Inspiration - NGOs

Many companies talk about their CSR strategy. But what is this and how does this effect your NGO and your work?

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is the idea that a business has a responsibility to the society it operates within. Firms that embrace CSR are typically organized in a way that empowers them to exist and act in a socially responsible way. It’s a form of self-regulation that, depending on a company’s goals, is manifested in initiatives and/or strategies. 

Exactly what “socially responsible” means, varies from company to company. Firms are often guided by a concept known as the triple bottom line, which dictates that a business should be committed to measuring its social and environmental impact, along with its profits. “Profit, people, planet” is often used to encapsulate the driving force of the triple bottom line.

CSR is traditionally broken into four categories: environmental, philanthropic, ethical, and economic responsibility.

When engaging with a company, it is important that you clarify what that company’s specific strategy is, and in what area they operate. Appropriately matching this strategy,  will be of utmost importance.