Individual Social Responsibility

What does it mean? It is about an individual becoming responsible in his/her actions that have affect on communities outside his/her immediate circle. The immediate circle being family and friends.

What is ISR? The individual social responsibility includes the engagement of each person toward the community where he lives, which can be expressed as an interest towards what’s happening in the community, as well as in the active participation in die solving of some of the local problems. The individual social responsibility also could be expressed in making donations for significant for the society causes – social, cultural or ecological.

Is ISR practical? It has to be as the trends show that the biggest growth for big charitable organizations in the world is coming through individuals and not through corporations and governments.

What is being ethical? Ethics is a set of beliefs about right and wrong. The beliefs are dependent on personal experience, family background, religious background and education. Integrity to your beliefs is an important element of being ethical.

Is ISR practical, especially the ethical bit? Difficult but possible, making decisions based on what is good for greatest number of people. Promoting individual self-interest as long as it does not harm others. Making decisions with a belief that everyone has a fundamental right that should be respected and protected. Making decisions which treat everyone fairly and consistently.

I know CSR, how is ISR different?

  • ISR is at the roots of CSR, because a corporate comprises of individuals and hence determines the social responsibility culture it follows.
  • As CSR is being increasingly viewed as a tool to push wares a greater need for ISR is expected.
  • The example of kiva.org in giving people the power to empower is a big indicator of the shift.
  • If ISR becomes way of life CSR may be an automatic end result.

ISR is a tool for social change, powerful and practical

Sources:

“The Inconvenient truth about corporate fundraising” by Sean Triner

www.sofli.org

Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation (WCIF), Bulgaria, position statement on Social Responsibility.

http://www.wcif-bg.org/en/sr

Corporate Social Responsibility

Ever wondered what social responsibility mean for a company and the success they strive after? Here are a couple of interesting facts.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR)

One of the most important business ethics quality for an organization to become successful.   The reputation of an organization is very important and implementing social responsibility can increase positive satisfaction results towards stakeholders and customers.

Different organizations have framed different definitions – although there is considerable common ground between them. CSR is about how companies manage the business processes to produce an overall positive impact on society.

A business’s CSR can encompass a wide variety of tactics, from giving away a portion of a company’s proceeds to charity, to implementing “greener” business operations.

There are a few categories of social responsibility that many of today’s businesses are practicing:

  1. Environmental efforts:One primary focus of corporate social responsibility is the environment.
  2. Philanthropy:Businesses also practice social responsibility by donating to national and local charities.
  3. Ethical labor practices:By treating employees fairly and ethically, companies can also demonstrate their corporate social responsibility.
  4. Volunteering:Attending volunteer events says a lot about a company’s sincerity. By doing good deeds without expecting anything in return.

See more at http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/4679-corporate-social-responsibility.html#sthash.AIIFUkbp.dpuf

Examples of corporate social responsibility

Shoes, another notable example of a company with CSR at its core, donates one pair of shoes to a child in need for every pair a customer purchases. How about donating money to an individual, for example, every ten plastic bags/bottles or cans that are being picked up.

Practicing what you preach

Undertaking socially responsible initiatives is truly a win-win situation. Not only will your company appeal to socially conscious consumers and employees, but you’ll also make a real difference in the world.   “Engage your employees [and consumers] in giving back. Let them feel like they have a voice.”