Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) – An Overview

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a business model that integrates social, environmental, and economic concerns into corporate operations and interactions with stakeholders. This course provides an introduction to CSR concepts, emphasizing the role of businesses in contributing to sustainable development, and highlights best practices for designing and implementing effective CSR programs. Participants will also explore global CSR frameworks and the impact of CSR on business performance and brand reputation.

• To explain the importance and role of CSR in business today.
• To provide participants with the knowledge to design and implement CSR strategies.
• To discuss CSR reporting frameworks and stakeholder engagement.
• To showcase real-world examples of successful CSR initiatives.

• Understand the core principles of CSR and how businesses can integrate them.
• Learn about global CSR frameworks and national regulations (e.g., India’s Companies Act, 2013).
• Explore stakeholder engagement and the role of businesses in contributing to societal well-being.
• Gain insights into CSR reporting and measurement of its impact.
• Discuss CSR’s business benefits: reputation, trust, and long-term value creation.

Module 1: Introduction to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

• What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)?
• The evolution of CSR in business practices.
• The triple bottom line: People, Planet, Profit.
• Corporate governance and CSR – Ethical responsibility in business.

Module 2: CSR Principles & Key Areas

• Environmental sustainability: Green initiatives, climate change, and eco-friendly operations.
• Social contributions: Education, health, community development, and philanthropy.
• Economic responsibility: Fair trade practices, employee welfare, and local economic development.
• Stakeholder engagement: Employees, customers, investors, local communities, and governments.

Module 3: Legal Framework & CSR Regulations

• CSR under India’s Companies Act, 2013: Legal provisions and requirements for companies.
• Global CSR frameworks: United Nations Global Compact, ISO 26000, GRI Standards.
• International CSR policies: EU directives, OECD guidelines.
• Compliance with tax incentives and legal disclosures.

Module 4: Designing and Implementing CSR Programs

• Identifying CSR goals aligned with business values and social impact.
• CSR planning and strategy: Needs assessment, goal-setting, and resources allocation.
• Building cross-functional teams to manage CSR initiatives.
• Examples of successful CSR programs in various sectors (tech, manufacturing, retail).

Module 5: CSR Reporting & Measurement

• CSR reporting frameworks: Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), Integrated Reporting (IR), and SDGs.
• How to measure CSR outcomes and social impact.
• Transparency in CSR reporting and building trust with stakeholders.
• Challenges and opportunities in CSR communications.

Module 6: Case Studies of Successful CSR Initiatives

• Case studies from global and local CSR leaders.
• Impact assessments: How businesses successfully address social issues through CSR.
• Innovative CSR programs: Technology in CSR, employee-driven initiatives.

Module 7: Challenges and Future Trends in CSR

• Overcoming challenges in CSR implementation: Resource allocation, stakeholder buy-in, and measuring success.
• The role of digital transformation in CSR (e.g., tech for community outreach).
• The future of CSR: Evolving expectations and the rise of sustainable business practices.

• CSR managers and professionals in organizations.
• Corporate leaders responsible for sustainability strategy.
• Legal professionals in corporate governance.
• NGO professionals involved in partnerships with businesses.
• Business students and academics focusing on ethics and sustainability.