Corporate Social Responsibility : Analysis of current practices in selected companies and recommendations

Abstract

Companies are recognising the need for being sustainable in their approach to business. There are mounting pressures from environmentalists, NGOs and Governments for greater transparency. Awareness of company's reputation, contribution to society, and environment are all public knowledge these days thanks to the internet and free media culture. On one hand, there are companies who are unable to find their feet in CSR and perceive it isas a 'publicity' tool only, overlooking many other benefits which it brings along. On the otherhand, there are companies who have taken the first step in getting involved with CSR relatedactivities, however, need guidance for further improvements with their performance measurement and reporting. This thesis aims to present CSR as an 'umbrella' under which many of the sustainable development issues rest. It aims to present CSR as a tool which, if utilised, can bring benefitsto companies in environmental, social and long term financially. With the help of casestudies, recommendations and suggestions are given to improve CSR policies/strategies and broaden the horizons of business. ; www.ima.kth.se