1. Introduction to Corporate Social Responsibility

2. Introduction…
CSR covers the relationship between corporations and the societies with which they interact
It also includes the responsibilities that are inherent on both sides of these relationships.
CSR defines society in it’s widest sense
The literature on CSR and Sustainability, developed predominently in Europe, North America and UK : Corporate Philanthropy (1950’s) ; Public welfare

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In India : First Phase of Philanthropy ( ) : Trust and institutions for social and humanitarian purposes.
In 1912 : Sir Ratan Tata Foundation was set up in the London School of Economics (Department of Social Sciences).
G D Birla and J R D Tata developed the Bombay plan in
In 1982 : Tata foundation established scholarships for students who wanted to study overseas.

4. Definition of CSR has evolved over time – The global context
1987 : Sustainable Development – The Brundtland Report
1995: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)
2008: Social Innovation – Philis Jr., Deiglmeier Miller, Center for Social Innovation, Stanford Graduate School of Business
2011: Shared Value – Michael E. Porter and Mark R. Kramer, The Big Idea : Creating Shared Value, HBR ( DPE guidelines are based more on this )

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Despite the lack of a single definition, my own research has shown that by examining different definitions from around the world, it is clear that there are commonly held understandings about what constitutes CSR.
Let’s firstly examine some of these definitions----- then I will address the common understanding.

6. Definitions….. Canadian Government:
“CSR is generally understood to be the way a company achieves a balance or integration of economic, environmental and social imperatives while at the same time addressing shareholder and stakeholder expectations.”

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UK Government:
“The Government sees CSR as the business contribution to their sustainable development goals. Essentially it is about how business takes account of its economic, social and environmental impacts in the way it operates – maximising the benefits and minimising the downsides.”

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European Union:
“[CSR is] a concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis.”

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World Business Council for Sustainable Development: “We define CSR as business' commitment to contribute to sustainable economic development, working with employees, their families, the local community, and society at large to improve their quality of life.”

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The Kennedy School of Government (Harvard University), CSR Initiative:
“The term [CSR] is often used interchangeably with others, including corporate responsibility, corporate citizenship, social enterprise, sustainability, sustainable development, triple-bottom line, corporate ethics, and in some cases corporate governance. Though these terms are different, they all point in the same direction: throughout the industrialized world and in many developing countries there has been a sharp escalation in the social roles corporations are expected to play.”

11. CSR as defined by the MCA, Government of India
CSR is a way of conducting business, by which corporate entities visibly contribute to the social good. Socially responsible companies do not limit themselves to using resources to engage in activities that increase only their profits. They use CSR to integrate economic, environmental and social objectives with the company’s operations and growth.

12. What do these definitions tell us about CSR?
What are some of the common understandings that emerge?
How does CSR relate to other concepts?
What other issues arise?