Does Social Responsibility Increase Financial Performance?

Does Social Responsibility Increase Financial Performance?: Companies approach CSR in many different ways. Some take a broad approach by making donations to a number of different causes, others tackle one specific problem (such as fuel emissions or poverty), still others integrate CSR into all aspects of their operations.

While companies that implement CSR undoubtedly help advance social goals, the impact on shareholder value is debatable. However, a closer look at CSR companies' performance gives investors hints as to whether CSR increases shareholder wealth or decreases it.

Making the nonprofit leap: What you need to know

Making the nonprofit leap: What you need to know: alues aligned

But then things changed. The company was bought out and the new owners cared little for CSR. With professional and personal values no long aligned, Strong accepted a package, took some time off, volunteered at a local thrift shop and made a big change: she joined the ranks of the nonprofit sector. Today, as director at Volunteer MBC (Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon), Strong calls the transition life-affirming. "Working for a company was all about money at the end of the day but, personally, I didn't get a whole lot out of it for myself," she explains. "Whereas this is like night and day."

How Companies Can Move Beyond Philanthropy in Developing Countries?

How Companies Can Move Beyond Philanthropy in Developing Countries?: For years the developed world’s standard M.O. has been to fund philanthropic projects in poorer countries across the globe. The results overall are mixed and have certainly been controversial. But despite one’s views of the “donor community” and whether one believes that charity and aid are effective, the stubborn fact is that needs have become greater, costs more expensive and for philanthropies and foundations, the funds must be stretched even further.

Being a Great Place to Work is About Being Responsible | BlackbaudCurrent.com

Being a Great Place to Work is About Being Responsible | BlackbaudCurrent.com: To be honest, I think I learned as much as the students did. Seriously. Every time I go out and talk about corporate responsibility, CSR, doing good as part of good business, I learn something from the people engaged in the conversation. This time, I got to listen to the very wise guidance of George, Jim and Beezer – and the really smart, on-point questions from this new crop of future leaders.

Launching a workplace giving program? 6 questions to ask | GreenBiz.com

Launching a workplace giving program? 6 questions to ask | GreenBiz.com: As the market for corporate philanthropy grows ever more crowded, companies are looking to get more value from their giving. And that's a good thing. Today, companies are aligning their CSR and community development efforts with their business strategies and working to engage the workforce with their goals in meaningful ways. As a result, though, the search for the right tools, the right partners and the right measurement parameters keeps getting more challenging.

Make CSR mandatory, says philanthropist Sitaram Jindal

Make CSR mandatory, says philanthropist Sitaram Jindal: The idea of legislation for corporate houses to make charity mandatory might sound pushy, but veteran industry warhorse Sitaram Jindal, who set up his charitable trust as early as in 1969, foresees the need of one immediately to push Indian industry into more vigorous philanthropy in the social sector.

Linda Novick O'Keefe: Social Ethics: A Peek Into 2012

Linda Novick O'Keefe: Social Ethics: A Peek Into 2012: In an era of global connectivity and instant media, companies increasingly view philanthropic campaigns as an intrinsic component of a successful business strategy, rather than an external obligation. They now recognize that addressing social and environmental issues is an investment in future markets, and they are also acutely aware that new forms of social media instantly throw their actions under the gaze of globally conscious consumers. This new and radical connectivity reverses the traditional opposition between financial success and socially responsible behavior.

Lending For The Greater Good - The CSR Blog - corporate social responsibility - Forbes

Lending For The Greater Good - The CSR Blog - corporate social responsibility - Forbes: "What began in part as a humble attempt to manage financial investments for nuns’ retirement funds , became the foundation for what is today the largest sector of the financial market aimed at providing credit access to those who have limited access to banks. CDFIs lend to micro enterprises, small businesses and affordable housing groups and invest in charter school, and community health care facilities."

Case Study: Corporate Social Responsibility in the US

Case Study: Corporate Social Responsibility in the US: "Historically, corporate responsibility activities within a corporation have been led by a single
department responsible for reporting, implementing initiatives and communicating activities within areas such as philanthropy, volunteerism and environmental affairs. Today, responsibility is increasingly embedded into core business functions and decisions, such as supply chain, transportation, engineering and marketing. Corporate responsibility experts are increasingly serving as resources for those functional decision-makers. Cramer says: “Companies are moving beyond philanthropy endeavours to look at corporate responsibility as a driver of innovation and competitiveness.”"

What CSR and Nonprofit Leaders Are Reading - Part IV | Fast Company

What CSR and Nonprofit Leaders Are Reading - Part IV | Fast Company: "Following up on last Sunday's Part III with recommendations for holiday gifts and your own reading list, here are additional ideas from CSR and nonprofit leaders. You can also check on the books that were recommended in Part I and Part II at the end of last summer. These are delightful, eclectic selections from a variety of perspectives--from Michelle Rhee to Matthew Bishop, and the heads of companies and nonprofits."

India's 2% corporate philanthropy law a good idea? | Corporate Social Responsibility

India's 2% corporate philanthropy law a good idea? | Corporate Social Responsibility: "s it CSR if it is forced? Part of the idea behind corporate social responsibility efforts is that it is corporate, not a mandate or regulation. In the US corporate social responsibility has come to refer to efficiencies, products, campaigns and business methods that at minimum do not harm the public and at maximum introduce obvious public benefit- and critically, do so without being told to. Once the government tells corporations to do something, it falls out of the realm of CSR and into compliance."

Recession Driving Changes in Corporate Philanthropy - US News and World Report

Recession Driving Changes in Corporate Philanthropy - US News and World Report: "Recession Driving Changes in Corporate Philanthropy
Companies also looking to incorporate volunteerism into their corporate culture

By Joshua Kucera

Not long ago, corporate philanthropy didn't involve much more than writing a check to United Way or the local opera. Nowadays that's changing. Blame corporate shareholders for tightening the purse strings, or credit Barack Obama and an entire generation raised on public service. All are forcing companies to get creative, to focus on making more of a difference while spending less cash."

Small-Business Guide - Giving Back Even When Your Company Is Struggling - NYTimes.com

Small-Business Guide - Giving Back Even When Your Company Is Struggling - NYTimes.com: "By the end of 2008, some 60 percent of small-business owners like Mr. Gumas reported that the economic downturn had affected their charitable giving, according to a study whose sponsors included The Chronicle of Philanthropy, a newspaper that covers nonprofit organizations. Tough times have compelled small-business owners like Mr. Gumas to rethink long-held business practices. But many are finding creative ways to continue their support for good causes — a practice that can have positive side effects. Here are some suggestions based on the experiences of small-business owners."

The case against Corporate Social Responsibility — Social Edge

The case against Corporate Social Responsibility — Social Edge: "On August 23 of this year, The Wall Street Journal published a piece titled 'The Case Against Corporate Social Responsibility' by Dr. Aneel Karnani, an associate professor of strategy at the University of Michigan's Stephen M. Ross School of Business."

If Your Company Is Giving Away Money, Make It Worthwhile | Fast Company

If Your Company Is Giving Away Money, Make It Worthwhile | Fast Company: "Back in the day, there were rarely candid conversations between funders and their grantees. But that's improving, at least with regard to corporate funders. Today, in the era of corporate social responsibility (CSR), many corporate funders and their nonprofit grantees are beginning to engage in meaningful discussions in order to learn from each other, benefit each other, and accomplish meaningful results for the community. Corporate executives, especially those who are involved on nonprofit boards, gain a great deal of perspective from nonprofits about leadership, as well as global and regional issues, such as water, poverty, workforce development, disaster relief, economic development, among others."

CSR And The Job Hunt � The CSR Blog - Forbes.com

CSR And The Job Hunt � The CSR Blog - Forbes.com: "Perhaps companies need to take a cue from the nonprofit sector. While the nonprofits often lack the promise of job security and benefits that companies can afford to offer, they do accommodate passionate, idealistic and socially responsible workers. Nancy Lublin, CEO of New York nonprofit Do Something, recommends a few pointers in a recent article in Fast Company, including:"

Are corporate social responsibility rankings irresponsible? / The Christian Science Monitor - CSMonitor.com

Are corporate social responsibility rankings irresponsible? / The Christian Science Monitor - CSMonitor.com: "Corporate social and environmental performance is all the rage in today’s investment environment. With increasing frequency, analysts are monitoring, evaluating, and ranking that performance. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) lists – ranging from Corporate Knight’s Global 100 to Ethisphere Institute’s Most Ethical Companies and Corporate Responsibility magazine’s 100 Best Corporate Citizens – grow more plentiful and visible each day. Publishers now vie to position their lists as strategic holy grails for corporations making the cut, and Wall Street has taken notice. Nearly one out of every nine dollars of professionally managed assets in the United States – valued at an estimated $2.71 trillion – has been invested in companies that perform well in CSR rankings."

The recession tests corporate do-gooding | A stress test for good intentions | The Economist

The recession tests corporate do-gooding | A stress test for good intentions | The Economist: "As firms grapple with a brutal economic downturn, they are taking a long, hard look at the resources they devote to everything from supporting charities to making their activities carbon-neutral. That is hardly surprising: cutting back on CSR, or “sustainability” as it is sometimes known, would seem to be a quick and relatively painless way to save money. Cassandras who felt many CSR initiatives were little more than publicity stunts in the first place predicted that they would perish as soon as the economy fell off a cliff."

BERNAMA - Companies Need To Effectively Communicate CSR Programmes

BERNAMA - Companies Need To Effectively Communicate CSR Programmes: "Companies Need To Effectively Communicate CSR Programmes

By Mohd Iswandi Kasan Anuar

KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 (Bernama) -- There are companies in Malaysia who undertake a lot of good corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes but do not communicate it effectively.

'Some businesses do great work but don't talk about it, so it is a missed opportunity and I think this is an issue,' CSR Asia chairman Richard Welford said here today."

Reimagining CSR

A new Blog we've seen.Thanks to FLIP for the heads up

Reimagining CSR: "Yesterday, I asked for examples of companies that are making changes to their CSR programs in light of the recession. Today, the San Francisco Chronicle's SFGate.com website posted this article about the changes Macy's is making to its community involvement activities in that city. These changes come in the wake of news that it will close its Macy's West division this spring, shrinking from 1,400 to 125 headquarters employees in San Francisco. (Here's an article from SFGate that gives some background on the cuts Macy's is making.)"