Research FindingsBest Way for Company to Make Positive Contribution to SocietyAlthough people do associate charitable support with CSR, philanthropy is least likely to be chosen as the best way for a company to make a positive contribution to society, particularly by those in the developed world. People strongly prefer that companies focus their CSR efforts on product health and safety and on working to solve social problems. These results imply that a company's reputation would be improved if a multi-faceted approach to CSR were adopted, combining strong operational performance and a broader commitment to citizenship that goes beyond philanthropy to address social challenges. Converting straight philanthropic programs to ones with a more proactive approach, including direct involvement in the tackling of social and environmental challenges, will be an important transition for many companies. Seriousness of Environmental IssuesThe environmental agenda is once again gaining traction: concern for environmental problems has grown in many countries over the past three years. At the same time, perceptions of corporate environmental performance have remained mixed. The environment is also selected as a preferred area of company involvement in communities, particularly among people in developed countries. Continued proactive engagement on environmental concerns is imperative for any company, as poor environmental performance is the most common reason for identifying a company as socially irresponsible. Environmental performance is also a prominent factor in perceptions of responsible companies. For more research findings from the CSR Monitor, please visit our Research Findings section. << Previous Next >> |