Foundation of Business Communication Report: CSR and Strategies

This report delves into the realm of sustainable business practices and corporate social responsibility (CSR), examining their importance in contemporary business operations. It begins by defining sustainable business operations and highlighting the significance of eco-friendly approaches for long-term value creation. The report focuses on three companies: Global Plant Genetics Ltd, Siemens AG, and Alstom, analyzing their sustainable strategies and CSR initiatives. The report explores key approaches to sustainable management, including human, social, economic, and environmental sustainability. It then outlines the sustainable strategies employed by each company, such as Global Plant Genetics' use of new plant breeding technologies, Siemens AG's DEGREE framework, and Alstom's adoption of green and digital innovations. Furthermore, the report examines the different CSR approaches—environmental, ethical, philanthropic, and economic responsibility—and how they are implemented by the chosen companies. It also discusses performance indicators used to measure the success of these CSR strategies. The report concludes by summarizing the key findings and emphasizing the importance of sustainable and socially responsible business practices for achieving long-term success.

Foundation Of Business
Communication

Table of Contents
Introduction:.....................................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................3
Part-1:...............................................................................................................................................3
Explaining about the sustainable approaches essential for business management as well as will
also discuss the sustainable strategies of chosen organisations:............................................3
Discussing about the different CSR approaches of the chosen companies as well as also
explain the main difference between them and also define performance indicators:.............6
Part-2:...............................................................................................................................................9
CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................................13
References......................................................................................................................................14

Introduction:
The term sustainable business operations is considered as the functions of business that
are conducted by taking eco-friendly practises into consideration. Basically, the sustainability is
termed as approach of business which is undertaken in order to build long term value to the
social, ecological as well as economic environment. For this report Global Plant Genetics Ltd,
Siemens AG and Alstom company is taken into consideration. The Global Plant Genetics Ltd
company is known as world's best plant breeders in Strawberries, Blueberries and many more.
This firm is headquartered in Hunstanton, UK. In addition to this, Siemens AG is the German
based organisation and is the largest industrial manufacturing company in Europe. Whereas, the
Alstom firm is the worldwide rolling stock producer which is headquartered in France. This
report will cover the sustainable approaches crucial for the business operations and future
strategies. In addition to this, the report will also highlight sustainable business strategies used by
the chosen companies. Moreover, the report will also compare CSR strategies practised by
chosen businesses as well as will also measure its success.
MAIN BODY
Part-1:
Explaining about the sustainable approaches essential for business management as well as will
also discuss the sustainable strategies of chosen organisations:
The sustainable business approaches allows the company to gain favourable image
towards the society members, government as well as legal bodies. The following of eco-friendly
business operation are considered as important factor in order to reduce the future negative
climate changes as well as also critical to effectively reduce the effects of high global warming
conditions (Nawaz and Koç, 2018).In context to business organisations, the sustainable activities
can provide numerous benefits such as lower business costs, enhanced brand reputation as well
as increased sales growth. In addition to this, the company can also effectively attract large
number of customers by following the sustainable business activities. Thee are four key

approaches related to the sustainable management that covers social, human, economic as well as
environment. These are discussed below:
Human Sustainability:
This particular approach supports in enhancing as well as maintaining the human capital
in the society. The following parameters falls under human sustainability such as education and
health related investments, nutritional knowledge as well as access to services. The requirements
are directed towards making certain improvements in the health and attaining the well-being for
everyone. In relation to business companies, the firm view itself as the member of society and
deliver value for fostering well-being of human beings.
Social Sustainability:
This mainly focuses on preserving the funds in order to fulfil the responsibilities towards
society members in effective manner. The term sustainability at the social level lays its focus ion
enhancing and maintaining the social qualities like honesty,cohesion as well as shared ideals of
equality. In addition to this, the foundation of sustainable development basically discuss the
social and economic improvements in order to protect the environmental elements and promote
equality (Zeemering, 2019).
Economic Sustainability:
The sustainability measures regarding economic level puts its focus to intact the capital. I
reference to business enterprises, it basically relates to the efficient use of assets for maintaining
the profitability in most effective manner.
Environmental Sustainability:
The environmental sustainability is crucial in terms of enhancing the overall welfare of
humans by putting importance in protecting the nature. The adoption of this approach puts high
focus on how the organisations can attain its business objectives without doing much harm to the
natural habitat.
Sustainable Business Strategy:
The sustainable business strategy is termed as the business activities which is directed
towards achieving business objectives in the most sustainable or eco-friendly manner. In relation
to this, the sustainable business approaches allows the firm to put less harm to the environment
while doing important business operations (Oriade and et.al., 2021). The following are the
sustainable strategies practised by the below mentioned companies are:

Sustainable practises adopted by Global Plant Genetics Ltd:
This organisation takes effective initiatives in order protect the environment as well as
nature. For minimising the negative impact on environment, the company undertake use New
Plant Breeding Technologies. This basically covers the genetically modified and genetically
produced crops. This sustainable approach by organisation supports it in achieving sustainable
agricultural development targets in most effective manner. This strategy by Global Plant
Genetics supports it in ensuring proper food security that directly help the firm in achieving
social objectives as well. Moreover, the sustainable business activities also allow the
organisation in properly addressing the issues related to several environmental challenges such as
rising global warming, high pollution level as well as waste management.
Sustainable activities practised by Siemens AG firm:
This firm is committed for incorporating new technologies within operations in order to
achieve the long term sustainable competitive advantage in market (Cavaleri and Shabana,
2018). The firm undertakes necessary strategies to promote sustainable activities by empowering
customers to lay focus on practising the sustainable activities in their daily lives. In addition to
this, the firm also takes effective measures by transforming its industry to use innovative
technologies that cause less harm to the natural environment. Moreover, the company practises
the new strategic framework which is known as DEGREE. This covers Decarbonisation, Ethics,
Governance, Resource Efficiency, Equity as well as Employability. It supports the organisation
to take these elements into focus while performing critical business operations. Hence, the
sustainable strategy assists the organisation in gaining competitive advantage by practising the
sustainable business strategies.
Sustainable activities adopted by Alstom firm:
This company takes greater efforts in implementing sustainable practises within its
operation by forming clear ambition in order to deliver greener as well as smarter mobility to the
world. The organisation attains its sustainable targets by adopting the green and digital
innovations in their day to day business operations. This supports the firm to improve its
operational efficiency without harming the natural habitat (Watfa and et.al., 2021).It also
supports the firm to focus on achieving sustained growth by practising the relevant sustainable
practises and measures. In relation to this, the adoption of new and greener innovational

technologies allows the company to gain competitive position in market with larger customer
base. Due to using greener technologies, the firm is able to reduce its total energy consumptions
by a 25%. Apart from this, 100% of the company's newly developed solutions are designed by
considering eco-friendly aspect. This allow the organisation in gaining better position in market
as compared to its industry partners.
Discussing about the different CSR approaches of the chosen companies as well as also explain
the main difference between them and also define performance indicators:
Corporate Social Responsibility:
The term CSR is considered as the type of self regulation that represents about the
responsibility and commitment of business towards contributing to the overall well-being of
community members, environment as well as government bodies. The practising of Corporate
Social Responsibility supports the organisation in number of ways such as enhancing the brand
value, positively changing perception of employees towards their company, attracting maximum
number of customers as well as improving the overall competitive position of the business. In
order to gain favourable image towards society and government bodies, the firm should
participate in charity activities, make effective participation in eco-friendly projects and ensuring
practising of ethical labour policies (Liu and et.al., 2019). There are commonly four types of
approaches related to the Corporate Social Responsibility which is explained below:
Environmental Responsibility:
The companies who adopts responsibility towards protecting the environment basically
undertakes the environmental friendly operations and eco-friendly practises. By taking the
ownership in order to protect environment, the company can make suitable strategies with the
purpose of reducing the impact of greenhouse gas emissions and taking necessary steps for
minimising the natural resource depletion rate. These strategies allows the company in reducing t
the negative impact in environmental conditions by practising sustainable business operations.
Ethical Responsibility:
The organisations that are committed in implementing ethical strategies within business
environment are able to promote fair business practises which is linked to treating all employees
in the most ethical manner. In addition to this, the ethical organisations are successful in gaining
positive behaviour and response from its workers. The firm can practise ethical standards by
treating all worker in equal manner, by giving them competitive compensations as well as by

ensuring the positive working environment (Saroha, Garg and Luthra, 2021). This can support
the organisation in improving the motivational level of staff members as well.
Philanthropic Responsibility:
The organisation who reflects philanthropic quality puts more focus on providing help in
terms of funds or foods to the charitable companies. In relation to this, the companies can also
donate the money by taking the appropriate percentage form its profits in the environmental
cause or any cause related to improving the overall well-being of society members. This social
responsibility activities supports the company to gain positive goodwill in market as well as can
also assist the firm in drawing attention level of large number of customers.
Economic Responsibility:
The organisations who adopts business practises to fulfil its economic responsibility
basically take key financial decisions by not prioritising in gaining more profits but put more
emphasis on making financial decisions with the purpose of doing good to the various
stakeholders. For example, the firm can sigh a contract with its suppliers by taking quality raw
materials even when their price is high (Foo and et.al., 2018).
The following information points states the corporate social responsibilities practised by
the chosen companies are:
CSR strategies of Global Genetics Ltd firm:
In order to fulfil corporate social responsibility the company has launched the crop
program that involves the depth about the genetic adaptability as they deliver variety of
productions to the global growing regions. The main focus of organisation is to effectively
minimise the carbon footprints as well as also takes participation in regular charitable programs.
This supports the company to gain competitive position as well as favourable position in the
market conditions.
CSR strategies of Siemens AG:
The firm practise its corporate social responsibility in the most effective manner by
improving the liver of people by utilising efficient and innovative technologies. The firm takes
accountability in providing proper solutions for the challenges as well as problems of society by
taking innovative actions and plans (Singh and et.al., 2019).The following points shows the 3
strategic area in which the business provides support which are:

 The company takes effective measures in providing proper education to the people who
belongs to the weaker section of society. In relation to this, the company provides
necessary educational trainings by providing project based learning , by improving their
profitability and by promoting research and innovative programs.
 The organisation also support in developing the social infrastructure by bringing positive
changes in terms of providing clean water facilities, healthcare services,livelihood and
many more. The company also takes proper responsibilities regarding educating its stakeholders to
undertake use of natural resources in most limited manner. In addition to this, the firm
also takes practise of innovational technologies in order to lower the impact on
environmental elements.
CSR strategies practised by Alstom firm:
The organisation fulfils its corporate social responsibility by offering great value to the
customers by delivering efficient services in most cost effective manner. The company also takes
measures in protecting the elements of environment by undertaking the smarter as well as
greener mobility solutions which causes less damage to the environment (Mura and et.al.,
2018).Moreover, the firm is also taking effective measures in fostering use of digital
technologies which further significantly reduced the firm's dependency on papers. This supports
the organisation in gaining competitive edge in the marketplace.
Success measurement into strategies of corporate social responsibility:
There are majorly three ways in order to measure the strategies of corporate social
responsibility which are defined into the following manner:
 Benchmark against top performers: Benchmark basically gives the idea of how to
measure the organisation's corporate social responsibility performance. The top
benchmarks helps the company in terms of measuring CSR performance and also indicate
success for further opportunities.
 With support of KPI the performance of CSR can be measured: Organisation have to
set short term and long term goals in order to generate benchmarks for success and key
performance indicators as well. In order to develop CSR initiatives KPI'S there are few
performance variables and indicators which can be included into CSR performance

rating. It basically include employees perspectives, health and security, diversity
supportive ratio, satisfaction ratio and respect ration.
 Employ recognised industry standard measurements: There are certain tools which
can be used in order to measure the performance into positive manner.
It basically include community mark, GRI, SASB, B Corp certification and international
labour organisation supplier frameworks.
So in the overall manner, all the three companies have to use KPI indicators in order to
perform into sustainable manner and for measuring the corporate social responsibility into
appropriate manner (Lijó and et.al., 2018). That's why key performance indicator is the best
option for measuring corporate social responsibility of all the three companies.
Part-2:
In order to evaluate my learning experience from class project, the Gibbs reflection
model is taken into focus:
Gibbs Reflective Cycle:
The Gibbs reflective model is effective framework which supports the learner to analyse
as well as explain their experience for attaining development of personal development skills. In
addition to this, it provides an important information related to the features of particular
activities. The usage of this useful model will support me to learn appropriately from the
situations that went well from me as well as allows me to effectively plan for the skills which I
was lacking. The Gibbs reflective cycle includes the following six stages that will represent my
learning experience which I have acquired from participating in class activities and projects:
Description:
I have acquired positive experience by taking participation in the class projects as it
allowed me to improve my knowledge and skills which can support me to achieve future
objectives related to my career. In addition to this, I have also gained the critical knowledge
about the management theories as well as strategic management approaches. This will assist me
in my future professional career and business studies. Furthermore, the professional skills will
also help me in gaining positive image among my professors as well as classmates.
Feelings:

I have gained the positive feelings by attending the class activities and projects as this has
successfully improved my communication as well as team working skills. In addition to this, I
have also enhanced my team working skills by engaging and working in the teams. This has
allowed to consider the view points of every students and take actions while taking into focus the
most favourable opinion. The communication skills that I have acquired will assist me to
enhance my overall performance in the academic as well as professional life. Apart from that, the
knowledge or skills also motivated me to work in the most optimal and positive manner. Hence, I
have positive feelings that I can effectively accomplish my goals related to personal and
academic life.
Evaluation:
During my class activities, I acquired both type of experiences that is positive and
negative. I have gained positive experience as I was successful in improving my communication
skills, team working skills as well as computer skills. But on contrary, I have also gained
negative feelings in the form of problems that I have experienced from my skill development
journey. This is because I was not able to reach into proper solutions of the problems that has
arisen in the class activities. In other words, I am lacking in giving effective solutions to the
complex problems. From this, I evaluated that I am lacking in the problem solving skills. It can
also negatively influence my performance level in the academic as well as professional
environment. I also evaluated that I am lacking in computer skills such as Microsoft skills. In
addition to this, I have evaluated that I am also not good in analysing statistical models which
signifies that I am lacking in numeracy skills.
Analysis:
After analysing my performance in the class activities, I have analysed that it is important
for me to undertake use of necessary strategies that can support me in achieving overall
personality growth and development. I have also evaluated that the acquired communication
skills and team working skills will support me to take higher responsibilities in the most effective
manner. In addition to this, it will allow me to improve the rate of success in my academic as
well as future professional career. This will support me to gain higher position and respectable
position in my future career. I have also analysed that I have to improve my problem solving
skills in order to formulate effective solution plans in solving complex real world problems. In
relation to this, I have also analysed that I am also weak in using different computer software in

proper manner like Microsoft. I also evaluated that I have to improve my numeracy skills in
order to properly interpret statistical graphs and models. Moreover, I also analysed that learning
management and strategic theories has improved my knowledge level and provides me the
opportunity to apply those management theories in solving day to day life problems.
Conclusion:
From the reflective journal, I concluded that the personal development knowledge and
skills are important for me in order to enhance the performance levels in various class activities
as well as assists me to give optimal performance in the future professional career. This will
assist me to high level performance in the personal and professional aspects of life. In addition to
this, I also concluded that the skills that in have acquired from participating in class activities
will help me gain higher positions in my future career jobs and activities. Moreover, I also
analysed that I should improve my problem solving , computer and numeracy skills as the
development of these skills will allow me to unlock various growth opportunities related to my
academic as well as professional career. Furthermore, it was also help me to gain favourable
position among professors and classmates.
Action plan:
This stage is very crucial for me as in this I will formulate an appropriate action plan that
will focus on improving the knowledge and skills that I was lacking while performing class
activities. The effective action plan will enable me to make strategies in order to work on my
weakest areas. My action plan will support me to improve the critical skills such as problem
solving, computer as well as numeracy skills. In addition to this, the action plan will also
motivate me to take predetermined actions in order to make solutions for unexpected situations
that can occur in future. In order to improve my weaker areas I will build Action plan. The
structure of my action plan is given below:
Which skills I have to
improve?
How can I improve it? The time needed to attain my
goals?
Problem solving skills  In order to improve my
problem solving skills I
will participate in daily
class activities that will
motivate to provide
I will take 6 months to level up
my problem solving skills.

solutions for the
problems related to
class activities.
 I will also try to think
deeply about my
personal problems and
take measures to solve
real world problems on
my own.
Numeracy skills  For improving my
numeracy skills I will
put more focus on
solving numerical
problem on daily basis.
 I will also take online
numerical exercises
which will allow me to
solve numerical
problems in effective
manner.
In this, I'll take 4 months to
improve this skill.
Computer skills  In order to improve my
computer skills, I will
enrol in training
sessions that can
provide me deep
knowledge about the
usage of computer
software's such as
Microsoft office.
 In addition to this, I
I will need 3 months to
develop my computer skills.

will also read computer
software related books
in order to gain
effective knowledge.
CONCLUSION
The above stated report concludes that business communication is very important for the
organisational growth and development as well. It has been concluded that there are certain
approaches towards sustainable management and these approaches are very important from the
perspective of management of work as well. It has been determined that it is very necessary that
businesses should use strategies so that they can do their further development into appropriate
manner. For further improvement of the company, it is required that strategies should be used
into optimised manner. It has been observed that there are different approaches of corporate
social responsibility and these approaches are helpful in terms of further development and
growth as well. All the companies have their own corporate social responsibility and also they
have their own way of working. That's why its very important to use corporate social
responsibility into responsible manner at the organisational level. For measuring the performance
of corporate social responsibility it is very important that to use any of the methods of measuring
performance and the best option is key performance indicators.

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