Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate Social Responsibility is not solely and exclusively the domain for multi-nation and large companies or organisations. It applies to anyone, be small or big, be private or public, be individual or community. It is a gesture from within the value system of an organisations or companies or individual. A company without soul and heart of the people, community, stakeholders and environment will not have thought about doing something extra benefiting them or the nature in which their bottom line of profit will have to compromise. If this is the case, then every enterprise has the responsibility towards their clients, stakeholders and the environment within the vicinity of their surrounding environment should have carried out corporate social responsibility. For a hawker, he has the responsibility of making sure the food is of higher hygiene and dirtying the place of business should not have happened. For a school authority, making sure students receiving quality education, safe and conducive environment for studying is the responsibility. For local authority, manage the city well above everybody aspiration and needs through efficient service delivery and quality living environment is the responsibility.

How about sin companies carrying out CSR activities? In one hand the company produce is not friendly to either the health of human or damage the environment, on the other hand the company is trying hard to change the perception of people towards their produce. How to manage this crisis of perception? Recently, I was asked to provide feedback on CSR of a company producing alcoholic drink in Petaling Jaya. For some, alcoholic drink is not allowed and hence even though the company has done various activities benefiting the community or environment is still something difficult to ponder. On the other hand, some do not mind for a sin company to do good as long as they are trying their very best to reduce the damage on environment and community. For me, since the law allow their presence, rightfully they should be given the chance to continue with their business and to do good. As a responsible business, the more CSR they are carrying out, the better for the community and environment. Of course, some might doubt the sincerity of this company. For me, it is better for a sin company declaring that they are doing CSR programmes and be seen of doing it rather than a company doing sin behind every possible good agenda they might have projected to the public. For example, is it acceptable for a learning institution to operate in a premise without approval? Is it ok for companies to nail bunting on the tree for promotion and publicity? Is it right for a fine dining restaurant discharging waste water directly to the drain at the back of the shop without treatment? I would rather having visible and transparent CSR agenda from companies even the sin one.