CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Can Benefit More Than Just Business

According to the author, Stephen Timms, "Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is much more than just about how businesses should get involved with their community. It is about breaking down the misconception that social, environmental and economic goals are inevitably in conflict. Business and society are inextricably linked, and the actions of one will always affect the other. CSR is about exploring how the different goals can work together and support each other."

Stephen Timms advocates for CSR and promote the benefits of becoming involved in socially responsible activities for both the good of the business as well as for the larger social, economic community. He provides an example of Tesco, a community in East London that opened a new supermarket. In this situation, a partnership was established between a local council, the Government's employment service and the local further education college. Over three months, a group of over 100 people were intensively trained and everybody who completed the training was guaranteed a job at the store.

In the view of the author, this is a good example of responsible development. In the process, the partners found that the people recruited through this approach were committed, enthusiastic and responded positively to the effort that has been taken to give them a chance. The results were better employees than those recruited by less costly, more conventional routes.

CSR is described as an opportunity to "breathe life back into communities facing difficulties." A debate continues about how much the Government should be involved in CSRand its role in regulating socially responsible activities. Arguments exist for and against regulation - "but you cannot compel virtue and we see good CSR practice as beyond compliance." The goal according to the author is that "all organizations, in public and private sectors, should take account of the economic, social and environmental impact they have on all of their communities."

Stephen Timms suggests that "Our aim should be to help transform CSR from being seen as an "add on" to being a core part of business strategies. CSR is not a luxury that only large companies can afford, but a deal that firms of all sizes should get involved in, for their own benefit as well as for the benefit of others. It relies on the innovation that is increasingly becoming the lifeblood of UK business. It offers a new model for building a strong society alongside our strong economy."

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