CSRs: Are They Corporate Gimmicks or Genuine?
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- April 24, 2023
The other day I saw Kisumu County Governor Prof. Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o post about a health facility being put up the hills in Sinyolo. A high-end hotel in the area is doing a fantastic project, Ciala Resort (the facility’s name – is Ciala Hospital). I was impressed by such a community impact project by a corporate.
I asked myself, is this CSR or business? I hope it’s more of CSR, but if not, imagine if it was. It can be a great one. It got me thinking about the whole concept of CSR and its general standing in our communities.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to a company’s ethical and voluntary actions to improve the community’s well-being and the environment in which it operates. These actions may include philanthropy, community service, environmental sustainability, and ethical business practices.
It’s an essential aspect of a company’s reputation and brand image and is crucial in building stakeholder trust and credibility.
These corporate activities are often criticized as gimmicks or handouts intended only to improve the public image or meet legal requirements.
While some companies may engage in it solely for PR purposes, most are committed to positively impacting society and the environment. CSR initiatives can have significant impacts, such as reducing environmental pollution, promoting education, and creating job opportunities for disadvantaged groups.
However, the effectiveness of such initiatives is often debated. Some argue that companies should focus on their core business and maximize profits, leaving social issues to the government and civil society. Others believe that companies have a moral responsibility to address social and environmental challenges and that CSR is a way to fulfill that responsibility.
A CSR engagement must be well-conceptualized, created, and conducted to be effective. The program should align with the company’s core values and business objectives, be responsive to the needs and interests of the community, and be measurable and accountable. Companies should engage with stakeholders, including employees, customers, suppliers, and the community, to identify the most pressing social and environmental issues and to co-create solutions.
Sustainability is an essential aspect of CSR
Businesses that embrace sustainability principles are better positioned to create long-term value for their stakeholders and to contribute to a more equitable and prosperous society.
Sustainability involves balancing economic, social, and environmental considerations and ensuring that business practices are sustainable over the long term.
Initiatives that promote sustainability can include promoting healthy living, education for the needy, water provision, a clean environment, food security, conserving natural resources, and supporting sustainable agriculture.
For some entities, it may be for feel-good photo ops, and it ends there. Still, for the others that genuinely want to make a little difference with their community outreach programs, it’s the noblest and most appreciative gesture one can give to a community they do business in.
