solid business ethics
a measure of responsibility
"Today, corporate social responsibility goes far beyond the old philanthropy of the past - donating money to good causes at the end of the financial year - and is instead an all year round responsibility that companies accept for the environment around them, for the best working practices, for their engagement in their local communities and for their recognition that brand names depend not only on quality, price and uniqueness but on how, cumulatively, they interact with companies' workforce, community and environment. Now we need to move towards a challenging measure of corporate responsibility, where we judge results not just by the input but by its outcomes: the difference we make to the world in which we live, and the contribution we make to poverty reduction". The Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP, Chancellor of the Exchequer.
While a large percentage of SMEs are not embracing Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), we at Emissary recognise that it is important to understand and adopt CSR to better deliver measurable results, not just in terms of performance, but also in terms of accountable, ethical behaviour.
Put simply, the CSR Framework consists of a set of six core characteristics that describe the way all managers need to act in order to integrate responsible business decision-making.
- Understanding society. Understanding the role of each player in society – government, business, trade unions, non-governmental organisations and civil society.
- Building capacity. Building capacity and external partnerships and creating strategic networks and alliances.
- Questioning business as usual. Being open to new ideas, challenging others to adopt new ways of thinking and questioning business as usual.
- Stakeholder relations. Identifying stakeholders, building relations with internal and external stakeholders, engaging in consultation and balancing demands.
- Strategic view. Taking a strategic view of the business environment.
- Harnessing diversity. Respecting diversity and adjusting your approach to different situations.
CSR is a new journey for us in 2005, and our process of gradual integration and adoption will create a stronger, more effective organisation that remains fit and healthy long into the 21st century.