The Importance of Genuine CSR Initiatives
Companies should have a strategy for CSR, but before that, they should have the intent of CSR. There are a few companies that just ask their employees to stand at the signal with placards, preaching to others about following traffic rules. They then make a big story out of it and ensure it is published in the media. I really don't see much intent in such initiatives. Recently, I requested a fellow HR professional to bring to the notice of their MD an initiative for supporting a cause for a blind girls' school. However, I am still waiting for a response. Such organizations are not sensitive about their employee issues; it is unlikely that they would respond to society. They see cost in every initiative and don't have the vision of seeing ROI on such initiatives. These companies don't even bother with Level 1 CSR.
I see CSR as an employee engagement initiative as well, connecting to their own values and society. Hence, I think CSR initiatives should have an impact on society and should be long-term. Employees will not be fascinated by participating in marches, distributing sweets, or standing at the signal; they want a more concrete CSR intent from the company.
Examples of Effective CSR
Bill Gates and Warren Buffet are foreign examples, but recently Azim Premji donated 2.3 billion dollars for educational purposes, and this requires courage. (Azim Premji Donates $2.3 Billion After Signing Giving Pledge - Forbes). Of course, this is not the first time he is doing this, and his foundation is doing well from a Level 3 CSR perspective. He is really making an impact on society. Of course, employees in the organization must be proud to work with Wipro.
In another example, the Tata Group has been involved in all levels of CSR. Infosys is doing well.
Pride in CSR Activities
I am personally proud of the CSR activities of Royal DSM. DSM has a strong association with the World Food Programme of the United Nations. This global initiative is going well, and DSM is making an impact on the third world. (DSM - Sustainability - World Food Programme <link updated to site home> (Search On Cite | Search On Google)). They are doing well in India as well. There are examples at all levels, like supporting blind girls at Alandi, near Pune. (DSM's CSR initiative towards Jagruti School of Blind Girls <link updated to site home> (Search On Cite | Search On Google)), building a school for underprivileged children at a village near Pune (Swiss co, Indian partner help school in Kusgaon - Mumbai - DNA) are some examples of what they are doing in India.
The Value of Giving
Our value system is very strong; we are taught that we should share some part of our earnings with society. "If you give, you get more" is the feeling behind this. Employees relate this learning and value system to their own organization. I have seen huge contributions from employees (without asking) for such projects. They are ready to give money and time for such activities, and believe me, this makes them proud.
If you want to see your employees engaged and want to give them a feeling of pride, just have a look at your CSR intent.
You can also see this article on Vinod Bidwaik: CSR Intent
Regards,
Vinod Bidwaik
From India, Pune
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124Companies should have a strategy for CSR, but before that, they should have the intent of CSR. There are a few companies that just ask their employees to stand at the signal with placards, preaching to others about following traffic rules. They then make a big story out of it and ensure it is published in the media. I really don't see much intent in such initiatives. Recently, I requested a fellow HR professional to bring to the notice of their MD an initiative for supporting a cause for a blind girls' school. However, I am still waiting for a response. Such organizations are not sensitive about their employee issues; it is unlikely that they would respond to society. They see cost in every initiative and don't have the vision of seeing ROI on such initiatives. These companies don't even bother with Level 1 CSR.
I see CSR as an employee engagement initiative as well, connecting to their own values and society. Hence, I think CSR initiatives should have an impact on society and should be long-term. Employees will not be fascinated by participating in marches, distributing sweets, or standing at the signal; they want a more concrete CSR intent from the company.
Examples of Effective CSR
Bill Gates and Warren Buffet are foreign examples, but recently Azim Premji donated 2.3 billion dollars for educational purposes, and this requires courage. (Azim Premji Donates $2.3 Billion After Signing Giving Pledge - Forbes). Of course, this is not the first time he is doing this, and his foundation is doing well from a Level 3 CSR perspective. He is really making an impact on society. Of course, employees in the organization must be proud to work with Wipro.
In another example, the Tata Group has been involved in all levels of CSR. Infosys is doing well.
Pride in CSR Activities
I am personally proud of the CSR activities of Royal DSM. DSM has a strong association with the World Food Programme of the United Nations. This global initiative is going well, and DSM is making an impact on the third world. (DSM - Sustainability - World Food Programme <link updated to site home> (Search On Cite | Search On Google)). They are doing well in India as well. There are examples at all levels, like supporting blind girls at Alandi, near Pune. (DSM's CSR initiative towards Jagruti School of Blind Girls <link updated to site home> (Search On Cite | Search On Google)), building a school for underprivileged children at a village near Pune (Swiss co, Indian partner help school in Kusgaon - Mumbai - DNA) are some examples of what they are doing in India.
The Value of Giving
Our value system is very strong; we are taught that we should share some part of our earnings with society. "If you give, you get more" is the feeling behind this. Employees relate this learning and value system to their own organization. I have seen huge contributions from employees (without asking) for such projects. They are ready to give money and time for such activities, and believe me, this makes them proud.
If you want to see your employees engaged and want to give them a feeling of pride, just have a look at your CSR intent.
You can also see this article on Vinod Bidwaik: CSR Intent
Regards,
Vinod Bidwaik
From India, Pune
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Interesting! I attended a CSR Master Class by Dr. Wayne Visser, an author of nine books on CSR. He is a think tank and a professor at Cambridge University. He shared that CSR isn't about philanthropy but about the various ways businesses contribute to society through their responsible revenue streams. It begins with the idea of making money while remaining responsible to foster development. The Grameen Bank serves as a prime example of this theory, with a business model designed to advance the economy.
Here's where I blogged about what I learned at the Master Class: [CSR - Human Edge](https://www.citeman.com/9477-corporate-social-responsiblity-the-human-edge.html)
From India, Mumbai
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Here's where I blogged about what I learned at the Master Class: [CSR - Human Edge](https://www.citeman.com/9477-corporate-social-responsiblity-the-human-edge.html)
From India, Mumbai
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Social responsibility lecture.pdf
Employee Engagement Study.doc