Integrating responsible business

Building responsible business, a term sometimes referred to as corporate social responsibility (CSR),  into the ‘DNA’ of a company calls for the effective communication of a company’s strategy, values and principles. This will determine how ia company operates and ensures that its employees meet the highest standards.

Since a business is judged by its actions, and by its response to claims that its actions may be unethical, it is critical that:

  • clear internal communication ensures employees know what is acceptable business behaviour
  • procedures exist to support this understanding and ensure employees meet company requirements
  • performance management and reward systems support these behaviours
  • appropriate training and development is provided so that everyone from board-room to post-room understands what’s expected of them
  •  performance is effectively reported.

The level of integration is also reflected in how a company consults with its key stakeholders. This stakeholder dialogue can contribute to long-term business success by supporting decision making, enhancing performance and improving stakeholder relations.

It is also essential that the wider impacts and risks are considered when strategic business decisions are made. 

Values & Principles

If the purpose of responsible business or corporate social responsibility (CSR) values and principles is to influence how a business operates with respect to its different stakeholders then it is essential that they are effectively communicated and understood throughout the organisation. 

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Performance management and training & development

Including objectives and targets in the performance appraisal system promotes the integration of corporate responsibility issues throughout an organisation.  

Likewise, training and development can help increase employees’ understanding of what corporate responsibility means for the business, which in turn should mean that decisions can be made with greater knowledge of the risks and opportunities for the business. 

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Stakeholder dialogue

Consulting with stakeholders enables a company to understand and deal with the issues that matter to the parts of society that it affects.  When done effectively, it can contribute to long-term business success.

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Strategic desicion making

If corporate social responsibility (CSR) is to go to the heart of the business process then it is essential, when key business decisions are being made, that the wider impacts of the decision are considered.

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See also