Global Business Ethics: CSR, Code of Conduct & CPD Plan (2021-2022)

This report examines ethical issues within the global business environment, focusing on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and the impact of implementing codes of conduct. It highlights examples of companies like Starbucks and Microsoft that successfully integrate CSR, contrasting them with those that struggle, such as Unilever. The report also emphasizes the role of professional bodies like the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) in promoting ethical practices. Furthermore, it includes a CPD plan outlining learning objectives related to code of conduct, corporate social responsibility, and the support of professional bodies, aiming for continuous professional development and ethical business practices. The analysis concludes that while CSR and codes of conduct offer significant benefits, challenges exist in their implementation and adherence.

Preparing for a Professional
Career.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
MAIN BODY...................................................................................................................................3
PART A.......................................................................................................................................3
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................5
PART B.......................................................................................................................................5
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................8

INTRODUCTION.
Global business environment helps companies in understanding internal and external
factors that are responsible for affecting the operations of the business either at national or
global level. Further, present report is based on identifying one ethical issue that is faced by most
of the companies that are working in complex business environment. Also, study will identify the
impact of implementing the code of conduct for all these companies. Lastly, the report will also
identify role and support of various government bodies in addressing such issues closely for the
betterment of the societies in the long run.
MAIN BODY.
PART A.
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is defined as model that help companies to be
socially accountable to various stakeholders, investors, public etc. Also, through practising this
closely many firms are conscious in determine the overall impact it lays down on society and
environment so that corrective measures could be taken on time to stay in the competitive
market. Moreover, it is seen that CSR impact the companies both in positive and negative
manner as it affects the company brand image and customer loyalty. Furthermore, if company is
not able to practice CSR (responsibly) than it not only affects sales of the company but also
creates difficulties in maintaining job satisfaction and employee retention as people are
becoming more socially responsible and are interested in working in only those companies that
are working for the welfare of the people (Tallman, Luo and Buckley, 2018). Also, there are
many firms that strive in becoming leaders of CSR such as Starbucks that is engaging in
creating global network of farmers through providing 100 million trees and using sustainable
coffee cups for the services. Another example is of Microsoft that is committed towards making
sustainable future and systematic address and eliminate racial injustice and inequality prevailing
in the society. However, it is seen that many companies have fail to fulfil CSR responsibilities
and are not able to run efficiently in the market. For instance, Unilever that was unable to
address challenges related to the climate changes and have been in sexual harassment
controversies.
Furthermore, it is known that there are certain code of conduct that protects companies
through laying down rules and regulations and informs the employees of the company about

certain expectations. Also, failure to follow code of conduct might result in negative
consequences that also affects image of the company. For the company like Starbucks the
standard of business conduct is followed that allow Starbucks to maintain the highest standards
in conducting ethical behaviour. Through this all the employees and third parties are able to work
efficiently through following the legal and ethical responsibilities (Hamilton and Webster, 2018).
Further, through actively following this code of conduct companies are able to ensure that
resources are not wasted, work is carried out in protecting and promoting sustainable
environment in the society. Also, such code of conduct help companies and employees in using
social media responsibly, protects sensitive information of the company, avoid conflicts at the
workplace and much more. For instance Microsoft firm follows business conduct of line
through which employees and public could report if any breach of ethics is done. Thus, in both
above companies it is said that such code of conduct allows them to act in manner that does not
harm any section of people, society and stakeholders of the company in general.
There are many professional bodies that are responsible for supporting the CSR activities
of any firm that are working internationally and in United Kingdom. One of them is
International labour organization (ILO) that lays down labour standards at the part of social
responsibility of any firm. Also, this organization allows companies to promote social justice and
equality at the workplace as part of CSR activity so that employees motivation and satisfaction
could be maintained for longer period (Kozubikova and et.al., 2019). Further, this organization
aims in promoting health and safety of the workers, education to the child labour, improving
work conditions and much more. Thus, through this organization rights of the employees are
protected so that they could work together in coordinated manner in making the environment
sustainable. Moreover, with the help of this the companies are able to devise policies, launch
programmes and create better employment opportunities that are beneficial for both society and
employees. Another best example is World business council for sustainable
development(WBCSD) that is global community comprising 200 world leading sustainable
businesses that are working together to become more nature positive and have equitable future
(WBCSD – World Business Council for Sustainable Development, 2021). All the members
companies are from various business sectors so thus aims to provide better business solutions
regarding environmental issues so that business success could gain success in different parts of
the world (Hrechyshkina and Samakhavets, 2019). Further, member countries by joining this

benefit through getting knowledge about the latest sustainability tools, peer collaboration across
value chain etc.
Thus, from the overall it can be said that positive impact of code of conduct is that it
allows the companies to develop culture that defines the behaviour of the employees at the
workplace. Also, it supports in employee decision-making through giving them, the structure to
follow. However, it is seen that following code of conduct to practice CSR might create pressure
among the employees and burden with other important work related activities. Also, if certain
code of conduct to be followed are not made easy accessible to the employees working at lower
levels than chances of negative consequences are higher (Ghauri, Strange and Cooke, 2021).
Furthermore, positive impact of support of professional bodies to various firms in conducting
CSR activities is that it helps in providing new opportunities for growth that is essential for
gaining competitive advantage in the long run. Also, it enhances creativity of the firm that also
make employees feel empowered in taking certain decisions wisely and in regard to the company
prosperity. On the other hand however these professional bodies might also create negative
impact if all the rules lays down are very rigid and are difficult to follows when companies
resources are very limited or some issues are faced (Wang and Sarkis, 2017). Also, by following
rules the company employees might not be able to focus more on organizational goals that are
primary motive of any firm.
CONCLUSION.
From the above report it can be concluded that though various companies like Starbucks
and Microsoft are aiming in fulfilling corporate social responsibility in the best manner in spite
of this there are certain firms like Unilever that is unable to practice fully due to certain
complexities. Further, the report had analysed that role of code of conduct that helps companies
in becoming socially responsible towards the society and work. Lastly, the study had identified
importance of international organizations such as ILO and WBCSD in promoting the CSR
culture at the workplace and operations. Also, aims and objectives of these organizations in
regard to the current business environment had also been covered under this study.
PART B.

CPD PLAN
What do I want to learn? What will I do to
achieve this ?
What resources
or support will I
need?
What is my
success criteria?
Code of conduct that is
essential for making the
business run in manner that
corporate social
responsibility could be
fulfilled in easier way
through set defined policies
and programmes of the
company so that maximum
benefits could be generated
in the future.
Prior to this report I had
little knowledge of how
code of conduct helps
employees at workplace
to conduct daily activities
in systematic manner.
However, through this
report now I have the
detailed understanding
how CSR activities could
be implemented
efficiently through certain
code of conducts that are
made by the top
management of the
companies (Cherunilam,
2021). Also, I have learnt
that code of conduct
could be changed
according to the changing
business environment.
This learning
would help to
conduct future
researches related
to my studies in
the most effective
manner. Further,
this learning
would allow me
to work in
professional
environment in
the easiest
manner.
The success of
this learning
would be based
for example on
achieving the set
targets of the
company sales
while working
professionally in
the future. Also,
doing knowledge
sharing through
efficient
communication
among various
groups of people
so that more
people are aware
of different codes
of conduct in
specific time
frame.
Corporate social
responsibilities are part of
every individual working in
business irrespective of its
Though corporate social
responsibility is most
popular in current era in-
spite of this deep insights
This topic would
help me to
identify CSR
practices that
The success of
this learning
would be based
for instance on

level in organization. Also,
through these firms are able
to reduce negative impact on
the environment and gain
competitive advantage.
Furthermore, it helps
companies in initiating
changes within the
organization through
continuous innovative
activities (Ronit, 2018)
have helped me to
understand how it can
create both positive and
negative impacts on the
revenues of the firm.
Also, practices followed
by various firms in regard
to CSR is also known to
me in great extent that
was earlier unknown to
me.
could be or are
already
implemented at
my university to
be ethically
responsible.
Furthermore, this
learning would
allow me to
suggest bests
practices in the
organization I
would be working
in the future.
achieving specific
CSR research
project on
professional
level. Also, the
success would be
measured within
the year while
working in the
any firm.
Professional bodies that are
aims in assisting the business
to be socially responsible so
that future problems are not
involved. Thus, it helps in
creating positive impacts on
business through defining
the social ethics (Hampden-
Turner, Trompenaars and
Hampden-Turner, 2020)
This learning had allowed
me to know about various
organizations that are
working to make the
business more sustainable
and ethical in long run.
This knowledge
would create new
opportunities
responsible for
my future growth
To set the time
bound goals for
future growth.
For example:
Complete the
certificate course
related to these
firms within one
year.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals.
Cherunilam, F., 2021. Business environment. Himalaya Publishing House Pvt. Ltd.
Ghauri, P., Strange, R. and Cooke, F. L., 2021. Research on international business: The new
realities. International Business Review. 30(2). p.101794.
Hamilton, L. and Webster, P., 2018. The international business environment. Oxford University
Press.
Hampden-Turner, C., Trompenaars, F. and Hampden-Turner, C., 2020. Riding the waves of
culture: Understanding diversity in global business. Hachette UK.
Hrechyshkina, O. and Samakhavets, M., 2019. Foreign trade of the Republic of Belarus in the
international business environment.
Kozubikova, L. and et.al., 2019. The impact of political factors' perception on suitability of
international business environment: the case of startups. Economics & Sociology.
Ronit, K., 2018. Global business associations. Routledge.
Tallman, S., Luo, Y. and Buckley, P. J., 2018. Business models in global competition. Global
Strategy Journal. 8(4). pp.517-535.
Wang, Z. and Sarkis, J., 2017. Corporate social responsibility governance, outcomes, and
financial performance. Journal of cleaner production. 162. pp.1607-1616.
Online:
WBCSD – World Business Council for Sustainable Development. 2021. [Online]. Available
through:<https://ch.linkedin.com/company/wbcsd>.