Management

The benefits of good CSR

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-09-20 07:45

Globalization has changed the nature of many markets. Previously protected local industries have been forced to become more competitive, a situation that provides both opportunities and challenges. Key among these is the challenge of implementing responsible business practices.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is widely recognized as a worthy commitment to ensure sustainable benefit for both corporations and communities. CSR is also becoming an important base for businesses to build trust and confidence in their stakeholders, with the potential to provide a competitive edge.

As the world beats a path to the booming markets of Asia, former Unilever Indonesia Chairman Sri Urip, explains in her new book, CSR Strategies: Corporate Social Responsibility for a Competitive Edge in Emerging Markets, how CSR can provide a satisfying competitive advantage.

Although the principles of CSR are essentially the same globally, each location still calls for different emphasis in the implementation process. The successful application of CSR principles is directly influenced by the business understanding of its business strategy in proportion to the needs of the local community. This book provides readers with various case studies, showing how the adoption of appropriate CSR activities will ensure a superior triple bottom line result in terms of financial, environmental and social aspects of business success.

As someone who has implemented all the above activities successfully, author Sri Urip is well placed to discuss effective CSR strategies in 21st century companies.