Organizations’ commitment to corporate social responsibility is crucial in achieving overall sustainability. It entails considering how operations impact the environment, social, and cultural aspects, as well as contributing to improving social conditions. This encompasses human rights, community and citizenship activities, and the environment. The aim is to maintain a positive relationship with society, the economy, and the environment.
Social Responsibility – Commitment by top management to behave ethically and to contribute to community development. This may also entail improving the workforce’s quality of life.
It is important for organizations to establish a comprehensive policy that encompasses tangible corporate policies, procedures, and resulting actions that will enhance the workplace, individuals, the organization, and the community. Social responsibility practices that are deemed appropriate may vary from one country or continent to another. However, a corporate social responsibility policy generally encompasses the following areas:
1. Diversity and inclusiveness in the workforce and supply base
2. Environment
3. Ethics
4. Fiscal responsibility
5. Human rights
6. Health and workplace safety
There are several guidelines available for organizations to use as a model for their corporate social responsibility policies. The United Nations Global Compact is widely recognized as the most comprehensive and popular among them.