Understanding CSR for HR Interns: Can You Explain It Simply?

I am an HR intern, a fresher in the domain. I have come across the term CSR a lot. I need a good understanding of it. Please help, fellas.

Understanding Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

CSR, i.e., Corporate Social Responsibility, is a concept where every citizen has a responsibility towards the society where they live. To improve living conditions and enhance the status of society, one must contribute. This contribution can be financial or non-monetary. For example, a person can teach school subjects free of charge to children in the vicinity, educate about good hygiene and habits, or organize daily games and fitness programs for the community's benefit.

Similarly, all corporate companies have a responsibility to care for the areas where they have established their presence. Despite the costs involved for the company, the local population will benefit, and in times of need, the community will come forward to resolve any issues the company may face.

The government has now implemented policies on CSR activities, mandating that all corporate companies allocate 0.5% to 2% of their profits for CSR programs.

Thank you.

I am not an expert on CSR. From what I have read and absorbed during discussions with professionals, I understand that corporations, in their race for wealth creation, were not, until recently, conscious of the impact of their business processes or industrial processes on society and the environment. They realized, or were probably made to realize by alert social movements, that they are part of a larger organization called society and share the same environment with society. Therefore, they cannot exist outside of society.

Understanding CSR

In layman's understanding, CSR refers to the concept that indicates all the efforts and initiatives made by corporations to evaluate the impact of their operations on society and the community in which they exist. These efforts aim to contribute to the welfare of the community and society so that both citizens and corporations can coexist peacefully. For example, a fertilizer factory that deals with chemical processes may pollute the environment with chemical emissions. As a result, the factory undertakes the responsibility to cleanse the environment by maintaining a green belt (growing plants and trees) in surrounding areas and installing an effluent cleaning system in the factory, among other measures.

Beyond Statutory Requirements

Corporate social responsibility may extend beyond statutory requirements. Some offices may adopt green architecture to maximize the use of sunlight and reduce energy consumption or launch educational initiatives for the underprivileged.

Hope this provides some understanding of CSR.

Regards,
B. Saikumar
In-House HR & IR Advisor

Understanding CSR

CSR stands for Corporate Social Responsibility, which means giving back to society.

Regards