Personal tools
You are here: → Scottish Business in the Community → Home → Why? Corporate Responsibility
Navigation
 

Introduction
An introduction to Corporate Responsibility and how SBC impacts upon this within the Scottish business environment.

CR, Corporate Citizenship, responsible business practice; whatever the definition, consumers, investors, government and the media are becoming increasingly concerned with the accountability of the corporate world and its effect on society.

Scotland, with a sophisticated economy and a small population, is a country where the benefits of CR can be realised to a greater extent.  There are four main areas where CR can impact.
Corporate Responsibility Themes

Community Theme (151x54) Being a responsible neighbour by understanding the local needs Marketplace Theme (151x54) Managing the impacts of business operations through interaction with key stakeholders
Environment Theme (151x54) Protecting the environment for future generations Workplace Theme (151x54) Treating employees fairly, equitably and with respect

Responsible Business

"Where once we might have believed that change was sufficient, it is now quite obvious that it is not enough merely to create change: we must create change that is sustainable - in other words, change that is for the long term, and that lasts".

HRH The Prince of Wales
President of Scottish Business in the Community

Responsible business should be at the core of a company’s programmes and strategies, not a bolt-on to operations. Companies that count recognise that responsible business can help to innovate and develop new products and services and access new markets not only minimise risk. These companies implement initiatives and programmes to improve their positive impact, not just minimise their negative impact.

How an organisation manages these areas can factor on their sales, reputation, brand recognition, staff performance and retention. Scottish Business in the Community enables companies to make their impact on society as positive and productive as possible, whilst gaining tangible business benefits.

SBC has developed a CR Healthcheck for its members - a tool that acts as a simple audit. This can be developed into a comprehensive plan of action, enabling organisations to integrate CR into all aspects of their business.


Role of the individual

Behind every corporation, every organisation, every product, is an individual or group of individuals with responsibilities. Collectively they will determine the success of an organisation's CR strategy; making leadership and individual accountability vital to progressing from rhetoric into effective delivery. Business must consider how to harness the positive contributions that individuals make to society - and the economy.