You are on page 1of 24

Best CSR

practices
in the
world
Practices implemented
by the worlds top 10
companies in CSR
Made By:-Rohan Pandya
Shilpa
Mokariya
Prapti Patel
Shailey
Rewani
Kamiya Patel
Gaurav
Moorjani

PREFACE
In today's economic and social environment, issues related to social responsibility and
sustainability are gaining more and more importance, especially in the business sector.
Business goals are inseparable from the societies and environments within which they
operate.
Whilst short-term economic gain can be pursued, the failure to account for longer-term social
and environmental impacts makes those business practices unsustainable. Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) can be understood as a management concept and a process that
integrates social and environmental concerns in business operations and a companys
interactions with the full range of its stakeholders.
The concept of Corporate Social Responsibility can be explained quite simply; it is doing the
right thing. Corporate Social Responsibility, or CSR for short, is about how your
organisation's existence affects stakeholders beyond your own insular interests, recognising
the impact your operations have on the community at large.
With the world of business being as competitive as ever, it's important to stand out from the
crowd. Suppliers have to work harder to win contracts, so developing a CSR policy is a way
of demonstrating your integrity, which can only reflect well on your customers.
In fact, some customers don't just prefer working with responsible companies, they demand
it! This is particularly prevalent in the public sectors, which are expected to set the standard.
No surprises then to find that Government has set out its ambitions for Corporate Social
Responsibility already.

What is Corporate Social Responsibility?


Gone are the days in which corporations exist solely to make a profit. While that is still quite
a top priority, businesses are now focusing a lot on corporate social responsibility, which is
also the way a company deals with its environmental and social impacts. Corporate social
responsibility has become, according to a recent study by Cone Communications, an expected
part of a corporations mission.
Corporations that disregard this consumer-demanded role risk more than their reputation
nine-in-10 global citizens say they would boycott if they learned of irresponsible behaviours.
Corporate social responsibility programs help benefit society and help a corporations public
perception. There are various examples of CSR programs, including Buy One Give One,
environmental green support, and charitable giving programs such as matching gift and
volunteer grant programs.
Buy One Give One
Buy One Give One is a theory well known through Toms Shoes when you buy a pair of
shoes from Toms, Toms will in turn donate a pair to a child in in need. Another great
example of BOGO is SOLVE Sunglasses.
For every pair of sunglasses purchased, this Charleston-based company will provide one
person with clean water for life (they are partnered with a charity called Water Missions
International). These are a couple of examples of just one type of corporate social
responsibility.
Environmental Support
Think of a massive corporation like Bank of America. In 2011 alone, Bank of America has
provided $3.6 million to address climate change, and in 2007, it launched a program that
would reimburse U.S.-based employees $3,000 if they purchased a hybrid vehicle.
Companies like Dell and Hewlett-Packard boast no-waste programs that ensure their
consumers that the products they purchase can all be recycled and reused, and they even
participate in charitable giving campaigns that allow consumers to give second-hand
computers to those in need.
Corporate Giving Programs
Thousands of companies across the nation (and many worldwide) provide programs that give
monetary donations to eligible non-profit organizations through another channel of corporate
social responsibility this one a bit more financially direct.

Matching Gift Programs


These are charitable giving programs in which a corporation will match a donation made by
an employee to an eligible charitable organization.
Most corporations will provide a 1:1 donation match, meaning if an employee gives a $100
donation to a health services non-profit organization, then the company will in turn provide a
$100 donation, thereby doubling the initial donation

Why Corporate Social Responsibility?


Corporate Social Responsibility How Corporations Benefit
Current times dont allow for companies to simply be in business for the sake of making a
profit anymore. While consumers may rely on corporations for goods and services, the level
of competition allows customers to make decisions based on several factors, including
(maybe surprisingly) how much good a corporation is also doing outside of the workplace.
Many individuals today are basing their corporate loyalties on how companies are positively
impacting their community.
A Better Public Image
A corporations public image is at the mercy of its social responsibility programs and how
aware consumers are of them (remember, this is the biggest obstacle education and
awareness)! According to a study by Cone Communications, 9 out of 10 consumers would
refrain from doing business with a corporation if there existed no corporate social
responsibility plan.
For example, if a company is heavily involved in the practice of donating funds or goods to
local nonprofit organizations and schools, this increases the likelihood that a consumer will
use their product. Additionally, if a corporation takes great care to ensure the materials used
in its products are environmentally safe and the process is sustainable, this goes a long way in
the eye of the public.
If you havent seen the Scarecrow video from Chipotle, you should take a few minutes to
watch it.
Remember, consumers feel good shopping at institutions that help the community. Clean up
your public image (and broadcast it to the world!)
Better and More Media Coverage
Going along with how the public sees your corporation, the amount of positive media
coverage a corporation receives is extremely important for business. It doesnt matter how
much your company is doing to save the environment if nobody knows about it. As they say,

its okay to toot your own horn every once in a while. Make sure youre forming relationships
with local media outlets so theyll be more likely to cover the stories you offer them.
How much good a company can do in the local communities, or even beyond that, is
corporate social responsibility. And the better the benefits, the better the media coverage.
On the other hand, however, if a corporation participates in production or activities that bring
upon negative community impacts, the media will also pick this up (and unfortunately, bad
news spreads quicker than good news). Media visibility is only so useful in that it sheds a
positive light to your organization.
Fosters a Positive Workplace Environment
This section is short and simple because its just common sense employees like working for
a company that has a good public image and is constantly in the media for positive reasons.
Corporate Social Responsibility How Nonprofits Benefit
How corporations embrace corporate social responsibility in 2014 is also going to be of great
importance to the non-profit world. Corporate giving programs, which can include everything
from matching gifts to volunteer grants; from team building volunteer efforts to fundraising
events. These types of programs, which vastly increase the public good that corporations are
doing, are vital to non-profit organizations because of the great monetary and volunteer
implications.
Greater Funding through Employee Matching Gift Programs
Corporations that offer matching gift programs are essentially doubling donations that its
employees are giving to eligible non-profits. For example, if an employee provides a $100
donation to a non-profit of their choice, his or her employer (if the company offers a
matching gift program) will write an additional $100 check, thereby increasing total funds
brought in. Its really that simple!
A recurring theme here seems to be the education factor of it. These are phenomenal socially
responsible programs that benefit both corporations and non-profits, but if they are
underutilized because of a lack of awareness, then these programs do little good. As a
nonprofit, encourage corporations to promote these programs to employees in fact, offer to
help them! Use social media outlets as a way to spread the word. Sometimes a simple
Facebook post can make all the difference.
It should also come as no surprise that matching gift programs increase employee
engagement for companies that offer these kinds of socially responsible programs, but they
also help foster deeper non-profit-donor relationships. If youre looking to increase
fundraising from existing donors, matching gift programs are a great place to start.

TOP ( COMPANIES WITH THE BEST CSR PRACTICES GLOBALLY

Microsoft
Google
The Walt Disney Company
BMW
Apple
Daimler (Mercedes-Benz)
Volkswagen
Sony
LEGO Group

MICROSOFT
5

Creating a real impact for a better tomorrow


Microsoft has an enduring commitment to working to fulfil our public responsibilities and to
serving the needs of people in communities worldwide. Fundamental to this commitment is
the role we serve as a responsible global corporate citizen.
As our company has grown, this commitment has extended far beyond our own products and
services and has been amplified many times over through our network of partners, including
governments, non-profits and other organizations.

What Citizenship means at Microsoft


Citizenship at Microsoft is about serving the needs of communities and fulfilling our
responsibilities to the public. Our mission is to help people and businesses around the world
realize their full potential.
Our Citizenship work plays a vital role in delivering on that mission as we apply our
technology expertise and resources to help solve societal challenges on both a global and a
local scale. Through Serving Communities, we are helping create a better future for young
people and fostering healthier, more vibrant communities worldwide. With Working
Responsibly, were committed to responsible practices in our own operations, with policies
and programs that ensure were acting as a good corporate citizen everywhere we do
business.
In the news
October 2014

Microsoft, Google partner with Code.org to get 100 million students coding Fast
Company
Google, Microsoft, and other tech companies want to get 100 million students coding
in one year The Verge
Engineering Meets Education: Bringing Computer Scientists into High Schools
The Woodinville Weekly
Microsoft employees helped raise $112 million for non-profits last fiscal year; total
company giving topped $1 billion The Seattle Times
Microsoft says it gave away $1B for first time ever in fiscal 2014 Puget Sound
Business Journal
Microsoft Workers Swim, Play Hopscotch, Dress Up In A Bacon Suit for Charity
KPLU
Microsoft and Special Olympics: Scoring a game-changing partnership The
Redmond Reporter
Pure joy in the warehouse The Issaquah-Sammamish Reporter

September 2014
6

Universities Get Serious About Women in Computer Science ReadWrite


Microsoft YouthSpark Continues to Provide Technical Skills and Education
GeekMom
More About YouthSpark: Microsoft Expands Free Tech Resources MomStart
Microsoft Expands YouthSpark Efforts Campus Technology
Microsoft Expands Its Technology Education and Literacy in Schools Program
iSchool Guide
Microsoft reaching more students in computer science program KING 5

Honors and accolades

Organizations around the world consistently recognize Microsoft as one of the leading
global corporate citizens.
2014 CRs 100 Best Corporate Citizens, Corporate Responsibility Magazine
(Microsoft named among top 5)
2014 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For (for 16th consecutive year since the
list began in 1998)
2014 Human Rights Campaign's (HRC) Corporate Equality Index 100% rating for
9th consecutive year
2013 Worlds Best Multinational Workplaces by the Great Place to Work Institute
2013 Worlds Most Ethical Companies, The Ethisphere Institute, New York
2013 NYSE Euronext Vigeo US 50 Index (50 most advanced U.S. companies on
Environmental, Social, and Governance performance)
2013 NASDAQ OMX CRD Global Sustainability Index (QCRD)
2013 FTSE4Good Index Series
2013 Ethibel EXCELLENCE Investment Register
2013 EPA Green Power Partnership Award (Microsoft ranks 2nd on Top 50 List)
2013 Dow Jones Sustainability Index
2013 CRs 100 Best Corporate Citizens, Corporate Responsibility Magazine
2013 Climate Performance Leadership Index (The Carbon Disclosure Project Global
500 CPLI)
2012 Worlds Best Multinational Workplaces by the Great Place to Work Institute
2012 Worlds Most Ethical Companies, The Ethisphere Institute, New York
2012 Sustainability Leadership Report, Brandlogic & CRD Analytics (Leader
ranking among most prominent 100 global brands)
2012 Newsweek Green Rankings Global Companies
2012 Newsweek Green Rankings 500 U.S. Companies
2012 NASDAQ OMX CRD Global Sustainability Index (QCRD)
2012 FTSE4Good Index Series
2012 Climate Disclosure Leadership Index (The Carbon Disclosure Project Global
500 CDLI)
2012 EPA Green Power Partnership Award (Microsoft ranks 3rd on Top 50 List)
2012 Dow Jones Sustainability Index
7

2012 CRs 100 Best Corporate Citizens, Corporate Responsibility Magazine


(Microsoft named among top 3)
2012 Climate Counts (Microsoft ranked among top 30 leading global companies for
climate impact reduction)
2012 Burson-Marstellers Global Corporate Reputation Index Top 25

GOOGLE
Since its founding, Google has been firmly committed to active philanthropy and to
addressing the global challenges of climate change, education and poverty alleviation. Since
2007, Google also jump-started a series of social initiatives in China. We hope that by
leveraging our own strengths and resources in-country, we will raise awareness of the
importance of corporate philanthropy, and encourage society to participate in and contribute
to the development of social responsibility.

Google China Social Innovation Cup for College Students


"Google China Social Innovation Cup for College Students" is a nationwide competition that
aims to empower Chinas youth to become agents of social change. By soliciting project
ideas from college students and funding viable proposals, we hope to instill in Chinas future
leaders the values of social responsibility, the importance of community welfare, and the
spirit of self-empowerment. Among all colleges and universities that participate in the
competition, 100 of them that top in the number of proposal submission will share 500
Google "Campus Volunteer Stars" Scholarships every year.
Social issues addressed have included education, poverty alleviation, disability aid,
healthcare, women and children, arts and culture, and community development. Through
project evaluation, mentorship and funding, we hope play a role in driving true social
innovation in China.
The first Social Innovation Cup in 2008 achieved resounding success, with over 6000
applications from 755 colleges and universities, among which 1245 proposals from 375
schools entered into the semi-finals. At the same time, over a thousand volunteers from more
than 500 schools were mobilized to support the effort. Of the 124 projects that entered the
final, 32 were ultimately selected for awards ranging from 10,000-80,000 RMB (USD 1,46011,700).
At 2:28 pm on May 12th, 2008, a 8.0 magnitude earthquake struck Sichuan province in
Western China, claiming the lives of tens of thousands. Amidst the chaos and despair,
Googles various departments mobilized immediately to support rescue and relief efforts.

To support the vast and urgent need for material resources, Google and its employees raised
over 18 million RMB (USD 2.6mm) and donated over 7 million RMB (USD 1.02mm) s
worth of free online advertising to earthquake relief organizations. At the same time, Google
also developed a communication platform that included an information platform for resource
support, a search platform for families looking for lost relatives, and a global platform for
charitable donations. Google Maps also provided Chinas State Bureau of Surveying and
Mapping with satellite images of quake-affected regions to better aid and direct rescue
efforts.
In early September 2008, Google funded construction of 15 Google Quake Relief Hope
Schools in the city of Mianyang in Sichuan province, helping 18,184 elementary and high
school students to return to the classroom. Below is a list of our Quake Relief Hope Schools:

Since 2006, more than 440 Google employee volunteers in California, New York, and
Massachusetts have led 139 apprenticeship courses, focused primarily on the science,
technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, through Citizen Schools.

Google employees have naturally gravitated to the Citizen Schools model of hands-on
education outside of the classroom, says Matt Dunne, Head of Community Affairs for
Google. Working directly with professionals from Google enables students to recognize the
connection between current learning and future college and career opportunities.

In addition to the engagement of employee volunteers, Google.org has awarded a three-year


grant of $3.25 million. This investment supports Citizen Schools ability to connect middle
school students with STEM professionals, increasing the pipeline of traditionally
underrepresented minorities and girls pursuing careers in STEM fields. They have also hosted
many events to benefit students and Citizen Schools, including our New York City launch
party, Six Degrees networking events and STEM WOW!s.

Googles volunteers infuse relevance, spark new interests, and inspire motivation for our
students, says Eric Schwarz, Citizen Schools Co-founder and CEO. Googles investment in
helping us expand our work with STEM professionals is especially important as the country
looks for solutions to the challenges we are facing with science and math education.

In addition, Google has representation on numerous Citizen Schools advisory boards,


including a National Science and Technology Advisory Committee, and provides valuable
strategic guidance as they expand our work.

BMW
To BMW Manufacturing, Corporate Social Responsibility means being a catalyst for change.
We strive to set examples for those we work with, for, and around with high standards of
environmental management, corporate giving, and maintaining a diverse workforce. We are
proud to be in South Carolina, and we appreciate the many different relationships we have
established here.

10

Through education, environment, and other philanthropic efforts, we carry out our pledge to
diversity. As citizens of both the global corporate economy and the Upstate community, we
integrate these commitments into everything we do at BMW Manufacturing. We support
dozens of local and statewide organizations, including our most visible initiative, the annual
BMW Charity Pro-Am presented by SYNNEX Corporation. Every partnership is an
instrument of change. Each contribution is a reflection of our principle.
Corporate Giving:
Over $30 million through 2012
47% to education
35% to the community
18% to the arts

Paris Mountain Program

In 2002, a gift of $100,000 from BMW Manufacturing Co. helped convert a 1930s bathhouse
into a state-of-the-art education center at Paris Mountain State Park, one of South Carolinas
oldest state parks.

Today, the historic stone bathhouse is home to the parks curriculum-based Discover Carolina
program. Inside, educational facilities and exhibits showcase the parks extraordinary natural
community. BMWs gift was one of the largest in the public-private partnership.
The Walt Disney Company
Our Goal
Disney Citizenship is our continuing commitment to be among the most admired companies
in the world recognition of both the integrity of our people and the quality of our
entertainment experiences. This guides our actions as a company and our efforts to promote
the happiness and well-being of kids and families by inspiring them to join us in creating a
brighter tomorrow.
11

Recent Stories
25th November 2014
November marks the beginning of the most wonderful time of the year, especially at Disney.
Our VoluntEARS are kicking off the season with the Share the Joy campaign, which
provides volunteering opportunities for Disney employees across the country.
The first Share the Joy event took place this past Saturday, on Family Volunteer Day, where
employees and their families got a head start on spreading holiday cheer in their
neighborhoods. Disney Friends for Changea global initiative that inspires kids and their
families to make a lasting, positive change by helping people, communities and the planet
and Points of Lights generationOn initiative invited mom, dad and kids of all ages to come
together for a fun-filled day of service. From local clean-up projects to providing
Thanksgiving meals for others in need, thousands of people rolled up their sleeves to help
strengthen their communities. One of those special projects took place at Downtown Disney
in Anaheim, California. Hundreds of VoluntEARS joined together and packed 5,000 snack
packs for kids to help a local food bank. Several Disney stars, including Dog With a Blogs
G. Hannelius, Girl Meets Worlds Corey Fogelmanis and Kirby Buckets Mekai Curtis, were
also on hand to help and became Disney VoluntEARS for the day.

12

18th June 2014


Creativity is the heart and soul of Disney. We believe that if you can dream it, you can do it.
As the White House kicks off the nationwide Day of Making today with its first-ever
Maker Faire, were proud to join the celebration and support the next generation of makers
and innovators. And, we are lucky to have a front-row view at the Faire.

Along with Disney employees and cast members, a Maker Education Initiative team of four
8th and 9th graders from San Jose, Californiasupported and mentored by Disney and Pixar
Animation Studioswere selected to attend the White House Maker Faire as Honorary
Makers. Team Grid invented The Grid, a life-size version of the mobile app Flow Free.
Instead of connecting circles using your finger, players are able to walk on tiles that light up
as the game board reacts to steps. Matthew Tung, Davis Dunaway, Sami McGinnis and
Andrew Ke developed the project and debuted it at the Worlds Maker Faire in New York in
2013.
oday is a dream come true for the young makers."It's such a wonderful thing to see that others
are just as excited about The Grid and making as we are," Sami says about her teams project.
To be at the White House with my team and surrounded by the best in DIY ingenuity is
surreal.
The private sector is stepping up, President Barack Obama told attendees at the Faire today.
From Indiegogo and Etsy to Disney and Intel, companies have pledged to help unleash a
new wave of innovation here in America.

13

Daimler (Mercedes-Benz)
14

In China
Committed to Social Responsibility in China
As a global premium auto brand, Mercedes-Benz has been celebrated for its radiant threepointed star since the beginning of its corporate history. Dedicated to supporting the five core
CSR pillars of environmental protection, education, music, arts and sports, culture of driving,
and other charity and disaster relief programs these have been integrated into the core
values of the Mercedes-Benz brand. Throughout the years, with its relentless pursuit of
excellence and sustainable responsibility, Mercedes-Benz will continue to do its best to
contribute to the well-being and future of the Chinese society.
Mercedes-Benz Star Fund
Nurturing the World of Tomorrow
In June 2010, Mercedes-Benz (China) Ltd. announced the establishment of the MercedesBenz Star Fund in partnership with the China Youth Development Foundation (CYDF). With
a start-up fund of RMB 30 million, the Mercedes-Benz Star Fund is its largest start-up
amount for a charity fund worldwide and count as one of the biggest start-up charity funds in
the Chinese auto industry.
Under the slogan of "Nurturing the World of Tomorrow", the Mercedes-Benz Star Fund
provides an integrated platform supporting the five core CSR pillars of environmental
protection, education, music, arts and sports, charity and disaster relief as well as culture of
driving. The new initiative not only signifies Mercedes-Benz's long-term commitment to
social causes in China but also sets a comprehensive and leadership model in advocating a
sustainable cause. Set to become a positive driving force in CSR, this new milestone hopes to
contribute significantly to the well-being of the future of Chinese society.
In Dubai
EMC CSR Program
As the flagship company of Al Fahim Group, Emirates Motor Company (EMC) in Abu Dhabi
and Al Ain diligently seeks opportunities that have enabled it to make a difference. EMC
strongly believes that to continue succeeding, one must refuel society with moral and
financial support.

Being the flagship company of Al Fahim Group, EMC Abu Dhabi and Al Ain supports
activities which contribute to the advancement of society. Such initiatives by EMC are
examples of various ways the company adds value to the community. In line with Al Fahim
Groups value of Humanity, EMC finds ways to demonstrate its compassion and support
towards its people.

15

Annual Road Safety Campaign in Abu Dhabi & Al Ain


For several years, EMC has launched campaigns in alliance with the Abu Dhabi Police GHQ
Sub Committee of Traffic Week addressing the importance of road safety. Through EMCs
corporate road safety campaign, and in line with Al Fahim Groups values of Humanity and
Substance, the company is committed to support the police in controlling traffic accidents and
their tragic aftermaths.

Furthermore, EMC sincerely believes that it is part of a childs education to learn about road
safety as it becomes embedded in their minds and, as a result, remarkably influencing their
behavior on the road as adults. As a result, EMC created a childrens book called Fun After
School, Kool Kids, which has been distributed across many schools in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain
to advise children on how to be cautious as pedestrians and car passengers. In 2005, the book
received the Silver Star Award from Daimler Mercedes-Benz for EMCs innovative creations
of tackling socially fatal issues in the community.

Various communication channels are being utilized to reach the mass and advise them on how
to react in perilous circumstances on the road. The most successful road safety initiative by
EMC was the radio campaign which tackles underestimated, yet common mistakes a driver
commits; such as, driving too close to other cars on the road, not signaling before turning,
driving in foggy weather and the like.

The EMC Art for Charity Auction in Abu Dhabi


Moreover, EMC holds the EMC Art for Charity in Abu Dhabi, a fund-raising art auction on
behalf of children with special needs to promote art in the UAE and enhance the quality of
life of disabled children. EMC is the first private company in the region to launch an art
auction solely showcasing the talents of many artists for the objective of promoting art in Abu
Dhabi.

The event selects an active non-profit organization which aims to help people in need of
special attention by presenting them with the proceeds garnered, while providing a venue for
artists to exhibit their paintings. In 2007, the event raised a total of AED 1.2 million for the
Abu Dhabi Special Care Center for children with special needs.

EMC Workshop Training


16

Every year EMC receives a number of students from the Abu Dhabi Education Council
(ADEC) and the Abu Dhabi Vocational Education Center (ADVEC), in collaboration with
GTZ International Services for weekly excursions in a five-week summer challenge. As
corporate citizens in the UAE, a careers-oriented summer training program is designed only
for UAE nationals between the ages of 12 and 21. The purpose of the program is to provide a
meaningful combination of leisure activities and vocational experience during students
summer vacation. Training is provided at EMCs Mercedes-Benz workshop in Abu Dhabi to
develop their technical skills via practical and applied experience. The students roam the
workshops to observe the operations of the automotive service center and apply their
theoretical understanding of carpentry, electronics, robotics, pneumatics, mechanics and car
mechanics. The training courses give them an opportunity to practice on real car engines and
learn how to repair the vehicle mechanically and electrically.

EMC Al Ain CSR Initiatives


Furthermore, EMC in Al Ain also performs its own CSR initiatives for the Al Ain community.
Also abiding by the values of Humanity and Substance, EMC Al Ain has high regard for
community activities which encourage higher education, employment, sports, in addition to
supporting society fight fatal diseases and maintaining an environment-friendly home for Al
Ain citizens.

As an example, EMC Al Ain supports local academic organizations by allowing students to


acquire internship programs at the company in an effort to expose students to a real work
environment and assist them in applying what they have learned. Additionally, EMC Al Ain
has sponsored activities organized by Tawam Hospital to further educate the Al Ain
community on cancer and promote a healthy, conscious environment

Volkswagen
17

Sustainability management
For Volkswagen, delivering on its corporate social responsibility (CSR) is the company's way
of contributing to sustainable development. Today, the principle of sustainability is
universally accepted across the globe. In short, this principle is a pledge to prevent the
prospects of future generations being diminished as a result of the way we do business and
consume resources. A sustainable approach requires ecological, financial and social
objectives to be aligned.
As a global organisation, Volkswagen is committed to fulfilling its corporate responsibility
and draws on all its innovative strength in order to make an effective contribution to
sustainable mobility. The company does this by developing vehicle technology that is as
clean and as efficient as possible. Volkswagen's corporate actions also take into account the
company's responsibility to safeguard employment and ensure profitability in equal measure.
As a good corporate citizen, Volkswagen has been committed to its social responsibilities
since day one. At the Group's various sites around the world, social development, cultural
initiatives and education are supported to the same degree as projects with the aim of
developing regional structures and promoting good health, as well as projects relating to sport
and nature conservation.

The CSR Coordination and Sustainability office


All activities relating to CSR and sustainability within the Volkswagen Group are coordinated
by the CSR office. The team based at this office has been tasked with strategically aligning
CSR activities and optimising sustainability management throughout the Group. This office
reports to the CSR steering committee, which includes representatives from all central Group
departments and the Group Works Council. The steering committee comes together in order
to create links between the internal units and to bolster exchange processes between the
specialist departments. An interdisciplinary CSR project team meets regularly to deal with
current topics. The launch of a pilot scheme to test an IT-based CSR KPI system in 2009
marked an important step in efforts to improve the efficiency and transparency of
management activities. This system will be gradually expanded and developed further over
the next few years.

Activities In Central Europe, South Africa , Germany, China, Mexico, Brazil.

18

Sony
"It is the core corporate responsibility of Sony Group to the society to pursue its corporate
value enhancement through innovation and sound business practice."
(Sony Group Code of Conduct, adopted in May 2003)
Key CSR Agenda of the Sony Group

Sony's corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities reflect its philosophy of implementing
sound business practices; innovating to realize products, services and content that inspire and
excite; assisting the communities in which we operate; and helping to shape a better, more
sustainable society. Sony believes that these activities both benefit society and enhance
corporate value.
Verifying Key CSR Agenda and Determining Materiality
Objective of Conducting Materiality Assessment
Sony currently promotes CSR initiatives in line with its CSR agenda, which sets seven key
areas of focus - corporate governance, compliance, human resources, responsible sourcing,
quality and services, environment and community - with the aim of strengthening its
operating foundation and continuously enhancing its corporate value. Stakeholder input on
CSR-related issues and suggestions is fed back to management and to pertinent Sony
departments (e.g., legal, compliance, environment, product quality, procurement and human
resources), to be incorporated into key actions, including the formulation of Sony Group
policies. Sony's CSR section is tasked with monitoring the progress of initiatives and
disclosing information about Sony's efforts by preparing CSR reports and promoting dialogue
with stakeholders.

19

CSR Organizational Structure


To align and respond effectively to evolving social imperatives and changes in the business
environment, Sony recently conducted a CSR materiality assessment with BSR (Business for
Social Responsibility), an independent organization with expertise in global CSR trends and
international standards, with the aim of validating its CSR agenda by incorporating the
perspectives of stakeholders and to identify emerging CSR topics relevant to new business
areas.
CSR Materiality Assessment Process
The Sony Group is a global organization with a broad business portfolio. Sony is engaged in
the development, design, manufacture, and sale of various kinds of electronic equipment and
devices for consumer and professional markets as well as game consoles and software. Sony
is also engaged in the production and distribution of motion pictures, television programs,
music, and digital networks. Further, Sony is also engaged in various financial services
businesses through its Japanese insurance subsidiaries and banking operations through a
Japanese Internet-based banking subsidiary. Given the diversity of the Group's operations, the
expectations of its stakeholders regarding its CSR initiatives also vary. Sony views CSR
materiality assessment as a process for understanding issues of importance to multistakeholders as well as business and validating its CSR agenda which will help us prioritize
our CSR initiatives.
In conducting the CSR materiality analysis, we first identified global CSR issues of particular
relevance to Sony. The Company then looked at issues that are most significant today as well
as emerging issues to its external stakeholders, which include nongovernmental organizations
(NGOs), customers, and socially responsible investors, as well as at stakeholders' views
regarding the changes in roles and responsibilities of corporations. Sony then assessed those
issues likely to have the most importance to business and identified topics that are material
from both a stakeholder and a business perspective.
Key Findings
Sony's materiality assessment reaffirmed the importance of the seven key areas of its CSR
agenda in which continues to be in the areas that Sony shall promote its initiatives. The
assessment also showed a cluster of topics related to Sony's electronics business, including
managing its operation's social and environmental impact and improving transparency across
the supply chain, as being of particular concern to stakeholders. In addition, the assessment
identified emerging topics such as those concerning the management of content and
information with the growth of Sony's network and entertainment businesses. The assessment
also identified topics that Sony has limited influence or have already been addressed through
ongoing programs. At the same time, the assessment showed that stakeholder expectations are
high toward innovation in developing sustainable products and services and creating value to
society.
LEGO
20

We consider children and childrens play to be the cornerstone of everything we do. We take
this responsibility seriously and always set ambitions high, as only the best is good enough
for the builders of tomorrow.
Our sustainability and responsibility efforts revolve around children and our passion for play
and learning. Every day we translate these objectives into firm steps, so we can help build a
better tomorrow.

Our aspirations are derived from our heritage and are deeply rooted in our culture and
company values foundation, the LEGO Brand Framework. Our brand promises, especially
our Planet Promise to guide our sustainability approach and our five strategic ambitions. To
enable us to achieve these ambitions, we have defined a broader set of tangible goals, which
we work with internally and report on externally.

All employees are encouraged and empowered to make a positive impact. We strive to
integrate sustainability and responsibility efforts; make them easier, stronger and more valueadding to the way we operate, whether this is for our Product Safety or within Environment,
Social Responsibility or Corporate Governance & Business Conduct.

We signed the United Nations Global Compact in 2003, the first company in our industry to
do so. Since then, we have been striving to embed the 10 principles in our business and are
continuously improving our approach and reporting on the sustainability agenda. Read our
Progress Reports.
Social Responsibility
Being socially responsible is deeply rooted in our culture and values. Our approach to
succeeding together with people, internal as well as external, informs our social responsibility
agenda and keeps us focused on achieving a safe and fair working environment in accordance
with our company values.

We know that our social responsibility goes beyond the factories we operate. It also includes
the local communities in which we operate, where we have the possibility to make a positive
impact. Read our Code of Conduct.

Health and Safety

21

For us, ensuring a safe and healthy working environment means establishing a working
environment with a strong safety culture and no injuries. In order to strengthen the positive
progression we have observed in recent years, we continue to advocate for and apply a
proactive health and safety approach to drive a safety culture and behavior in the company.
We have defined an injury rate target and we work consistently to ensure continuous
improvement on this, see performance.
Respect for our employees rights and well-being, is a key element in our commitment to a
great workplace. Yearly, LEGO employees report their level of motivation and satisfaction in
a corporate employee survey. The high scores and the very high response rate provide an
insight into how we succeed in transforming policies into a better workplace environment,
see performance.
Diversity Equal Opportunities
We have the standpoint to always have the best qualified person in any individual position,
and we aim to secure equal opportunities for all employees in the company.
To continuously gain a more diversified employee base is a step-by-step process and
especially for the higher level decision-making bodies in the company. To drive forth the
implementation of equal opportunities and the diversity agenda, a dedicated team, with our
CEO as chairman, has taken the initiative to spearhead this long term initiative with a handson approach.
Local Community Engagement
A crucial factor in the way we work with sustainability and responsibility, is to nurture and
support the communities that are affected by our activities. In the LEGO Group, we recognize
the important part we can play as an advocate for childrens opportunities to play and develop
in the local communities.

References
22

https://doublethedonation.com/blog/2013/09/corporate-social-responsibility-definition/
https://doublethedonation.com/blog/2013/10/corporate-social-responsibility-2014/
http://www.microsoft.com/about/corporatecitizenship/en-us/about/awards/
http://www.forbes.com/pictures/efkk45mmlm/no-7-volkswagen/
http://www.citizenschools.org/investors/current-investors/google/
http://www.google.cn/intl/en/about/company/responsibility/
https://www.bmwusfactory.com/sustainability/social-responsibility/?
r=1417542971867#corporate
https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/blog/disney-employees-share-joy-family-volunteer-day
https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/blog/disney-employees-share-joy-family-volunteer-day
http://thewaltdisneycompany.com/citizenship
http://www.mercedesbenz.com.cn/content/china/mpc/mpc_china_website/enng/home_mpc/passengercars/home/pa
ssengercars_world/Corporate_Social_Responsibility.html
http://abudhabi.mercedes-benz-cvme.com/content/abu_dhabi/mpc/mpc_abu_dhabi_website/en/home_mpc/van/home/about_us/
0.html
http://www.mercedes-benzsa.co.za/sustainable-development/corporate-socialresponsibility/focus-areas/
http://aboutus.lego.com/en-us/sustainability
http://www.sony.net/SonyInfo/csr_report/?fm=csr600038
http://en.volkswagen.com/en/company/responsibility/responsibility/csr.html

23

You might also like