Importance of Corporate Social Responsibility

Adopting CSR Leads to Increased Business Efficiency

In case corporations need some convincing to be done to adopt CSR, the model proposed by Young and Tilley (2006) where they list six criteria for corporate sustainability that not only contributes to the social responsibilities of the business but also improves the business efficiency. The latter if presented in a convincing manner would appeal…

The Practice of CSR around the World

The last article dealt with how Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) evolved from its early beginnings in the 1950’s to a full-fledged business imperative by the second decade of the 21st century. If we turn our gaze to the geographical evolution of the concept i.e. the way in which businesses in different regions across the world…

CSR and Corporate Governance: Two Sides of the Same Coin

In previous articles, we discussed how effective corporate governance is essential for a well functioning economy and how the practice of good corporate governance is the lubricant that greases the machine of the corporate world. We had also discussed how the practice of corporate social responsibility or CSR is a step in the direction of…

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Corporate social responsibility allows organizations to do their bit for the society, environment, customers or for that matter stake holders.

Let us go through the importance of corporate social responsibility.

The term corporate social responsibility gives a chance to all the employees of an organization to contribute towards the society, environment, country and so on. We all live for ourselves but trust me living for others and doing something for them is a different feeling altogether.

Bringing a smile to people’s life just because your organization has pledged to educate the poor children of a particular village not only gives a sense of inner satisfaction but also pride and contentment. One should never forget the importance of society and environment in our lives.

It is indeed high time when we also start thinking about people around us who are less privileged and fortunate than us. Corporate social responsibility gives an opportunity to organizations to work towards the betterment of the society and make it a better place to live.

Corporate social responsibility goes a long way in creating a positive word of mouth for the organization on the whole. Doing something for your society, stake holders, customers would not only take your business to a higher level but also ensure long term growth and success.

Corporate social responsibility plays a crucial role in making your brand popular not only among your competitors but also media, other organizations and most importantly people who are your direct customers.

People develop a positive feeling for a brand which takes the initiative of educating poor children, planting more trees for a greener environment, bringing electricity to a village, providing employment to people and so on. You really do not have to invest much in corporate social responsibility activities.

Do not undertake CSR activities only to gain publicity but because you believe in the cause. There are many organizations which tap remote villages, some of which are even unheard as an initiative of corporate social responsibility.

Corporate social responsibility also gives employees a feeling of unparalleled happiness. Believe me, employees take pride in educating poor people or children who cannot afford to go to regular schools and receive formal education.

CSR activities strengthen the bond among employees. People develop a habit of working together as a single unit to help others.Infact they start enjoying work together and also become good friends in due course of time. They also develop a sense of loyalty and attachment towards their organization which is at least thinking for the society. Who does not like to work with an organization where management is kind enough to take out time for the society and contribute in their own small way?

Ask yourselves, when is the last time you did something for your society, customers, stake holders or environment? Corporate social responsibility also goes a long way in building a positive image of the brand. Trust me, your brand becomes a “common man’s brand”. People start believing in the brand and nothing can help you more than your customers trusting you and your brand. Positive word of mouth eventually helps to generate more revenues for the organization.

In today’s scenario of cut throat competition, everyone is so occupied in chasing targets and handling the pressure at workplace that we actually forget that there is a world around us as well. Have you ever thought about those who can’t even afford proper meal twice a day?

If you can take some time out of your busy schedule, please try to visit a village once. You would be surprised to see how people manage their lives there. Corporate social responsibility in a way also plays a crucial role in the progress of the society, which would at the end of the day benefit us only.

Article Written by

Malvika Mishra

Malvika Mishra is an accomplished HR Business Consultant and Learning & Development specialist with over a decade of experience spanning organizational development, leadership training, and content creation. She holds an MBA and a Post Graduate Diploma in Guidance & Counselling, enabling her to combine business acumen with a deeply people-centric approach. Her work focuses on management practices, corporate governance, diversity & inclusion, and preventive mental wellness as a critical organizational capability. Malvika is known for bridging academic rigor with real-world workplace application.