Having worked in the business and social service arena for almost two decades, it had become clear to me that the business and commercial industry is filled with corruption and unhealthy practices, which has transcended even in the social services sector. There are organisations that have predatory business practices but donate to the CSR and charity sector, and there are NGO’s and social service organizations who profess similar attitude and employ the same predatory operation models. Thereby creating a malignant social atmosphere that may fulfill people’s requirements but end up promoting unethical practices which create the very deplorable condition they fight to uproot. and creating a cyclic disturbing social scenario.
Having said the above, we at Crowdteck.com will not highlight them or any such organisations.
Crowdteck is nonprofit e-magazine focusing on the special people in crowd, they are innovators supporting the masses in their hour of need. We are here to highlight the good men, women and corporations working for good.
We feel instead of giving the spotlight to the filth, we need to shed a focus to the activities of progressive, innovative humanitarian and socially responsible individuals that go unnoticed because of the noise created by the negativity around us. Very few corporations have the courage and logical understanding that giving back to the community is not only a progressive humanitarian attitude, it is also good for business in the long run. Henry David Thoreauan American writer once said, ” Goodness is the only investment that never fails”, and rightly so.
The establishment of a CSR strategy (sometimes referred to as a sustainability strategy) is a crucial component of a company’s competitiveness that should be led by the firm itself. This means having policies and procedures in place which integrate social, environmental, ethical, human rights or consumer concerns into business operations and core strategy – all in close collaboration with stakeholders. International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) outlines what it considers to be the six key components which go towards a coherent CSR plan:
- CSR Assessment;
- CSR Strategy;
- CSR Commitments;
- Implementation Plan and Actions;
- Verification and Evaluation of Results, and
- “Perhaps most important, however, is an underlying commitment to multi-stakeholder engagement as a foundational pillar to any credible CSR program. CSR is fundamentally about ensuring that companies forward broader public objectives as an integral part of their daily activities and this can only be ensured with the appropriate communication channels with stakeholders.
As far as religious perspective is concerned,
- In Christianity, God has a heart for the poor and the needy (Dt 10:17-18; Zech 7:9-10; Mt 19:21; Rom 12:12-13). He wants us to take care of those who are in need.
- In Hinduism, Hindu tenets of Dharma and Karma execute their social responsibility in religious institutions and modern corporate houses in promoting Health for All
- Or especially in the case of Islam, where social responsibility and contributions can be voluntary for conventional financial institutions, corporations and individuals, it is a religious requirement for Islamically defined financial institutions and corporations. The USP of Shariah-based models or approach is an attitude of transition or evolution towards the halal or social responsibility in context. Some CSR-linked Muslim businessmen cleverly remark, “Make profit, but don’t forget the Prophet (peace be upon him)”!!
Although all major religions profess some sort of CSR infused business practice, the very secular nature of workplace has made it imperative that some sort of internationally approved socially responsible practice needs to be integrated with the business models, which can become a guiding tool for Corporations, SMEs, NGOs and individuals. Jim Owens, CEO of Caterpillar says that, “In the next decade, the most successful companies will be those that integrate sustainability into their core businesses.”
At present, the incorporation of CSR programmes by businesses on a fundamental level appears as prevalent as ever. It is yet to be seen whether companies have it within them to embrace a broad or multifaceted vision of CSR. While there are plenty of examples of companies using strong CSR performance as a brand-building and product marketing strategy, far too many corporate executives still rely on the old financial and hierarchical models of yesteryear as the basis of their own planning. We at Crowdteck.com will do our best to see to it that we can help the gems in our societies who go the extra mile to imbibe the tenets of humanity and social responsibility in their business, social, or personal operations should get the appropriate coverage and lime light so that others are guided and motivated to make similar operational targets. William Clay Ford Jr. Executive Chairman, Ford Motor Company once remarked,” Creating a strong business and building a better world are not conflicting goals – they are both essential ingredients for long-term success.”
Waseem Kazi,.
Editor-in- Chief.
Crowdteck.com
