Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR)

Introduction

This blog demonstrates three definitions of Corporate Social Responsibilities using academic sources and also it illustrates what is the most relevant definition of CSR and why it is. Furthermore it provides three examples from Buckinghamshire New University CSR policies and also the key benefits of these CSR policies.

Three different definitions

• CIPD Definition

According to cipd definition Corporate Social responsibility is “The recognition that organisation’s operating activities impact on society, the environment and the economy”. Furthermore it mentioned that organisations should attempt their stakeholders to maximise positive impact of their operations and minimise any negative impacts. (cipd, 2013)

• EU definition

According to EU definition 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” (EU, 2010)

•  The World business Council for Sustainable Development ( WBCSD )

According to WBCSD CSR is “Continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the local community and society at large” (WBCSD,2000)

In cipd definition of CSR it covers wide ranges of aspects that organisation can effects with their ethical policies to ensure that they are operating ethically manner. Furthermore it concerns both internal and external stakeholders to impact their operations positively with their maximum commitment.

 EU definition of CSR considers both internal and external stakeholders to integrate with social and environmental concerns in their business operations. But it does not mention that how the organisation should address social values such as legally, responsibly or ethically. The word ‘voluntary’ does not demonstrate the specific standards policies in aspects of CSR.

In WBCSD definition, it has simply mentioned that behaving ethical manner and contribution to economic development are two different components of CSR. According to this definition the members of WBCSD could be misunderstand CSR as a promoting method of economic development.

Hence, According to my views, the most relevant definition for CSR is cipd’s definition. Thus, it illustrates the ranges of aspects that can be affected through CSR policies and how could stakeholders involved with their operations of CSR policies.

Buckinghamshire New University

Bucks has a great history and it was become as an university status in 1999 and the name of the Bucks new university has offered in 2007.The university contains with two faculties that are The Faculty of Design, Media & Management and The Faculty of Society & Health. The vision of the bucks university is to be a leading professional and creative influence, shaping higher education for the benefit of people and employers. According to the university records the number of currently studying students is around 9400.

Bucks New University demonstrates excellent CSR strategies and policies to make an effective impact on society, environment an economy. These are some significant examples for CSR.

One of the most important and effective CSR policy of Bucks University is Green Bucks project. It is about reducing Carbon (CO2) output in to the space, reducing power and water consumption, Reducing and managing waste and also space management.  Bucks had able to achieved 14% on average reduction of Carbon footprint for per year in recently. This achievement ranked within top 50 universities in England for CO2 emitted. Energy sufficient day light systems, 80% heating and cooling recover from ventilation systems could help to reduce power efficiently. And also the university give their maximum effort to manage waste by recycling all the materials. Reduction in water consumptions made a rank within top 20 universities. Nevertheless by removing duplication Facilities University has abled to reduce non-residential state by 23% and it helps to reduction in all power, waste, and carbon footprint and water consumptions furthermore. However massive project of Green Bucks is environmental friendly project and it is one of the CSR policies of Bucks New University as it could affect positively to environment.

To promote higher education in society Bucks has significant connections with local schools and colleges. The main targets of this project are to raise awareness and aspirations of higher education and improve attainment and progress. This programme would provide students perfect understanding of why they go to universities, how to find the right universities and courses, how to apply for universities and student finance. Presentations and number of activities, passport days, careers advisor subject conferences, summer schools and higher education awareness day are some of the activities they carried out in this project which helps to effect on society as a CSR policy.

Enterprise Bucks is one of the significant projects which carried out for CSR policy. It would affect students, society and economy as well. It focuses on all the students, employees; businesses connect to university to make innovations and creations with exciting events and competitions. It would motivate everyone to introduce great business ideas, social or product enterprise ideas, testing to society or market by offering them exciting prizes and opportunities for their career developments. Presentations, workshops, conferences are some of the activities that enhance the creativity, skills and abilities of entrepreneurs to give something new to the society and economy as well. Thus it is an exceptional CSR strategy which effects to the society in entirely.

Conclusion 

In conclusion CSR has various definitions and views. This blog illustrates three definitions Of CSR and it has defined what the most relevant definition for CSR among them is. Furthermore blog has carried out three significant examples of CSR policies of Bucks New University which are demonstrating number of benefits to the society, environment and economy

References

Bucks New University, 2011. Sustainability Policy, High Wycombe: Bucks New University.

Bucks New University, 2013. Enterprise Bucks. [Online]
Available at: http://enterprisebucks.ning.com/
[Accessed 30 March 2013].

Bucks New University, 2013. Green Bucks. [Online]
Available at: http://bucks.ac.uk/about_us/green_bucks/
[Accessed 29 March 2013].

Bucks New University, 2013. Widenning Participation. [Online]
Available at: http://bucks.ac.uk/opendaysprospectus/schools_colleges_liaison/wideningparticipation
[Accessed 29 March 2013].

Charterd Institute of Personnel Development, 2013. Corporate responsibility. [Online]
Available at: http://www.cipd.co.uk/hr-resources/factsheets/corporate-responsibility.aspx#link_0
[Accessed 29 March 2013].

Hopkins, M., 2011. Definition of Corporate Social Responsibility. [Online]
Available at: http://mhcinternational.com/articles/definition-of-csr
[Accessed 29 March 2013].