Outline and discuss the evolution of CSR (Corporate Social Essay

Outline and discuss the evolution of CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility), including its history, role in the financial crisis - Essay Example Among the many corporate strategies that have been adopted in the corporate world, to ensure both sustainability and profitability is the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), which has gradually achieved massive popularity and significance in businesses world over. Corporate Social Responsibility simply refers to the manner in which businesses behave towards the society or conduct their affairs, in accordance to acceptable standards of operation; all businesses have an obligation to pay attention to, or to be responsive to social and environmental issues (Montiel 2008, p.245), rather than merely focusing on making profits. An understanding and integration of both societal needs and business needs is particularly important to business management in the recent times due to the increasing awareness of social challenges and the emphasis on social responsiveness. In that respect, Corporate Social Responsibility entails engaging in business practices and activities that promot e societal goals, thus, is one of the basic means of achieving competitive advantage in the complex and competitive global market environment. Historical background of CSR The concept of Corporate Social Responsibility dates awhile back in history and it has been in existence for more than a decade now, though its prominence and application in the corporate world is largely a present phenomenon for many corporations were not familiar with it until about the mid 1970’s. The pioneers of the concept observed that businesses ought to pursue policies and take decisions or actions that are desirable not only in terms of the objectives but also in terms of the values of society (Archie 1999, p.270). Initial academic debates that led to the development of this concept were the heated exchanges between Adolf Berle, who contended that managers were only responsible to their shareholders, and Merrick Dodd, who maintained that managers were responsible to the public as a whole and not ju st to the shareholders alone. Dodd further developed his contention by positing that besides the economic responsibilities owed to shareholders, managers have social responsibilities to the society as well; businesses serve a purpose in society and are not merely a source of profit to their owners (Snider, Hill & Martin 2003 p.176). Modern activist movements in the 1950’s and ‘60’s particularly in the US gave the debate a new momentum by turning media attention to business practices that they considered to be unethical or irresponsible, and in the wake of 1070’s focus had shifted to Corporate Social Responsiveness. This gave rise to yet another concept, Corporate Social Responsiveness, which refers to the notion that firms have to respond pragmatically to social pressures while paying considerable attention to their social obligations. A new development that took place in this era was the birth of modern corporate philanthropy, which involved corporations making huge donations for purposes not directly linked with immediate corporate profit. A further development in the concept was the shift from mere corporate philanthropy to strategic corporate philant

Comparison matrix Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Comparison matrix - Essay Example This type of learning transcends to a more interconnected view of the universe [where] knowledge is seen as an abstract whole to be accessed through inquiry of themes, issues, experiences, and problems (Mathison and Freeman, 1997). This approach to social studies learning also encourages discussion, critical thinking, creativity and decision making which is applicable in a real world setting. Its drawback is its cost because implementation of integrative learning may require an overhaul of the curriculum being used in the current K-12 system. According to the study of (Petrides et al., 2011) while textbooks provide a cost saving method to facilitate learning, textbook learning still requires more opportunities for more engagement and interaction such as â€Å"in-class discussions led by students, supported by web-based interactive technologies† (41). Compared to integrative learning, textbook learning is very limited as the interpretation of the universe is limited only to the viewpoint of the author and does not provide the opportunity for application, comparison and discussion of the text. c) Commercially purchased social studies learning – commercially purchased social studies learning such as technology assisted teaching medium (DVD tutorials, online learning) became more versatile today than they were first introduced, it still cannot facilitate critical reflection and decision making due to the limitation of the medium (Rose and Fernlund, 1997). Unlike the integrative method of social studies learning where a student can infer to various discipline in synthesizing his or her interpretation of the universe, commercially purchased social studies learning are only limited to the pre-set curriculum of the program purchased. Online learning may provide interaction but the coverage of discussion is not as comprehensive compared to integrative mode of learning. Commercially purchased social studies learning can also be costly

Astronomy Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Astronomy - Research Paper Example According to various reports, the Atlantic Ocean is getting is bigger at the rate of five to ten centimeters per year. Since the size of the earth does not increase, the increase experienced by the Atlantic Ocean means that some plates must be shrinking. Since the seafloor is also expanding, the expansion is believed to continue (NASA). There are various members of the solar system. Earth and Venus are among the members of the solar system. Earth is the third closest planet to the sun whereas Venus is the second closest to the sun. Therefore, being relatively closer to the sun compared to the Earth, Venus is considered to be a lot hotter. The planet Venus is believed to have average temperatures of over 460 degrees centigrade. On the other hand, the planet Earth has an average temperature of 14 degrees centigrade. Nevertheless, both planets share similar composition, similar size, and more importantly, they have an atmosphere that has a complex weather system. Venus is believed to have a smooth surface like that of the earth although there is a variation of what it is and what it is expected to be. There is sizeable evidence showing the same geographical features that are available on planet earth. For instance, volcanoes, Canyons, lava flows, rift valleys, craters, mountains plains among others are also present in Venus (NASA). Just like planet Earth, Venus has a considerable number of mountains. As a matter of fact, Venus is believed to have mountains that are higher than those of Earth. Maxwell Montes, one of the highest mountains on Venus has an elevation of 11 kilometers. The elevation of Maxwell Montes is believed to be 2 kilometers higher than the highest mountain Mount Everest, which is highest mountain in Planet Earth. Substantial evidence shows that volcanoes and lava flows are also present in Venus. This is shown due to the change in

The promotion of stroke and heart diseases Research Paper

The promotion of stroke and heart diseases - Research Paper Example This research will begin with the statement that Stroke and heart diseases are the third and the first reported diseases respectively that result in high death rate in both men and women in the United States of America. Additionally, they are considered to be the major widespread and high-cost diseases that most nations have to deal with. However, it is important for citizens to take the initiative in order to prevent these particular diseases. This is because these type of diseases can be easily prevented and thus reduce the death rates caused by the same. According to research, 33.6 % of a total number of deaths that occurred in the United States of America was as a result of either stroke or other forms of heart diseases. Statistics further indicate that 150,000 deaths that occurred in 2007 in American were individuals below the age of 65. Moreover, the aforementioned diseases not only cause death but also disability with more than 4 million cases in the United States has been cau sed by the same. Moreover, it can be pointed out that high death rates caused by both stroke and heart diseases are not the only problem these diseases. In 2010, the cost of treating these diseases was approximated to be $444 in the United States of America. Furthermore, the cost of treatment for these two diseases is approximately $1 for every $ 6 spent in treating other forms of illness in the United States of America. Therefore, treatment of both stroke and heart diseases impacts negatively on the funds and other resources of the country’s healthcare scheme.

Dissertation - Can an organisation's growth be restricted Essay

Dissertation - Can an organisation's growth be restricted (constrained) by its recruitment policies, employee motivation or is it other factors - Essay Example For this reason, there is a strong need to determine the best way to increase the work motivation of the older generation employees. For this study, the researcher aims to determine whether the organization’s growth be restricted by its recruitment policies and employment motivation strategies on workers more than 50 years of age. To address the purpose of the study, the researcher will first conduct a literature review on organizational culture, work equality, importance of work flexibility and work-life balance, and the current employment law with regards to the pension age. Eventually, the researcher will conduct a quantitative and qualitative research survey among employees more than 50 years old. Organizational culture refers to â€Å"a set of norms, beliefs, principles and behaviour that gives the organization a unique character.† (Brown, 1995) It is also defined as â€Å"a pattern of behaviour developed by an organization to cope with problems related to external adaptation and internal integration aside from enabling the employees to feel and think positively.† David (1999: 143) Organizational culture is a paradigm which is often developed by employees within the organization. Over time, organizational culture forms a strong set of behavioural patterns and belief that could greatly affect the perception of employees with regards to its organizational goals and success. (Willcoxson & Millett, 2000) In fact, organization culture could greatly influence not only the success of the organization in terms of attaining its organizational goals but also its current performance. (DuBrin, 2002; David, 1999; Robbins, 1998) In order to effectively develop a strong organizational culture, managers play an important role when it comes to determining and implementing an acceptable organizational culture that promotes employees’ loyalty as well as motivating them to participate in supporting the effort on attaining the organizational goal

Othello Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 3

Othello - Essay Example ful reevaluation of the play points to the fact that the ultimate victim in this classic play by Shakespeare is not Desdemona but Brabantio – Desdemona’s father. Brabantio, a Venetian Senator, awoke one night from a commotion brought about by Iago and Roderigo as they notify him that Desdemona has absconded with the "black ram" or "Barbary horse," or Othello. The two men tells the senator that the "lascivious Moor" has taken Desdemona and she has "made a gross revolt,/ Tying her duty, beauty, wit, and fortunes/ In an extravagant and wheeling stranger/ Of here and every where (1.1.126-137)." When sense that his daughter is not in her bed, he ensues to place the culpability on his daughter and likewise blames Othello. Most critics would argue that Brabantio should have blamed himself more that anyone else (Hageman 67). On the other hand, Brabantio is deceived by the two, eloping without his consent. Brabantio’s sensibilities are injured by this act as first, he is a respected senator in Venice, and second, he is the father of a girl who ran away with a person he considered friend. Embarrassed and furious, Brabantio anxiously cries out t o Roderigo, "O unhappy girl!--/ With the Moor, sayst thou?--Who would be a father!--/ How didst thou know twas she?---O, she deceives me/ Past thought!......O treason of the blood!/ Fathers, from hence trust not your daughters minds/ By what you see them act (1.1.163-171)." Brabantio’s initial reaction demonstrates fury as he suffers betrayal from Desdemona, the daughter he adores. The words "treason of the blood" are particularly significant as they propose not only an act of unjustifiable trickery but also a profundity of fervor for his daughter – which in effect, a trickery he fails to grasp. Eventually, he illustrates Desdemonas temperament as "A maiden, never bold;/ Of spirit so still and quiet that her motion/ Blushd at herself (1.3.94-96)." Brabantio asks himself how the two are able to deceive him. Failing to

Dissertation - Can an organisation's growth be restricted Essay

Dissertation - Can an organisation's growth be restricted (constrained) by its recruitment policies, employee motivation or is it other factors - Essay Example For this reason, there is a strong need to determine the best way to increase the work motivation of the older generation employees. For this study, the researcher aims to determine whether the organization’s growth be restricted by its recruitment policies and employment motivation strategies on workers more than 50 years of age. To address the purpose of the study, the researcher will first conduct a literature review on organizational culture, work equality, importance of work flexibility and work-life balance, and the current employment law with regards to the pension age. Eventually, the researcher will conduct a quantitative and qualitative research survey among employees more than 50 years old. Organizational culture refers to â€Å"a set of norms, beliefs, principles and behaviour that gives the organization a unique character.† (Brown, 1995) It is also defined as â€Å"a pattern of behaviour developed by an organization to cope with problems related to external adaptation and internal integration aside from enabling the employees to feel and think positively.† David (1999: 143) Organizational culture is a paradigm which is often developed by employees within the organization. Over time, organizational culture forms a strong set of behavioural patterns and belief that could greatly affect the perception of employees with regards to its organizational goals and success. (Willcoxson & Millett, 2000) In fact, organization culture could greatly influence not only the success of the organization in terms of attaining its organizational goals but also its current performance. (DuBrin, 2002; David, 1999; Robbins, 1998) In order to effectively develop a strong organizational culture, managers play an important role when it comes to determining and implementing an acceptable organizational culture that promotes employees’ loyalty as well as motivating them to participate in supporting the effort on attaining the organizational goal