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Definition of CSR
Definition of CSR
Despite acceptance of the term CSR, a universally agreed definition does not exist. On the one hand, debate has been generated as to the most suitable term: Corporate Social Responsibility, Social Responsibility in Enterprises, Social Responsibility in Organizations, etc. In the MANGO Chair we use the term CSR, because it is the most common, and because enterprises and their responsible behaviour are our main focus of attention. However, we are convinced that social responsibility – seen as responsibility in the eyes of society – is a concept that can be applied to, and demanded of, any organization.
On the other hand, different public and private organisms have put forward their own definitions for business responsibility (see Chart 1). Generally speaking, these definitions refer to the set of legal and ethical obligations and commitments stemming from the impact of business activity on the social, working and environmental fields, and on human rights. In this respect, CSR does not only refer to compliance with the national and international standards in force, but also to the active, voluntary contribution of companies to economic, social and environmental development. Specifically, the model of the socially responsible enterprise requires the expectations of different interest groups or stakeholders (like employees, clients, suppliers and the community where it operates, amongst others) to be met. Ultimately, the CSR concept refers to the role played by companies in society, and to the responsibilities they should undertake concerning sustainable development.
Chart 1: Some definitions of CSR
“Corporate Social Responsibility is the continuing commitment by business to contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the community and society at large.”
“A concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis.”
“Social Responsibility in Enterprises is, besides the strict compliance with the legal duties in force, the voluntary inclusion in its governance and management, in its strategy, policies and procedures, of the social, work-related and environmental concerns, as well as those concerning the respect to human rights that arise in the transparent relationship and dialogue with its stakeholders, in this way taking on the responsibility for the consequences and impacts of its actions. An enterprise is socially responsible when it satisfactorily answers to the expectations of the different stakeholders in its operation.”
“Corporate Social Responsibility is a voluntary commitment by companies from their social composition to develop society and preserve the environment and responsible behaviour towards persons or social groups with whom they interact. Such social responsibility focuses on satisfying the needs of interest groups by means of specific strategies, whose results must be appropriately measured, verified and notified. Hence, social responsibility goes beyond merely complying with legally established regulations and securing exclusively economic results in the short term. It implies a strategic-type approach affecting decision-making and operations throughout the organisation, creating long-term value and significantly contributing to securing long-lasting competitive advantages.”
“Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is the way enterprises manage their businesses, taking into account the impact that all aspects of their activities generate on their clients, employees, shareholders, local communities, the environment, and on society at large. This involves compulsory compliance with national and international laws in the social, work-related, environmental field as well as those concerning human rights, and any other voluntary action that the company may undertake to improve the quality of life of its workforce, the community in which it operates, and society at large.” |
From the MANGO Chair, we understand CSR as the commitment to behave ethically in the relationship with stakeholders and to be concerned about the economic, social and environmental impacts of the activity that is being carried out. Rather than proposing an accurate definition of CSR, we believe that it is a conceptual framework that leads to the consideration and subsequent integration of the economic, social and environmental aspects in business strategies and decisions. The kind of social responsibility to be implemented by companies varies in relation to many parameters, amongst others, the sector in which the activity takes place, the size, or the geographical areas where the enterprise operates.