Social Responsibility CSR Corporate Social Responsibility

Social Responsibility

CSR Corporate Social Responsibility • Have you ever wondered if anyone or any thing was harmed during the production of items you use every day?

• How can you make sure the companies you work for / buy from demonstrate ethical practices? • How can you contribute to making the world a better place?

Forms of CSR • • • Making charitable donations Treating employees ethically Being Environmentally conscious Sponsoring local sports teams Creating and promoting diverse workplaces

Benefits of CSR • ‘PR’ – Marketing • Not having to comply with legislation • Attract better employees • Being socially responsible!

Criticisms of CSR • Costs companies money! – Milton Friedman – ‘Companies that are socially responsible are stealing from their shareholders. ’ • Good CSR can distract the public from real problems. (Smoking, Pollution, etc. )

Careers in CSR Many companies focus on: -human rights programs -reputation management -environmental risk

SRI • Socially Responsible Investing • aka: Ethical Investing ?

Phillip Morris

Roots Canada Inc. • Has a strong reputation for CSR • High standards in both Canadian and International production facilities. • Code of conduct: all workers be respected. • Roots has a third party audit the safety and health conditions of ALL its suppliers.

Making a list…. • Brainstorm a list of five companies that you feel are socially responsible. • What makes each company socially responsible? » To help, take a look at the following list: » http: //www 2. macleans. ca/2009/06/18/jantzi-macleans -50 -most-socially-responsible-corporations/

Business Ethics • are the personal or professional guidelines (values) that individuals and management follow to make decisions for their company. – ie. Code of Ethics / Code of Conduct » Against Juvenile Labour » Allow worker unions » Antidiscrimination

Ethical Dilemma • When values conflict! – Need to make a living, support your family! (Need to stretch your $$) » vs. – Does your employer have ‘questionable’ practices? (What does buying those products imply? )

Global Ethics • For companies with a global focus, ethical decisions are more complex. • Do values vary from country to country?

Ethical Imperialism • Certain values should apply across all cultures and borders. ex. – Women should be able to wear what they want, without fear of persecution. – Women should be able to vote.

Cultural Relativism • The values of different cultures should be respected. Ex. – Traditional dress should be respected. – Don’t enact a code of ethics that counteracts local custom / values.

Ethical Imperialism vs. Cultural Relativism

Ethical Imperialism Cultural Relativism * please copy this *

Activity • You are in a foreign country negotiating an important contract that is worth $5 million for your company. • A man who is handling the negotiations asks you for a $15, 000 bribe to ensure your company gets this contract. • You know that bribes are common in this country but illegal in Canada. » Use ‘Ethical Imperialism’ to determine what you would do. » Use ‘Cultural Relativism’ to determine what you would do. » Would you pay the bribe? Why or why not?

CSR Policy

• 1: Male and female workers will be paid in accordance with the customs and culture of that area in order to avoid conflict or disruption to local norms. or • 2: All workers, regardless of gender, shall be paid a minimum wage of $4 per hour. or • 3: Workers will be paid in accordance with local laws and customs with a minimum wage rate of $3 per hour. Ethical Imperialism 2 3 1 Cultural Relativism

Small Groups - Chart How could you be socially responsible as an international company? (Let’s say you were hired as the VP of CSR at Wal-Mart. ) - give at least five policies you would have.