Corporate social responsibility: an introduction from the environmental perspective

This brochure is seeks to make the case for a more ambitious interpretation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) among German businesses. It highlights the issues companies have to address, from operational environmental protection to the consideration of employee interests and responsibility for the supply chain in order to integrate CSR. The brochure contains practical guidance based on the strategies already used by companies today to show how this broad spectrum of challenges can be managed efficiently.The study maps out the components of environmental management and of social responsibility.

Environmental management involves:

• Operational environmental protection
• Environmental protection in the supply chain
• Ecological product responsibility/integrated product policy
• Involvement in shaping the regulatory framework (including lobbying), combating corruption

Management of social areas of action include:

• interests of employees
• Working conditions and human rights in the supply chain
• Consumer protection and customer interests
• Commitment to the community: charitable giving, sponsorship, employee release for volunteering, etc.

The study suggests that senior management can aid in CSR commitment by:

• Establishment of CSR within the organisation
• Creating principles and a program for CSR
• Organising CSR and involving employee representatives.

The study concludes by recommending that companies pay more attention to the OECD Guidelines.