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The 21st century is characterized by unprecedented challenges and opportunities, arising from globalization, the desire for inclusive development and the imperatives of climate change. It is recognized the world over that integrating social, environmental and ethical responsibilities into the governance of businesses ensures their long term success, competitiveness and sustainability. (LS)Profitable companies make important contributions to society. They create jobs and help finance the general welfare of the population. But companies are not just operating in a market. They are also operating within a culture, a local community and a political system. The debate surrounding corporate social responsibility (CSR) is concerned with the role companies play in this broader social context. (NMFA, 2009) Hence, adoption of responsible business practices in the interest of the social set-up and the environment are as vital as their financial and operational performance. (SEBI,2012) Therefore, in recent years, increasing attention has been given to the concept of CSR as a postulate for ethical behavior of business and as a basis for good corporate citizenship. Luetkenhorst, 2004
CSR means different things to different people. (WB, 2004) It can best be understood in terms of the changing relationship between business and society. CSR can be understood in terms of different stakeholders and the issues that they are concerned with. CSR therefore means balancing the interests of a wider group of stakeholders and strategically managing the interconnected social, environmental and economic impacts of business activities. (UNIDO, 2002). CSR refers to companies taking responsibility for their impact on society. It can bring benefits in terms of risk management, cost savings, access to capital, customer relationships, human resource management, and innovation capacity. (EC, 2013).Through CSR businesses contribute to sustainable development. (EMF, 2004) CSR undertakings are the voluntary actions that business can take, over and above compliance with minimum legal requirements, to address both its own competitive interests and the interests of wider society. The breadth of business CSR strategies and initiative has expanded dramatically over the last decade. Activities embraced under the rubric of CSR vary from one-off philanthropic contributions to measures more centrally integrated as part of core business performance. (WB, 2006)
Increased global interest in CSR is reflective of a deeper change in the relationship between companies and their stakeholders, as well as society at large. Citizens want to see companies acting as active and responsible citizens so that their capabilities and solutions create a better world. The benefits of being socially and environmentally responsible includes:-Obtaining a social license to operate; Sustainable competitiveness; Innovation and creating new business opportunities; Attracting and retaining quality investors and business partners; Cooperation with local communities;. Risk management: Avoiding crisis due to CSR misconduct; Government support; and Building political capital. (WBI, 2014)
Any business in the world operates in the context of a community. Not all members of the community are investors in the company or its customers. But they are impacted by what the company does. (ET, 2014) Therefore, in a free enterprise, the community is not just another stakeholder in business, but is in fact, the very purpose of its existence. (Kar, 2011) A highly valid critique of the emerging CSR agenda is the fact that it focuses almost exclusively on, and is driven large companies, especially multinational corporations. Until recently the implementation of CSR practices by small and medium sized companies has received minimal attention – even in industrialized countries, let alone developing countries. (Nelson, 2007) CSR has a central role to play for the private sector and its various stakeholders, as well as for the political authorities, if positive opportunities are to be grasped and negative consequences avoided. (NMFA, 2009) CSR has been on the agenda in India for a considerable period of time, and most big Indian corporations are engaged in CSR activities. However, among the many SMEs there are scarce resources available and CSR may be considered too costly. (RNE, 2013)