Implementing CSR in Organizations

Discussion: Implementing CSR in Organizations

The decision to pursue CSR may originate from different sources in an organization. It may be a top-down directive from a company’s board; it may be a bottom-up, grassroots idea that comes from employees; it may be legally mandated. Regardless of the source, it takes careful thought and planning to choose the right approach and the specific initiatives that are a best fit for the organization. Over the years, multiple models have been developed to help an organization choose a CSR approach that best fits its unique characteristics and circumstances. Another approach is benchmarking, looking at how other similar companies are approaching CSR. Regardless of the approach that is chosen, there must be a strong commitment to CSR within the organization. A failed CSR strategy or initiative can be disastrous—attracting unwanted attention, negative publicity, and even legal sanctions.

For this Discussion, use the Walden Library and/or search the Web to find an organization that has successfully implemented CSR.

Describe the organization including name, industry sector, size, public vs. private, and for-profit vs. non-profit.

Evaluate the CSR approach of the organization against Carroll’s pyramid of corporate social responsibility:

1- Is there broad coverage of CSR initiatives in the organization? Explain and provide an example.

2-What evidence exists that the organization is fully committed to CSR? Provide an example.

3-How does the organization monitor and track the progress and success of its CSR initiatives?

4- What processes are in place to continuously improve CSR in the organization?   

Required Readings:

Project Management Institute. (2017). A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK® Guide). Sixth edition. Newtown Square, PA: Author.
Chapter 4, “Project Integration Management”
Section 4.1, “Develop Project Charter” (pp. 75–81)
This section of the PMBOK (PMBOK® Guide) describes the process for developing a project charter including the recommended content.
 

Carroll, A. B. (1991). The pyramid of corporate social responsibility: Toward the moral management of organizational stakeholders. Business Horizons, 34(4), 39–48.
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.
 
Our current understanding of CSR derives from the seminal work of Archie Carroll, a professor of management and well-known researcher and author in the areas of CSR, business ethics, and stakeholders.
 

Hohnen, P. (2007). Corporate social responsibility: An implementation guide for business. Retrieved from
Part 2, “Implementing Corporate Social Responsibility” (pp. 18–75)
This section of the guide explains the steps organizations should take to create a CSR strategy, gain commitment to implement it, monitor and track progress, and continuously improve the processes.

Kang, K. H., Lee, S., & Yoo, C. (2016). The effect of national culture on corporate social responsibility in the hospitality industry. International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, 28(8), 1728–1758.
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.
 
In this article, the authors discuss how culture may impact the way that CSR is perceived in the hospitality industry.
 

Khurana, K., & Ricchetti, M. (2016). Two decades of sustainable supply chain management in the fashion business, an appraisal. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 20(1), 89–104.
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.
 
In this article, the authors discuss the history, evolution, and current state of CSR practices in the fashion industry.
 

Kirat, M. (2015). Corporate social responsibility in the oil and gas industry in Qatar perceptions and practices. Public Relations Review, 41(4), 438–446.
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.
 
In this article, the author provides an overview of the CSR efforts by the government and non-governmental entities in Qatar to increase awareness and coverage of social responsibility in the oil and gas industry.

Vyas, A. (2015). Corporate social responsibility: Contribution of the automobile giants to the social cause. Productivity, 56(3), 259–266.
Note: You will access this article from the Walden Library databases.
 
In this article, the author describes some of the socially oriented initiatives of automotive manufacturers in India.