Understanding Corporate Social Responsibility

This assignment delves into the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its significance in the contemporary business landscape. Students are expected to examine the multifaceted benefits of CSR for organizations, exploring its influence on various stakeholders including employees, customers, and communities. Furthermore, the assignment encourages critical analysis of risk management strategies employed by companies to mitigate potential challenges associated with implementing CSR initiatives.

IMPLEMENTING CSR ACTIVITIES WITHIN ORGANISATIONS TO
MEET SUSTAINABLE OBJECTIVES
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Contents
Assignment 1.........................................................................................................................................3
Task1. Devise a rationale for choice suitable for a small-scale project..............................................3
Task 2. Project Management Plan.....................................................................................................5
Task 3. Produce a project schedule (Gantt chart) and Work Breakdown Structure............................8
Assignment 2.......................................................................................................................................10
Task 1. Carry out a small-scale research by applying qualitative and quantitate research methods
appropriate for meeting project aims and objectives........................................................................10
Assignment 3.......................................................................................................................................13
Task 1. Analysis of primary and secondary research.......................................................................13
Task 2. Strengths and weakness of data analysis.............................................................................16
Task 3. Recommendations and Conclusion.....................................................................................16
Assignment 4.......................................................................................................................................17
Task 1. Final Performance Review..................................................................................................17
References...........................................................................................................................................19
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Assignment 1
Task1. Devise a rationale for choice suitable for a small-scale project
The project is related to implementing CSR activities within the organization. Practicing CSR
is not mandatory; however, it supports organizations to take effective steps in order to
improve society.
The overall purpose of this project is to carry out the responsibilities of a company in context
to social aspects. The project prompts to arrange a fund to set up a school for children. This
fund can be arranged by the organization through various methods such as- donation,
employee`s engagement etc. (Ruediger & Ruediger, 2014). This project is important to be
carried out for different reasons. As implementing CSR activities is beneficial for
organizations, employees working within the organization and the society as well. Funds
raised for setting up a school will support the organization in discharging its social
responsibilities. This project is required as a number of benefits will be availed by successful
accomplishment of the project, such as:
 Implementation of CSR activities within the organization will help in improving the
public image of the company.
 The media coverage for the organization will also increase by effective
implementation of corporate social responsibility.
 This project will help in attracting and retaining investors, as investors prefer to invest
in those organizations that have a good public image.
 One of the other needs for the project is that it will help in boosting the engagement of
the employees. As when companies demonstrate their dedication towards enlightening
their communities by corporate charitable programs, then organizations are more
likely to entice and hold diligent and engaged employees.
Besides the above benefits of organization, employees will also be benefitted through this
project, such as:
 Enhancement of employee’s creativity.
 Positive workplace environment
 The project will help in promoting individual philanthropy of employees
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 When corporate social responsibility is carried out by an organization, then employees
of that organization are able to develop their personal and professional skills
(JOSEPH, 2013).
The society will also be benefitted by this project, as a school can be set up which will
provide education to the children. Education is necessary for the development of children.
This project`s end result should be in such a manner that, the fund for setting the school shall
be raised, organization and the employees shall get benefitted from the corporate social
responsibility.
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Task 2. Project Management Plan
A plan for managing the project is given below:
S. No. Activities Description
1 Aims and objectives The aim of the project is to implement the activities
related to corporate social responsibility within the
organization.
Objectives- The SMART objectives of the project
are:
 Gaining benefits for the business through
corporate social responsibilities.
 Offering prospects for the employees through
CSR activities to gain benefits, such as-
developing professional and personal skills,
enhanced creativity etc.
 To discharge the social responsibilities of the
organization
 Raising funds for the project`s success. As the
raised fund will be used for setting a school,
in which children could get an education in
fewer fees.
The above aims and objectives of the project will be
used to evaluate or assess the success of the project.
2 Scope The scope of the project is wide. As this project can
make a positive impact on the organization, society
and the employees of the organization. The project
will only implement CSR activities within the
organization (Epstein-Reeves, 2012). Activities that
may affect the profitability of the organization or may
affect the interests of the employees or the society
will be not be carried out. The project shall only be
related to raising funds and making the concepts of
the employees clear about CSR.
3 Business benefits A number of benefits can be derived through
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implementing CSR activities within the organization.
In perspective to business the desired benefits that
could be availed through successful completion of the
project are:
 Enlightening the public image of the
company.
 Better media coverage for the organization.
As positive media coverage will help in
making a positive image of the company
among consumers and investors (Belal, 2016).
 Certain benefits also bring some other
advantages for the business. As the above
benefit i.e. positive media coverage will
support in enticing and retaining investors.
Shareholders or the investors will like to make
a high investment in the organization which
has a positive public image.
 The other benefit for the business that will be
derived from implementing the CSR activities
is that employee’s engagement could be
boosted through such practices (HEAGNEY,
2012).
One of the other needs for the project is that it will
help in boosting the engagement of the employees.
4 Constraints for the
project
During the project, following aspects will be
considered:
 The project shall be accomplished within a
particular deadline.
 Utilization of the resources in the project,
such as- employees (team members), time and
monetary resources shall be done in an
optimum way. Wastage of the resources shall
not be done, as it can affect the business
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operations of the organization.
5 Risks The risks that may be faced while carrying out the
project are- conflict may arise among team members,
problems may be faced while data collection and
analysis of data.
6 Time estimation The estimated time for the accomplishment of the
project is two months. A project schedule will help in
performing all the activities of the project in a step by
step manner by considering the time limit to complete
the particular activity.
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Task 3. Produce a project schedule (Gantt chart) and Work Breakdown Structure.
Sr Activities Starting date Finishing date Total days in
accomplishing
activity
1 Communicating the idea to
upper level management2
2 August, 2017 2 August, 2017 1 Day
2 Aims and objectives 3 August, 2017 6 August, 2017 4 Days
3 Primary data collection
(Hand out survey
questionnaire to employees)
7 August, 2017 15 August,
2017
9 Days
4 Secondary data collection 14 August,
2017
16 August,
2017
3 Days
5 Analysis of primary data 17 August,
2017
20 August,
2017
4 Days
6 Analysis of secondary data 20 August,
2017
22 August,
2017
3 Days
7 Encouraging employees and
project teammates to
participate in the project
23 August,
2017
28 August,
2017
6 Days
8 Communicating with
management for project`s
final approval
29 August,
2017
30 August,
2017
2 Days
9 Get the resources 31 August,
2017
6 September,
2017
7 Days
10 Organizing event for
fundraising
5 September,
2017
9 September,
2017
5 Days
11 Conclusion 10 September,
2017
14 September,
2017
5 Days
12 Total number of days 55 Days
(Ray , 2017)
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Gantt chart
Work Breakdown Structure
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Assignment 2
Task 1. Carry out a small-scale research by applying qualitative and quantitate research
methods appropriate for meeting project aims and objectives.
The implementation of the CSR activities cannot be done without relevant data. The data
required for the project is collected through both primary and secondary research. As to
accomplish the project in a successful manner and to achieve the aims and objectives of the
undertaken project, data in the qualitative and quantitative form is being required.
Primary research: The quantitate data for the research will be collected through survey
technique. As through survey, information about the employee`s perception in context to
corporate social responsibilities can be accessed. The survey is done through handing out a
questionnaire to 30 employees. The questions in the questionnaire are formed in such a
manner so that the answers to the question could help in analyzing the information about
employee`s views in regards to corporate social responsibilities, benefits of CSR for the
organization, society and for employees as well. The employees who will respond to the
survey are being selected through random sampling technique. The sample of the
questionnaire is given below:
Name
Age: Gender:
Q1. At what level you are employed?
(a) Intern Employee (b) Upper level management (c) Manager
Q2. Are you aware of the theme corporate social responsibility?
(a) I am not aware of the concept of CSR until taking this survey
(b) Heard about CSR concept, but not really know about it
(c) I am very well known about CSR and can explain this concept to someone else, as well.
Q3. Which area of social responsibility is more significant for the organization?
a) Welfare policy for employees
b) Environment protection
c) Relationship with community
d) Relationship with suppliers and clients
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Q4. As per your opinion, what are the reasons, which might be considered by an
organization to adopt CSR practices?
(a) Promote corporate image
(b) Ethical motivation of top management
(c) Efficiency enhancement
(d) Greater employee satisfaction
(e) Public incentives
Q5. How much time would you like to spend willingly on community services in a given
year? If any program related to CSR is sponsored by your organization.
(a) Half day
(b) 2-3 Days
(c) More than 3 days
(d) I am not interested in participating in any CSR activity sponsored by the
organization
Q6. Are you interested in donating some money, which will be used by your organization
in setting a school for the children?
(a) Yes
(b) No
(c) Maybe
Q7. How much money would you like to donate to the social cause?
(a) $500
(b) Less than $500
(c) More than $500
( Engel, et al., 2014)
Secondary research
Secondary research is approached to collect qualitative data for the project. Articles and
books related to CSR are being accessed to collect the relevant data for the research.
Descriptive data is approached through secondary research ( Israel, 2009). The concept of
CSR in a broad manner is being approached so that the data could be analyzed and the
activities of CSR can be implemented within the organization.
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Literature review: CSR is a form of corporate self-regulation assimilated into a business
model. Some of the practices of CSR are-
 Environmental efforts- Natural environment gets affected by the business practices
such as manufacturing and distribution. It is a responsibility of the organizations to
make efforts to reduce their carbon footprints that can cause a negative influence on
the environment (Jennifer, 2017). The steps taken by the organization to make efforts
for reducing those carbon footprints are regarded as CSR practice.
 Ethical labor practice- Another CSR practice is treating employees in fair and ethical
manner. The rights of the employees shall not be exploited.
 Volunteering- Organizations can participate in charity events that support a social
cause.
By practicing the above CSR activities, an organization can discharge their responsibilities in
context to social aspects. There are a number of benefits of CSR for business organizations
such as- positive public image, enhanced relationship with stakeholders, enticing and
retaining investors, boosting employee’s engagement and much more. Besides this, the
benefits of CSR are also there for the employees, such as- positive working environment,
enhancing employee’s efficiency, enhanced creativity, availing fair and ethical treatment etc.
Whole society gets benefitted through CSR practices of organizations (Jennifer, 2017). As
funds rose through the organizations facilitates in improvising the social aspects, efforts made
by organizations in regards to environmental protection also beneficial for securing the
environment from negative effects of carbon footprints.
Besides the above benefits, there are some risks as well those organizations may face by
practicing CSR activities. Some of the risks related to CSR are-
 Insincere CSR practices can damage the reputation of the firm. For e.g. greenwashing
 CSR practices carried out to trick customers can lead to marketing fraud.
 Resource used for CSR practices in an ineffective manner can increase the cost for the
organizations (Muir, 2015).
 CSR practices can slow down the operations of the business.
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Assignment 3
Task 1. Analysis of primary and secondary research.
Primary research analysis
The questionnaire was being filled through 30 employees. The data collected through the
research is given below-
Name : ---------------------
Age: --------------- Gender: --------------------
No. of
employees
Q1. At what level you are employed?
(a) Intern Employee 24 respondents
(b) Upper level management 3 respondents
(c) Manager 3 respondents
Q2. Are you aware of the theme corporate social responsibility?
(a) I am not aware of the concept of CSR until taking this survey 5 respondents
(b) Heard about CSR concept, but not really know about it 10 respondents
(c) I am very well known about CSR and can explain this concept to
someone else, as well.
15 respondents
Q3. Which area of social responsibility is more significant for the organization?
(a) Welfare policy for employees 15 respondents
(b) Environment protection 8 respondents
(c) Relationship with community 2 respondents
(d) Relationship with suppliers and clients 5 respondents
Q4. As per your opinion, what are the reasons, which might be considered by an
organization to adopt CSR practices?
(f) Promote corporate image 8 respondents
(g) Ethical motivation of top management 7 respondents
(h) Efficiency enhancement 6 respondents
(i) Greater employee satisfaction 4 respondents
(j) Public incentives 5 respondents
Q5. How much time would you like to spend willingly on community services in a given
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year? If any program related to CSR is sponsored by your organization.
(e) Half day 10 respondents
(f) 2-3 Days 8 respondents
(g) More than 3 days 11 respondents
(h) I am not interested in participating in any CSR activity 1 respondent
sponsored by the organization
Q6. Are you interested in donating some money, which will be used by your organization
in setting a school for the children?
(d) Yes 20 respondents
(e) No 2 respondents
(f) Maybe 8 respondents
Q7. How much money would you like to donate to the social cause?
(e) $500 8 respondents
(f) Less than $500 2 respondents
(g) More than $500 20 respondents
( Engel, et al., 2014)
Analysis of quantitating data: Through the above data it can be analyzed that an average of
80% of employees is at the intern level, the rest of employees are a manager and from upper-
level management. In addition to this 80% of the employees are well aware of CSR. An
average of 27% employees deliberates that organization shall consider about environment
protection, whereas 50% of the employees stated that employees welfare policy shall be
considered by the organization in regards to CSR practices. In order to adopt the CSR
practices, 23% employees stated organization must consider the ethical motivation practices;
on the other hand, an average of 25% employees stated that corporate image shall be
promoted. 36% employees stated that they are ready to serve more than 3 days for CSR
activities. 66% of the employees are ready to donate money for the social cause, whereas
27% of employees are confused. Only 7% employees stated that they will like to donate less
than $500 for a social cause; whereas 67% of employees are ready to donate more than $500
for a social cause.
Secondary data analysis: Through the secondary data it can be analyzed that- It is important
for the business organizations to carry out the CSR practices with an effective planning. So
that the risks associated with the CSR activities shall not cause problems for the business.
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Task 2. Strengths and weakness of data analysis
Strengths and weakness of data analysis:
Strengths- The quantities data is collected through primary data. Hence the validity and
reliability of such data are high; which can be regarded as strength for the data analysis. As
the collected data is analyzed through statistical technique. An average of the data is being
concluded through mean method ( Boeije, 2009). This provides relevant data.
Weakness- The secondary data is being analyzed through an expert`s advice. This data
analysis holds a weak point that the ideas of an expert may differ from another one. This
may cause low reliability of data.
Task 3. Recommendations and Conclusion
Recommendations
It is recommended to always plan a strategy to mitigate the risks associated with CSR
Practices. As the risks within CSR activities may harm the business and image of the
company. Therefore, it must be considered while implementing a project related to CSR
activities.
Conclusion
It is being concluded from the research that to collect the data an appropriate method shall be
used. The research concludes that the employees of the organization are aware of the concept
of CSR, but there is little need of enlightening their concept of CSR. The views of employees
regarding CSR practices are different. However, they like to participate for a social cause. In
addition to this, it is also concluded that there are several benefits of CSR for the organization
and the employees. Therefore implementing CSR activities by considering the risks can be
beneficial for the business organization.
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Assignment 4
Task 1. Final Performance Review
This small-scale project i.e. implementing CSR activities within the organization was very
important for me. As through this project, I acquired the knowledge of managing a project.
Basically, the concept of CSR is clear to me. According to me, CSR which is also known as
corporate citizenship, corporate conscience, is a concept of management through which
companies integrate environmental and social concerns in their business operations and
interactions with the stakeholders of the organization. After completion of the project, the
concept of CSR became broader as CSR is carrying out a responsible business in context to
the environment and social benefits without interrupting the business concerns. The project
succeeded in its aim. As an assessment was being done to evaluate the project`s success. The
evaluation of the project`s success was done through two assessments- In the first assessment,
the perception or understanding of the employee`s about corporate social responsibilities was
assessed. The change in their perception about CSR after completion of the project was being
evaluated with the knowledge they had prior to starting the project. The second assessment
for the project’s success was done through assessing the funds raised for setting up the
school. The adequate amount of fund being raised for the project revealed the success of the
project.
The project`s inception worked well as the idea of the project was being appreciated by the
upper-level management of the organization. In addition to this, the upper-level management
also supported carrying out the project in a successful manner. As the resources required for
the project was made available by the upper-level management. The project activities also
carried out in an effective manner. The project schedule as well as the work breakdown
structure facilitated in the completion of the activities of the project inappropriate and defined
manner. The outcomes of the project were also actual. As the project concluded that concept
of corporate social responsibilities became clear among the employees of the organization.
The funds raised from the employees through the project were adequate, which shows that
outcomes of the project also worked well.
Each and every project have some issues whether large or small. The issues emerged while
doing this project were related to managing the project team. As managing a new team for the
project is not a simple task. Conflicts among the team members occurred in regards to their
views about corporate social responsibilities. These issues were identified at right time;
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otherwise, it might become tough to accomplish the project in an effective manner. Timely
identification of the issues helps in mitigating the risks and resolution can be made during the
project. This issue was mitigated by effective communication. A discussion was being made
about the concept of CSR with the team members in order to rectify their views and to solve
the conflicts among them.
Learnings gained through the project are- managing a team in an effective manner,
formulating strategies and plan for carrying out a project, development of communication
skills, as the team member`s conflict was being resolved through effective discussion. In
addition to this, I also learned the ways to gather a data for the research and to analyze that
data to reach a conclusion. These learnings will support me for lifelong not only in context to
personal aspects but also for better professional life.
Out of ten points, I will rate seven points for my performance as a project manager. As the
project carried out by me, was successful, however, there are some areas which are required
to be improved. For instance, the risk for the project was not being measured by me earlier
than starting the project. It is crucial to measure the risk before starting the project so that
aims and objectives of the project can be attained without any disruption.
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