

Amongst other things, many employers view CSR as an aid for recruitment and employee retention (particularly for graduate recruitment). Companies believe that people prefer working for companies with more developed CSR programmes and attitudes towards sustainability, and consequently use these in recruitment marketing campaigns and job adverts.

Criticisms of CSR

The implementation of CSR prgrammes is usually guided by commercial interests alone. Consequently, many people have criticised companies for using CSR as a gimick to attract employees or media attention. In particular, companies have been criticised for over-marketing the extent of their CSR programmes, which in reality are often very limited.

Another concern is when companies claim to promote CSR and be committed to sustainable development whilst simultaneously engaging in harmful business practices, such as BAE Systems. This global arms and ammunition manufacturer simultaneously provides weapons to conflicts all around the world, whilst promoting their CSR programme, which involves employees spending one half-day a month helping at a local charitable organisation.

Further Information

Watch this video with KPMG's Head of Corporate Citizenship gicing tips on CSR for students and graduates.

Also see articles on - Human Resources (HR), Internships, or ask questions about CSR on the WikiJob forums.