Is CSR only relevant in relation to companies operating in or sourcing from emerging economies?
No. There is an inherent danger in the current CSR discourse of falling into an ‘us – them’ approach. Some corporations, governments and CSR theorists have a tendency to apply human rights under the Principles-Based Approach in emerging economies contexts only. Risk management or human rights violations may occur more frequently where the economy is weak. However, as demonstrated by the huge backlog of cases with the European Court of Human Rights, violations occur anywhere in the world and the strategic proactive focus can likewise create value on any continent.
From a risk perspective this point is confirmed in the UN adopted framework (2008) as proposed by the UN Special Representative for the Secretary-General on Business and Human Rights, Harvard Professor John Ruggie. The report concludes that violations of human rights occur in every region of the world and in every industrial sector. Human rights are therefore relevant for all corporations, wherever they operate. For example, the right to privacy or the right to non-discrimination pose considerable challenges to most corporations operating in emerged economies, although legislation is in place.
GLOBAL CSR is concerned with the ‘us – them’ approach when addressing human rights. We strongly promote an inclusive and appreciative mind-set, where prejudices about certain countries and regions are set aside when implementing a Principled-Based Approach to CSR.
Questions and Answers on CSR:
- What is CSR?
- What is an international Principles-Based Approach to CSR?
- What is the link between Human Rights and CSR?
- What is the Triple Bottom Line?
- What is CSR Compliance & Opportunities?
- Does CSR have the potential to create sustainable development?
- Is CSR also relevant for governments?
- Is CSR also relevant for SMEs?
- Is CSR only relevant in relation to corporations operating in or sourcing from emerging economies?
- Are Human Rights relevant for private corporations?
- Is there a business case for CSR?
- How can corporations perform Responsible Supply Chain Management?
- What are the implications of the Danish government’s “Action Plan for Corporate Social Responsibility” for Danish corporations?
- How can GLOBAL CSR assist in relation to CSR?