CSR: Is business making sense?

Corporate social responsibility or CSR is a way for business to do good and give back to the communities where they operate and do business. For the past few years, CSR has been gaining a lot of attention from business entities, government institutions, academe, and other development organizations. Views have been varied for CSR. Some groups look at CSR as just another strategy for the business sector to improve their image, gain more profits through increased sales and also earn tax incentives or tax breaks from the government. On the other hand, supporters of CSR look at it as a development strategy that effectively contributes to nation building through various support programs. In a way, CSR is a combination of all these notions and definitions. While the primary goal of a business is to stay in business and earn profit, the social responsibility of these corporations and business enterprises cannot be put down. The growing demand for the business sector to be socially responsible is not a passing trend but a genuine call for this sector to take part and actively participate in development work.

In the Philippines, CSR as a development strategy is initially geared towards helping poor communities and marginalized sectors through livelihood programs, technical assistance and financial support. Mostly, CSR activities can be categorized as philanthropic works that aim to project businesses as a caring and helpful sector. Looking closely, CSR is often implemented as a way of bridging the gap left by the government’s inability to provide the necessary social services. Projects are implemented in close coordination and partnership with agencies mandated to provide similar services, but are unable to do so due to lack of resources. But still, there are CSR initiatives that could serve as models that other businesses can emulate. Engaging the government and the communities, these CSR activities were able to go beyond mere donations and dole-outs as presented during the CSR Expo.

CSR can still do better. The documentation and sharing of success stories is a right step towards advocating more meaningful and effective CSR strategies. Business can do better by integrating CSR in their over-all operation. If business recognizes CSR as major component of their operations, not merely as image building initiatives, initiatives will not be short-term, one-shot activities. Sustaining development initiatives will be beneficial both for the business and the communities. CSR is here to stay, the key drivers then are effective strategy and development approach that will go beyond giving and towards genuine partnerships for all stakeholders.