Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a concept that requires companies to have a moral duty to display a social responsibility towards all parties concerned in all aspects of their commercial dealings.
Recently major companies have come to realise that they have a wider responsibility to the community in which they operate and that much has changed in society’s perception of what is expected from them over the past few years.
Today there are many aspects to corporate social responsibility. Broadly defined, CSR is the acknowledgement by companies that they should be held accountable, not only for their financial performance, but also for the impact of their activities on society and the environment.
Striking the right balance is all-important.
The effect of social irresponsibility by poor management, leading to the financial collapse of a corporation, has an enormous impact on local communities. The list of stakeholders affected by a company’s collapse makes for painful reading. It shakes the very foundations of the local community, costs people their jobs, kills off suppliers and leaves both investors and creditors out of pocket.
The failure to make a profit impacts seriously on local society. That is irresponsible behaviour which causes feelings of guilt, shame and loss of morale.
A false impression has been given by too many activists that making a profit is irresponsible. In fact, making a profit, coupled with accountability, promotes both a strong economy and a motivated society. It is important to recognise that responsible behaviour creates a sense of self-satisfaction among us all. Everyone benefits.
Bag2School is proud of its achievements and can afford to contribute to society in the following ways:
* The creation of employment at home and abroad
* Prompt payment of its employees
* Satisfied customer expectations (schools)
* The equivalent of $10 million paid into community projects in U. K. and The Netherlands
* Suppliers paid on time
* Diversion of waste from landfill sites
* Utilisation and recycling of its plastic by-products (bags)
* The development of trusting relationships with regulators and governments
This is quite a remarkable position for a relatively small business such as ours to be in.
In addition, it creates a robust corporate reputation.
The management and staff of Bag2School are proud of these achievements.
