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Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Definition

Definition: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a business approach that focuses on operating ethically and sustainably by considering the social, environmental, and economic impacts of company activities. CSR initiatives often include community engagement, environmental protection, ethical labour practices, and philanthropy. The goal is to create long-term value for both the business and society.

Use it in a Sentence: The company strengthened its brand reputation by investing in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes supporting renewable energy projects.

Benefits of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Definition
  • Stronger Brand Loyalty: Customers increasingly choose brands that reflect their own values. A strong CSR program builds trust and long-term loyalty.
  • Attracting and Retaining Talent: Todayโ€™s workforceโ€”especially Millennials and Gen Zโ€”actively seek employers who prioritize social impact, ethical practices, and community involvement.
  • Risk Management: Proactive CSR initiatives help companies stay ahead of regulatory changes, reduce legal risks, and avoid public relations crises tied to unethical behavior.
  • Investor Appeal: Many investors now use ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria, which heavily factor in corporate social responsibility (CSR), to guide their investment decisions.
  • Community Impact: CSR enables companies to give back to the communities where they operate, creating goodwill and stronger local partnerships.

Key Elements of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

  • Environmental Responsibility: Implementing sustainable practices to reduce carbon footprints, minimize waste, and protect natural resources.
  • Ethical Labor Practices: Ensuring fair wages, safe working conditions, diversity, and inclusion throughout the organization and supply chain.
  • Philanthropy: Donating to charities, sponsoring community programs, or offering pro-bono services to support social causes.
  • Community Engagement: Building meaningful relationships with local communities through volunteer programs, educational initiatives, and support for local businesses.
  • Corporate Governance: Adopting transparent, ethical leadership practices that promote accountability, fairness, and long-term stakeholder value.
  • Continuous Improvement: Monitoring CSR performance with measurable goals, reporting progress publicly, and adjusting strategies as expectations and standards evolve.

More Definitions

(From the Sales & Marketing Jargon Encyclopedia)

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