Social Responsibility

CSR Corporate Social Responsibility Have you ever wondered if anyone or any thing was harmed during the production of items you use every day?

How can you make sure the companies you work for / buy from demonstrate ethical practices? How can you contribute to making the world a better place?

Forms of CSR Making charitable donations Treating employees ethically Being Environmentally conscious Sponsoring local sports teams Creating and promoting diverse workplaces

Benefits of CSR ‘PR’ – Marketing Not having to comply with legislation Attract better employees Being socially responsible!

Criticisms of CSR Costs companies money! Milton Friedman – ‘Companies that are socially responsible are stealing from their shareholders.’ Good CSR can distract the public from real problems. (Smoking, Pollution, etc.)

Careers in CSR Many companies focus on: -human rights programs -reputation management -environmental risk

SRI Socially Responsible Investing aka: Ethical Investing ?

Phillip Morris

Roots Canada Inc. Has a strong reputation for CSR High standards in both Canadian and International production facilities. Code of conduct: all workers be respected. Roots has a third party audit the safety and health conditions of ALL its suppliers.

Making a list…. Brainstorm a list of five companies that you feel are socially responsible. What makes each company socially responsible? To help, take a look at the following list: http://www2.macleans.ca/2009/06/18/jantzi-macleans-50-most-socially-responsible-corporations/

Business Ethics are the personal or professional guidelines (values) that individuals and management follow to make decisions for their company. ie. Code of Ethics / Code of Conduct Against Juvenile Labour Allow worker unions Antidiscrimination

Ethical Dilemma When values conflict! Need to make a living, support your family! (Need to stretch your $$) vs. Does your employer have ‘questionable’ practices? (What does buying those products imply?)

Beetles in your juice?

Global Ethics For companies with a global focus, ethical decisions are more complex. Do values vary from country to country?

Ethical Imperialism Certain values should apply across all cultures and borders. ex. Women should be able to wear what they want, without fear of persecution. Women should be able to vote.

Cultural Relativism The values of different cultures should be respected. Ex. Traditional dress should be respected. Don’t enact a code of ethics that counteracts local custom / values.

Ethical Imperialism vs. Cultural Relativism

Ethical Imperialism Cultural Relativism * please copy this *

Activity You are in a foreign country negotiating an important contract that is worth $5 million for your company. A man who is handling the negotiations asks you for a $15,000 brige to ensure your company gets this contract. You know that bribes are common in this country but illegal in Canada. Use ‘Ethical Imperialism’ to determine what you would do. Use ‘Cultural Relativism’ to determine what you would do. Would you pay the bribe? Why or why not?

CSR Policy

1: Male and female workers will be paid in accordance with the customs and culture of that area in order to avoid conflict or disruption to local norms. or 2: All workers, regardless of gender, shall be paid a minimum wage of $4 per hour. 3: Workers will be paid in accordance with local laws and customs with a minimum wage rate of $3 per hour. 1 2 3 Ethical Imperialism Cultural Relativism

1: Male and female workers will be paid in accordance with the customs and culture of that area in order to avoid conflict or disruption to local norms. or 2: All workers, regardless of gender, shall be paid a minimum wage of $4 per hour. 3: Workers will be paid in accordance with local laws and customs with a minimum wage rate of $3 per hour. 1 2 3 Ethical Imperialism Cultural Relativism

1: Male and female workers will be paid in accordance with the customs and culture of that area in order to avoid conflict or disruption to local norms. or 2: All workers, regardless of gender, shall be paid a minimum wage of $4 per hour. 3: Workers will be paid in accordance with local laws and customs with a minimum wage rate of $3 per hour. 1 2 3 Ethical Imperialism Cultural Relativism

1: Male and female workers will be paid in accordance with the customs and culture of that area in order to avoid conflict or disruption to local norms. or 2: All workers, regardless of gender, shall be paid a minimum wage of $4 per hour. 3: Workers will be paid in accordance with local laws and customs with a minimum wage rate of $3 per hour. 1 2 3 Ethical Imperialism Cultural Relativism

(Let’s say you were hired as the VP of CSR at Wal-Mart.) Small Groups - Chart How could you be socially responsible as an international company? (Let’s say you were hired as the VP of CSR at Wal-Mart.) - give at least five policies you would have. - number these policies. - at the bottom of your chart, draw a spectrum for Ethical Imperialism and Cultural Relativism. - Place your policy numbers along the spectrum.