So what exactly is Corporate Social Responsibility or CSR? - A Briefing from Article 13

In a Briefing released today, Article 13, the leading corporate social responsibility experts, give an overview of what is meant by CSR, or Corporate Social Responsibility. The full article, and more information on the subject, can be found at Article 13's website- www.article13.com.

In theory.... CSR stands for corporate social responsibility"

In general CSR or business responsibility can be described as an approach by which a company:

-   recognises that its activities have a wider impact on the society in which it operates; and that developments in society in turn impact on its ability to pursue its business successfully;
-   actively manages the economic, social, environmental and human rights impact of its activities across the world, basing these on principles which reflect international values, reaping benefits both for its own operations and reputation as well as for the communities in which it operates,
-   seeks to achieve these benefits by working closely with other groups and organisations - local communities, civil society, other businesses and home and host governments

This approach is derived from principles of sustainable development.

Other terms that are used alongside CSR are: Corporate responsibility, business responsibility, sustainable development, business ethics, corporate citizenship.

What are the benefits for business?

The UK government outlines the benefits as:
-   Improved reputation
-   Competitiveness
- Risk management
Article 13 would also stress the competitive edge and innovation opportunities in this agenda.

In practice...
As part of recent research on SME engagement with CSR*, Article 13 spoke to a wide range of small businesses, across industry sectors...leisure, education, manufacturing, retail, construction etc.
This research found that on the whole a small business:
-   will have heard of the term sustainable development", but will not be sure what it means, or how it relates to running the business
-   will understand what business responsibility" means and will see the link between business responsibility and competitive edge. For example, a company might engage in community initiatives, which will have a positive impact on its local reputation as well as potentially, improve staff motivation

This is a brief synopsis of the Briefing. The full article, and more information on the subject, can be found at Article 13's website www.article13.com.

Ends

Article 13 unlocks the innovation opportunities of corporate social responsibility to deliver competitive edge and a new way of doing business". We implement these opportunities in business and government, both within the UK and internationally.

We are innovators -- identifying the key issues and emerging trends for CSR through our work, through our original research and through our strong networks. www.article13.com distils the best of the information for you in our opinion forming articles, briefing papers and best practice case studies. Be sure to visit the site regularly as we analyse a new trend and topic area every 6 weeks.

Article 13's co-directors, Neela Bettridge, Jane Fiona Cumming and Dr Paul Toyne, have extensive experience in a number of critical fields: business strategy, participative planning and processes, the social and environmental arenas and communications. Article 13 also draws on the wisdom of distinguished advisors: Professor Dave Owen, Chris Hoare, Professor Colin Gilligan, Neill Irwin, Andrew Acland and Professor Mike Jones. This panel, in turn, is complemented by a network of specialists drawn from the social, environmental, economic, ethical and business worlds.

For further information please contact Rupali Patni
Article 13
Bradley House
26 St Albans Lane
London NW11 7QE
Tel: 0208 731 7700
Fax: 020 8731 8800
rupalip@article13.com
www.article13.com