CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

What is a key significance of the widespread acceptance of the Global reporting Initiative's G4 framework?

It allows meaningful, valid comparisons of corporate sustainability practices.

An organization has designed and published its values, provided training on the values, and outlined an individual's responsibilities in upholding those values. What has the organization created?

A code of ethics is a set of principles of conduct that guide decisions throughout the organization. In contrast, mission and vision statements summarize the organization's business, priorities, and aspirations, and a strategic plan lays out methods for implementing the organization's vision. A corporate philanthropy plan reflects an ethical value but does not concern principles that guide the organization's business decisions and actions.

Is it more effective to have a rules-based code or a values-based code, and why?

A values-based code is more effective because it enables the code to be an ethical decision-making tool for addressing future ethical dilemmas.

What is the primary value of a written code of conduct?

A written code of conduct covers conduct issues in a broader sense than a rule or regulation. Value-based guidelines help employees self-apply benchmarks and standards in many different situations, including those that have not yet occurred.

What has been a critical change in how organizations view their stakeholders?

Both who they are and how the organization interacts with them has expanded.

Which statement about corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies and programs is correct?

CSR policy results are being included in annual financial performance reports.

What term best describes a corporate culture that focuses on meeting the technical requirements of regulations?

Compliance culture. Compliance focuses on fulfilling the technical requirements of regulations. Compliance without regard to ethics can result in a mechanistic adherence to the letter—but perhaps not the spirit—of the law.

What is the goal of enabling local cluster developments?

Creating shared value Porter and Kramer argue that most companies' success is dependent on a cluster of other organizations (related businesses, suppliers, schools) and infrastructure (roads, communication networks, water and energy supply). Shared value results when organizations build and enhance the local cluster and improve the conditions of those operating in it, benefiting the organization and its community.

What two dimensions of HR make it central to fulfilling the code of conduct's role in the organization?

Educator and stakeholder outreach lead

What is the main purpose of a global organization's code of ethics?

Effective codes of ethics help employees recognize ethical issues and respond in a way that reflects the organization's values.

What is a key component of compliance program training?

Ensuring that all employees know where to seek compliance and ethical advice and feel they can do so without fear

What have the new definitions of sustainability retained from their ecological origins?

Focus on long-range considerations of value rather than short-term returns

What is a key critical decision for organizations in creating their codes of conduct?

How to balance differences in acceptable behaviors from one location to the next with an acceptance of the organization's core values

How have corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategies evolved in corporations?

In many corporations, CSR principles have matured as a strategic approach that is fully integrated into an organization's mission and core business strategies.

What type of compliance program evaluation asks questions such as "how often are classes given" and "how satisfied are attendees with the courses?

Process evaluation

An organization that offshores apparel fabrication has come under fire for using a supplier subcontractor cited for human rights violations. To avoid this situation in the future, which certification should the organization seek in their next supplier?

Rather than being limited to direct employees, SA8000 is a certifiable standard that can be used to ensure human rights in extended supply chains. While the other options include human rights components, it is not their sole focus, and they are not designed for certification.

In developing a corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy, an organization is reviewing existing international principles and guidelines. It is looking for CSR certification and is focusing its attention on human rights issues. Which set of guidelines is apt to be most useful to them?

SA8000, first issued in 1997, is a certifiable standard focusing on human rights and labor relations, providing both process and performance criteria. It is based on both United Nations and International Labor Organization (ILO) standards. While the other guidelines include human rights components, it is not their sole focus, and they are not designed for certification.

What is the most significant impact of the creation of the triple bottom line?

Serving as the foundation for measurement and public reporting of sustainability performance by multinational corporations

What is one of the key tasks of the "Plan implementation" step in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategic process?

Set priorities and objectives.The key tasks at this step are to set strategy, set priorities and objectives (including how intermediate tactical steps will lead to long-term objectives), and implement the action plan. Establishing leadership roles (whether HR or a sustainability department or other structure) is an earlier step. Measuring results is a later step.

What is the term for a formal review of an organization's social and environmental policies and procedures used for self-evaluation?

Social audit gf

At what stage of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategic process does a global organization decide whether there will be local initiative leadership and how they will coordinate with global efforts?

Step 3, infrastructure creation, involves creating the infrastructure that will be responsible for guiding, overseeing, administering, reviewing, and championing the CSR strategy. For a global corporation, that includes determining whether local departments, divisions, or individuals will be responsible for local efforts and how these will coordinate with global goals and initiatives.

What is the term for the common ground between business and public interests that can generate innovation and business opportunities?

Sustainability sweet spot

A program pairs at-risk youths with corporate mentors who encourage them to stay in school. The cost of the program to corporate participants is approximately $30,000 per year. What is the primary advantage to an organization of participating in the program?

The most immediate result of the organization's participation will be the goodwill that it builds in the community. This type of publicity can be more valuable than that generated by an advertising campaign.

Who must begin the process of creating an ethical environment?

The process of creating an ethical environment must begin with the organization's leaders. It must receive continuous reinforcement from leadership at all levels.

How do the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Guidelines support corporate governance?

They help countries address globalization issues. The OECD Guidelines help both member and nonmember countries address global issues. To that end, the OECD researches and promotes Guidelines ranging from governance to workforce relations, environmental concerns, and more.