Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been an evolving practice since the early 2000’s. It has now developed into a necessity for any business, regardless of size or industry.
CSR creates “shared-value” by simultaneously generating economic value and value to society. In addition, CSR is becoming increasingly necessary for businesses because of the evolving nature of consumer purchasing behavior. According to a Nielsen study, 66% of those surveyed were willing to pay more for a sustainable product (“Nielson,” 2015).
Because of changing consumer habits, the political environment, and environmental concerns, companies around the world have begun to integrate CSR into their everyday business practices. CSR has evolved from a monetary donation at the end of the fiscal year to an ingrained company value.
According to the 2016 Cone Communications Employee Engagement Study
“[Employees] want to be part of something bigger and that means having a tangible and active role in contributing to their company’s CSR goals. Employees are ready to voice their opinions and roll up their sleeves to make an impact on social and environmental issues” (“CONE,” 2016).
It’s Time for Businesses to Take Things into Their Own Hands
The importance of CSR to large corporations, small businesses, and individual employees has become increasingly visible lately. When President Donald Trump pulled out of the Paris Agreement, top American CEO’s came together to publicly voice their concern. Twenty-five of some of the largest companies in the United States wrote a letter to try to urge the President to change his mind.
This public statement of disapproval demonstrates the evolution of Corporate Social Responsibility by showing that CSR is no longer a choice for American businesses, it’s truly a necessity. Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, said that “[these] developments will have no impact on Apple’s efforts to protect the environment (Bell, K., 2017).” Business leaders have recognized that it is now up to them to take action into their own hands and are beginning to do just that.
Corporate Social Responsibility for Your Business
At Adopt A Highway Maintenance Corporation® (AHMC) we remain committed to being socially responsible and pride ourselves on our ability to help other businesses do the same. From small, family-owned and operated businesses, to some of the largest companies in the country, our sponsors see the value in helping the environment and have found a way to do so through the Sponsor A Highway® Program.
Our program is a diverse and affordable option that gives businesses the opportunity to leave their footprint on local communities and the environment.
For more information on how you can get involved, call 800-200-0003 or contact us here.
References
Bell, K. (2017, June 1). Tim Cook: ‘Climate change is real and we all share a responsibility to fight it’. Mashable. Retrieved from https://mashable.com/2017/06/01/apple-ceo-time-cook-responds-paris-climate-agreeement/#KCiQTWI0Ckq5
N.A. (2015, October 12). The Sustainability Imperative. Nielsen. Retrieved from http://www.nielsen.com/us/en/insights/reports/2015/the-sustainability-imperative.html
N.A. (2016). Cone Communications Employee Engagement Study. CONE. Retrieved from http://www.conecomm.com/research-blog/2016-employee-engagement-study