What is corporate social responsibility?

There are many different definitions of corporate social responsibility (CSR) but most commonly used to describe a company’s commitment to operating in a way that takes into account not only the financial implications of business decisions, but also the social and environmental impact it has on the community.

What corporate social responsibility means for companies

Increasingly, investors, customers and employees think that economic growth should be linked to environmental and social well-being. By embracing corporate social responsibility, a company can also increase its competitive advantage, as consumers place more value on good and ethical conduct.

Corporate social responsibility is essential for organisations looking beyond the short term. It is fundamentally about improving the sustainability of the business, whether by increasing brand value or helping to recruit and retain quality staff.


Find out more about Corporate Social Responsibility below:

Australian Resources

Australian Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility
www.accsr.com.au

CSR Jargon Busting Tree
www.cavill.com.au/tree/

Environment Protection Authority
www.epa.vic.gov.au

Greenhouse Challenge
www.greenhouse.gov.au/challenge

Reputation Measurement
www.reputex.com.au

The Sustainable Energy Authority
www.seav.vic.gov.au

Asia Pacific Centre for Philanthropy and Social Investment
www.swinburnephilanthropy.net

Centre for Sustainable Performance (University of Technology Sydney)
www.csp.uts.edu.au

International Resources

AccountAbility
www.accountability.org.uk

Coalition for Environmentally Responsible Economies (CERES)
www.ceres.org

Corporate Social Responsibility Forum
www.csrforum.org

The International Institute for Sustainable Development
www.iisd.org

SustainAbility
www.sustainability.com

The UN Global Compact
www.unglobalcompact.com

World Business Council for Sustainable Development
www.wbcsd.ch