Corporate Social Responsibility

The 2 days 11th Asian Forum on Corporate Social Responsibility just concluded at Shangrila Hotel, Bangkok, Thailand. I have the opportunity to listen fo many great theories and ideologies as well as real case studies and best practices by others all over the World. It is amazing to note that CSR has been embedded into the corporate culture and core business value of many in private sector. However, it is also concern that many especially the SMEs have long way to go. The emerging economies like China, India and Indonesia witnessed the booming of responsible corporate citizen, either at the philanthrophy and infant stage or moving into aspects associated to moral, logical and economic reason. It is also note that no one model can fit all. Under different countries profile, demographic scenario, economic growth and even the culture will determine how CSR can excel in a locality. While we learnt and took note of the success, it is also important to modify and adjust a successful model with own local circumstances. For example, the CSR model of Philippines with much participation of NGOs simply cannot replicate in China presently due to the political and socio-economic differences. While businesses are pursuing CSR eagerly to gain competitive advantages and further the market share, it is also a danger of doing so without collaboration and taking into consideration the need of the needy or other stakeholders. Many resources wasted in the process of helping the underprivilleges without tailor make the assistance to their needs. For example, it is useless of supplying computer to rural people for bridging digital divide if the community is living without electricity supply. The businesses must learn to help the community first and in return helping themselves. For example, it is logical for an electrical appliances makers to install solar pv panel to a community in which the need for electricity goods will follow through later. Many have been talking about NGOs and corporates in which the role of government has not been highlighted much. Many reckoned that government can play a facilitating role in catalysing the collaboration and partnership. Many has sceptical about compounding corporates to do CSR through enactment of legislations and to them mere compiance of legislation cannot be constituted as CSR. For example, it is not right for a developer to claim that they build the overhead bridge for convenience of public if the construction is part of the condition for planning permission. Of course, it comes to the issue of ethical and value system. CSR is about process and value and NOT profit alone, i would said. In order to bring CSR to higher ground, social innovation in which shared value must be in place. It is a value shared by and concurred by all stakeholders, the businesses, the consumers, the community, the suppliers and of course the environment. Without one or ignorance of any one, for sure CSR is incomplete. It is also interesting to note that some corporates have listed environment as the stakeholder to work with. This especially during the stage of resource extraction and products end of life. It is important to see the carrying capacity of the Earth is not burdened by the economic activites. It is critical to convert the waste into precious resources while everyone thought the used products should be discarded in the land field. I learnt about the growth of social organisation into a social enterprise. For this entity, market and profit is not the ultimate aim but rather serving the neglect needy and field. It should be rightly so or else the businesses for sure will want to go to market that guarantee financial return. It is in danger of leaving entire issues and challenges to the businesses. We need people with social heart and passion to serve and to be inspired by them. The youth especially need role model to emulate. This group needs encouragement as well to be innovate, creative and bold in helping the needy. So, what is there for MBPJ as a local government? While many said that as a local government, all the services are social oriented and with people in mind. If this is the reasoning, then perhaps the issue of urban poverty, pollution, traffic congestion and etc would not come in place. I believe MBPJ has to start thinking about bigger role as a corporate and wider responsibilities beyond as service providers. We are also communicator, facilitator, developer, coach, legislator and of course the champion. We need first perhaps to set up the structure of governance, to take sotck of what current situation now, to draft a strategic plan and implementation. I believe since other major stakeholder groups are pursuing this, no reason for local government as major partner kn sustainable development not doing so...