Re: Business takes high road, Volume 11, Number 30, August 8 - 14, 2005
It's an interesting concept, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Maybe I am totally out of touch with British society, but this was the first time I have heard of the term, let alone spotted any meaningful actions of corporations in Britain.
The actions of companies are dictated by either short or medium-term market forces. Employers only offer benefits to their workers when they are in a competitive labour market or seek to strengthen their hand in dealing with their employees. Corporations sponsor such things as sports clubs because they expect a return in valuable publicity or other favours from local or national administrative bodies.
I can't think of any philanthropy of British companies of any significance. The article caused me to search the Web for CSR activity in the UK. I can't see anything other than material for a lot of boring presentations and hot air. Can anyone dispel some of my scepticism?
David,
London, UK
