Title: Corporate Social Responsibility Word Count: 488 Summary: As more and more people are becoming aware

of the environment and looking toward s a greener future, firms are recognising the need to be seen as taking responsi bility in the impact they are having on the economy, environment and society. Keywords: CSR, corporate social responsibility,environment,economy,society Article Body: People are now asking more and more questions as to how firms are manufacturing their products as well as wanting to know where the materials are coming from. P otential customers are now more likely to go with a supplier who has taken onboa rd corporate social responsibility. Academic studies have shown that a company who operates directly with social res ponsibility are likely to do better in business than those that don t. A 1997 DePaul University study found that companies with a defined corporate comm itment to ethical principles do better financially (based on annual sales/revenu es) than companies that don't. Corporate Social Responsibility is still voluntary, yet as more people are becom ing aware, they are interested in only purchasing products and supplies with fir ms that are actively practicing CSR. The unfortunate thing is that a large percentage of firms believe that to integr ate their business with CSR in mind would be too costly. However, this is a misc onception. Being aware of how we are affecting the environment, such as using too much wate r, leaving lights on, leaving windows open, not recycling or using un-recycled m aterials infact costs firms more than if they were to practice corporate social responsibility. CSR is not a legal requirement; however it does have its benefits. Taking responsibility on a company nd can help a company s reputation this should not be the main reason fits that are being put forward to y. level for the environment shows credibility a and build trust with their customers. Although for social responsibility, these are the bene firms who are not yet environmentally friendl

To give an example of how CSR can affect a business, if a large company was look ing around for a firm, who sells stationary to be their sole provider, yet they were only interested in recycled products, then immediately, all those that don t offer recycled products have missed out on a potentially big client. CSR gives a positive image to potential clients which considering business relat ionships. Social responsibility shows that you are aware of the changes in the e nvironment and are taking positive steps to helping the economy. CSR is not only something that businesses should be taking onboard for their cus

tomers, but also for their employees. Human rights and CRS go hand in hand. All employees have the right to work in a safe and friendly environment. Manager s and directors should take responsibility to ensure the safety of their employe es. People have no desire to work in an environment that creates risk. A recent study by the Cherenson Group showed that 78% of employees would rather work for an ethical and reputable company than receive a higher salary. Creating a safe working environment attracts employees and increases productivit y as taking responsibility for the environment encourages credibility and trust amongst staff. Intigrating Corporate Social Responsibility into your business life helps your b usiness, productivity and image as well as leaving your competitors behind who a re not currently practicing CSR.