How to Create a Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy
Recent years have seen a huge shift in the way the average consumer makes his or her shopping decisions. When seeking a specific product or service, a person is more likely to look into the brand’s reputation before making a purchase. This is largely due to how many big corporations have committed serious crimes against humanity and the planet as a whole. While some companies have gone to great lengths to fix the issues they have created, other companies continue to cause long-term problems. To stand out and do what’s right, you need to develop a corporate social responsibility strategy.
Don’t Just Save Face
One of the worst ways to go about your CSR strategy is only doing anything altruistic for good PR. While the good press is definitely a benefit you want to reap from your efforts, consumers can easily sniff out empty gestures. Start local and explore non-profit organizations and charities that align with the values of your brand. If your business involves selling clothing, for example, you should definitely be making donations to local shelters and starting your own clothing drives to encourage engagement on the issue from the community as a whole.
Take an Environmental Stance
With devastating wildfires in areas like Southern California and the Australian Outback becoming commonplace, a vast majority of the world is aware of the severe threat posed by shifting global temperatures. Since many large corporations directly impact the environment in negative ways, your best bet with CSR strategies is finding sustainable practices for the future. A failure to align with what is right for the planet will cost you more in the long run, as younger generations take this issue seriously and will outright oppose any company that is not committed to positive change.
Connect With the People
There are times when you need to listen to the people in order to understand what practices your business should be following. Developing a corporate social responsibility strategy begins with targeting issues that your business can help solve. When your company exists in an area with a lot of poverty or specific social problems, you can do wonders by responding to these issues and providing hefty donations to organizations that could use assistance. These decisions will help improve your reputation and get more people interested in what your company has to offer.
Creating a strategy for social responsibility is about more than improving your business. It is about taking ownership of your responsibility toward the people and the planet. Find the right corporate social responsibility strategy and see how it can help your company grow.
