Corporate social responsibility (CSR)

is a form of corporate self-regulation integrated into a business model. Ideally, CSR policy would function as a built-in, self-regulating mechanism whereby business would monitor and ensure their adherence to law, ethical standards, and international norms. Business would embrace responsibility for the impact of their activities on the environment, consumers, employees, communities, stakeholders and all other members of the public sphere. Furthermore, business would proactively promote the public interest by encouraging community growth and development, and voluntarily eliminating practices that harm the public sphere, regardless of legality. Essentially, CSR is the deliberate inclusion of public interest into corporate decision-making, and the honoring of a triple bottom line: People, Planet, Profit. The practice of CSR is subject to much debate and criticism. Proponents argue that there is a strong business case for CSR, in that corporations benefit in multiple ways by operating with a perspective broader and longer than their own immediate, short-term profits. Critics argue that CSR distracts from the fundamental economic role of businesses; others argue that it is nothing more than superficial window-dressing; others argue that it is an attempt to pre-empt the role of governments as a watchdog over powerful multinational corporations. Different CSRactivities conducted or adopted by the companies in the Phil. Whether it is foriegn or domestic.

1.) HSBC Phils.

Enhancing human resources - HSBC Philippines CEO Mark Watkinson recently told this writer at lunch in the Peninsula Manila Hotel: We call our corporate social responsibility or CSR initiatives corporate sustainability, because we recognize that our financial success depends on our ability to manage and address non-financial considerations. CSR improves employee retention. Watkinson added: We have 2,300 employees from the Philippines best universities, 57 percent of them are part of Generation Y, they are young, idealistic and eager to make a difference. They want to have a chance to change the world or else theyll leave HSBC. Our civic projects offer them the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to society and they are proud to be part of an organization that supports that mindset. Our soft target is at least one hour per person per quarter for volunteer work. Among the HSBC corporate sustainability initiatives that have boosted employee morale and team-building include Project Eco-Kids, with bank volunteers going to 20 public schools like Pembo Elementary School in Makati to educate 20,000 grade school kids about climate change, energy efficiency, waste management and recycling. Another project is HSBC Read With Me, where volunteers go to public schools to conduct an innovative weekly reading program for grade school kids.

A major civic project of HSBC worldwide is Future First, with US$10 million for a five-year program to support outstanding non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Three NGOs in the Philippines were awarded $75,000 each SOS Childrens Village, Childhope Asia and Philippine Christian Foundation. Since last year, HSBC staff interacts weekly with the kids supported by these winner NGOs, either in Tondo, Alabang or on the streets. Risk management - One of the important corporate priorities is how to manage and minimize risks such as accidents, scandals or other negative crises, which might wipe out corporate goodwill built through many years. CSR projects can boost a companys image as a benevolent and positive force in society, such as the Bantay Bata and La Mesa Dam environmental projects of ABS-CBN 2, which can help offset controversies like that of the Wowowee stampede. The shipping firm of Sulpicio Lines should undertake CSR projects to enhance its badly battered corporate image and offset any future accidents. Brand differentiation - In the arena of business, companies can pull ahead of their competition by using CSR or civic endeavors to differentiate them from their rivals. For example, Jollibee has for years championed civic causes supporting children such as the MaAga Ang Pasko Christmas gift-giving, and the recent successful fund-raising for kiddie charities from the sales of Jollibee stuffed toys. Arline Adeva said Jollibees stuffed toy sales for childrens charities was the brainchild of their franchisee and Ateneo Gokongwei School of Management dean, Professor Rudy Ang. Another firm using CSR is the manufacturer of Sisters Napkins, which has awarded outstanding sisters or female friends in Metro Manila public schools for outstanding academic and other achievements. Foundation for Adolescent Development (FAD) a non-governmental, non-profit organization providing education, counseling, and referrals on reproductive health and sexuality for adolescents ages 13 to 19 told this writer they are partnering with Sisters Napkins for a nationwide educational campaign in public schools, with Sisters Napkins endorser actress Maja Salvador. FADs mission is to prevent the problems of teenage pregnancy, alcohol and drug abuse, HIV/AIDS infection, and other problems related to adolescent reproductive health. One of their projects is Dial-A-Friend. License to operate - What better way to fend off the predators among our politicos and bureaucrats using taxes and regulations to prey on businesses than to use CSR projects to show the public that the company is a responsible member of society? An example of this is the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) now led by flour mill/soybean/sugar mill taipan Alfonso Uy. Out of sincere concern for the chronic classroom shortage and also perhaps to fend off the predator tendencies of traditional politicos, Filipino-Chinese entrepreneurs have donated thousands of public school buildings through the years to poor regions via the FFCCCIIs Operation Barrio Schools project.

The FFCCCIIs Operation Barrio Schools is the Philippines largest ever and also the longest-running private sector support project of its kind for public schools; whether taipans or small traders, they donate numerous public schools with the goal of helping democratize access to public education. Not only have the generous public school donations helped fend off these politicos, progressive political leaders like ex-President Cory Aquino, former Senate president Franklin Drilon and Senator Kiko Pangilinan had even set aside some pork barrel funds for the construction of rural public schools through the Filipino-Chinese business communitys innovative and cost-efficient Operation Barrio Schools. There are so many varied reasons and motivations for entrepreneurs and companies to undertake CSR projects, but the truth is, CSR is in the long run very profitable, not only for the corporate bottom line, but also immeasurably beneficial to our consciences. 2.)Lexmark International Community Involvement Lexmark strives to understand and respect the cultural values and laws wherever we operate. Lexmark actively supports important initiatives in those communities where our employees live and work. This commitment is visible in our contributions of financial, equipment and volunteer support. Where feasible, we also maintain programs that encourage our employees to support initiatives that are important to them. For additonal information, visit Lexmark's Corporate Citizenship page. Corporate Governance and Ethics Lexmark maintains extensive ethics and corporate governance structures. These include but are not limited to the Board of Directors, Board Committees and Articles and By-Laws of the corporation. We also actively communicate and enforce a detailed Code of Business Conduct for all employees worldwide and provide numerous communication channels through which employees, subject to local law, can report possible code violations. For additional information, visit Lexmark's Corporate Goverance page. Diversity Lexmark strives to value and respect the individual differences of our employees, customers and business partners and is committed to achieving diversity in our global work force. We believe that a diverse work force provides employees with a better place to work and our company with a competitive business advantage. The company actively seeks out and implements programs designed to foster mutual respect and achievement of personal success, striving for each individual to reach their full potential. For additional information, visit Lexmark's Diversity page. Environmental Responsibility Lexmark works diligently to develop and implement industry-leading environmental practices that relate not only to our products, but to everything we do, everywhere in the

world. We focus these efforts through the Lexmark Environmental Program, which has three main areas of concentration:

The way we design our products and services; The way we manage resources; and The way we live and work.

For additional information, visit Lexmark's Environmental Health and Safety page. Health & Safety Lexmark endorses the principle that the quality of products and services, consistency of production and workers morale are enhanced by a safe and healthy work environment. Lexmark maintains health and safety programs for its facilities around the world and assists our first-tier suppliers in developing programs appropriate to their facilities. For additional information, visit Lexmark's Environmental Health and Safety page. Human Rights and Labor Standards Lexmark is committed to upholding the human rights of workers and to treating them with dignity and respect as understood by the international community. The companys commitment includes adhering to and recognising the critical importance of standards regarding freely chosen employment, child labor, discrimination, harsh or inhumane treatment, minimum wages, working hours, and freedom of association. For additonal information, visit Lexmark's Human Rights page. Supplier Requirements Lexmark works with our suppliers to help them treat their workers and employees fairly and with dignity and respect, maintain safe working conditions, and conduct manufacturing activities in an environmentally safe and responsible manner. As part of this endeavor, we actively manage a Supplier Code of Conduct. This statement and the principles upon which it is based were developed with guidance from many sources, including but not limited to the Global Reporting Initiatives Sustainability Reporting Guidelines, the Electronic Industry Code of Conduct, and the U.N. Global Compact. In addition to adhering to the above requirements and standards, Lexmark does not tolerate retaliation against anyone who reports in good faith through the appropriate channels a suspected violation of any provision of the above statement. 3.) Why is there a growing concern over CSR? Sustainability and CSR are not new concepts, they are just newly recognized by the current generation of media and general public. Corporate policies have always reflected these factors or companies would not survive. Worker unions, consumer and employee lawsuits, investigative reporters, and government regulators have always been aligned to stop

unethical corporate behavior. It has always been in the best interest of companies to obey the law and do right by the general public, or risk the wrath of that same public. Learn who Samuel Gompers was, what he was doing in the 1880s, and why. Learn who Upton Sinclair was, what he was doing in the early 1900s, and why. There is nothing new under the sun. Why does your question assume that sustainability and corporate social responsibility will lead to greater long term performance? These are parts within a much vaster whole. Marketing, finance, production / service delivery, leadership, human resources, regulatory compliance, and so many more components constitute the success or failure of a company. Without sustainability and CSR a company cannot acheive long-term revenue and profit growth, but sustainability and CSR alone deliver nothing.

4.) is CSR-PR?
It's no news that both every person and every company are part of society. They can't live or operate in isolation from the rest, at least in most cases. So how much individuals and businesses owe to the society? Maybe the main and only responsibility of profit-seeking companies is to make money? The subject of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been more and more discussed over the last couple of years in Lithuania. International organisations, such as the UNDP, promote CSR among local businesses and encourage them to become ambassadors of CSR principles. It's all very welcome. However, in the initial stages of its awareness and implementation, CSR is sometimes understood as simply part of a company's public relations (PR) programme. Be it as it may, CSR and PR are closely interrelated. Just like anything within an organisation is relevant to PR. If company management want to maximise the effects of their efforts, decisions, etc., they must employ proper communication. Every action must be supported by communication/PR in order to avoid potential misunderstandings, minimise adverse effects and gain public support. Adhering to ethical business principles, respecting human rights in the workplace, addressing environmental issues and supporting those in need are the fundamental principles of CSR. Where does PR fit in here? There are a few companies in Lithuania that eagerly participate in public events and show how socially responsible they are. I've listened to presentations where company managers

pride themselves in their CSR programmes. Sometimes I get a strange feeling that - judging from those presentations and the pathos in which they are made - CSR is just PR: we care about our employees' welfare, about the environment, we don't tolerate corruption, etc. Where's that dividing line between CSR and PR? Some four years ago when I worked for a professional services firm, we, the marketing team together with our advertising agency, produced next year's branded calendars with drawings by children from a child-care home. Each month of the year was illustrated by a drawing done by a disadvantaged child. We wanted to acknowledge authors of each drawing, however, the children were too embarrassed and we were asked not to put their names on the calendar. In return for the drawings, we provided one-off financial support to the institution and brought those kids chocolates for Christmas. We also said on the calendar that the firm provided support to the child-care home and invited others (clients and business contacts) to do so too (details of the institution were given on the calendar). In the beginning I wasn't sure if acknowledging the firm's support to the child-care home on the calendars that were sent to clients was an appropriate thing to do. But my account manager from the ad agency persuaded me: why should anyone be ashamed of the good things that they do? It's a good thing to DO good things so why should it be a bad thing to SAY that one has done a good thing?