The concept and practice of corporate social responsibility – the belief that companies have an obligation to help actively maintain the health and well-being of the communities in which they do business – has existed in the United States since the early 1950s. However, over the past two decades, a growing number of business leaders have come to view corporate social responsibility as not only "the right thing to do" – a way to give back to the communities where they have significant business interests – but as a key business imperative which, if done strategically, will generate a "win-win-win" situation for any company, its employees and the community.
Benefits to the Community
Creates healthier communities by improving the overall quality of life
Helps address/solve vital social problems
Generates a renewed spirit of citizenship and civic pride
Provides new talent and ideas to meet community needs
Contributions increase the level and quality of community services
Opens lines of communication among various segments of the community
Strengthens the local economy
Benefits to the Employees
Strengthens employees' organizational, leadership, communications, financial management and decision-making skills
Encourages teamwork
Enables employees to develop new skills
Creates a better quality of life where employees live and work
Reduces stress and increases morale
Expands networking within the company
Increases employee awareness and interest in community issues
Generates an increased sense of patriotism, citizenship and civic pride
Benefits to the Company
Bolsters image as a "Good Corporate Citizen" and builds goodwill towards the company
Increases employee morale, loyalty and productivity
Creates teambuilding opportunities
Improves communications and relations between management and workforce
Generates recognition as a good place to work / "Employer of Choice"
Enhances/increases employee recruitment and retention
Creates ways to implement/address strategic business goals and objectives
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