Corporate Social Responsibility for HR
What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Corporate social responsibility is the obligations of
businessmen to pursue policies, to make decisions, or to follow action which
are desirable in terms of the objectives and values of our society” (Bowen,
1953). Carroll (1979) defines CSR as the social responsibility of business
encompasses the economic, legal, ethical, and discretionary expectations that
society has of organizations at a given point in time.
As stated by Lee (2008), CSR as a concept is quite modern
and it has developed progressively over the years as a result of several
pioneering studies. CSR takes decisions and functions of a company that go
beyond financial and technical interests (Davis, 1960).
HRM role in Corporate Social Responsibility
The most obvious role HR has to play is as the expert on
ethical employment practices, which is a core strand of corporate
responsibility. But beyond this, HR is also the single function best placed to
pick up on and develop organizational culture and values to embed corporate
responsibility. HR’s remit for leadership capability, people management
practices and employee behaviors means that it can add value to all aspects of
the business, and it must be prepared to speak up on these (CIPD, 2013).
The role of HRM in implementing CSR is a part of the study
focuses in implementing CSR goals.
Figure 1 : Ulrich Model of HR Roles (Source : Online)
Role of HRM in implementing CSR is based on the key roles of
Ulrich’s (1997) model:
- Strategic Partner role
- Administrative expert role
- Employee champion role
- Change agent role
These roles can be kept the most relevant when evaluating
the role of HRM in implementing CSR strategies, because these roles demonstrate
the necessary actions required from HR unit to develop and implement CSR.
HRM Ethics.
Ethics have to be an inherent quality of an individual,
whether in business or society for various reasons described below. Ethics is
important to business in general and HR manager in particular. To be ethical
all through life is a wish of everyone. This is a fundamental need of a human
being after the satisfaction of physiological needs
Stewart and Rigg (2011) who see ethics as ‘the study of
right and wrong as well as to a specification of what is right and what is
wrong’. In a contemporary context, the increasing importance of Corporate
Social Responsibility (CSR) associated with publicized scandals.
Kew and Stradwick (2008), lists some of the distinctive
characteristics of ethics to include:
- Nobody can avoid ethical decisions. We all make ethical decisions every day.
- Other people are always involved in ethical decisions. There is no such thing as private morality.
- Ethical decisions matter – they affect the lives of others.
- Although ethics is about right and wrong, there are no definitive answers. The philosopher can forward principles which should guide decisions, but the ultimate decision is always down to the individual.
- Ethics is always about choice – a decision where the individual has no choice cannot be considered unethical.
References
Bowen, H. (1953) ‘Social Responsibilities of the
Businessman’, Harper, New York.
Carroll, A. B. (1979) ‘A three-dimensional concept model of
corporate social performance’, Academy of Management Review, Vol. (4), pp.
487-505.
Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (2013)
‘Sustainable organisation performance: The role of HR in corporate
responsibility’, London: CIPD. [Online] Available at:
https://www.cipd.co.uk/Images/the-role-of-hr-in-corporate-responsibility_2013-sop_tcm18-9315.pdf
[Accessed on: 5 October 2019].
Davis, K. (1960) ‘Can business afford to ignore social
responsibilities?’, California Management Review, 2(3), pp. 70-76.
Kew, J. and Stradwick, J. (2008) ‘Business environment,
managing in a strategic context’, London: CIPD.
Lee, M. P. (2008) ‘A review of the theories of corporate
social responsibility: Its evolutionary path and the road ahead’, International
Journal of Management Reviews, 10(1), pp. 53-73.
Stewart, J. and Rigg, C. (2011) ‘Learning and talent development’, London: CIPD.
Ulrich, D. (1997) ‘Human Resource Champions: The next agenda
for adding value and delivering results’, 1st edn., Harvard Business School
Press, Boston, MA.
Good effort and impressive article. Flow/structure of the article is nicely executed. The HRM role in Corporate Social Responsibility explained with strategic, operational focus, people and process. Good work. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteInteresting article on CSR and role of HR in implementing CSR with in an organization.Good job and thanks for sharing your knowledge.
ReplyDeleteImplementing CSR with in an organization is a very interesting topic.Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteCorporate social responsibility is very important part of sustainable business environment.
ReplyDeleteActually it's active investment with having good will of the organisation.
Good explanation. Keep it up
Agree that HR has to play as an expert on ethical employee practices. When HR concern on ethics , they build a strong relationship among state members. Good one.
ReplyDeleteIt is our responsibility to protect environment for each and every organism on earth and save for the future. As a human being we must consider our environment and its existence. CSR projects are always base on environment protection approach. Nice article which explained values of CSR and professional ethics. Thanks for sharing. Sanka
ReplyDeleteOrganizations are start feel their responsibilities towards their society, since they realize without society it is impossible to achieve the goals. In the present context HR manager taking part in organization decision making as strategic partner so HRM plays a major role in organization’s CSR. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThe cost you inquiries is like an investment.You will gain that cost indirectly. On the other hand it is good for the long term sustainability.
ReplyDeleteCSR should elaborate company interest towards the community and to stakeholders. It will automatically promte the company brand in the society.
ReplyDeleteNot only implementing CSR projects but make sure every employee is participated in their will is an important step where everyone should feel responsible.
ReplyDeleteGood article Upendra, CSR is done for all stake holders. They always have a look on the organization, how it help the needy one to develop. Thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteThe most obvious role HR has to play is as the expert on ethical employment practices, which is a core strand of corporate responsibility.
ReplyDelete