PART B:
Reflexive Report (500 words)
Why did you choose the specific essay question (subject/topic area) for Part A? In your opinion, what is the importance of this subject / topic area for the study of contemporary management and organisations? How has writing the essay in Part A helped you think differently about organisations, your career and your employment future?
Introduction
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is the concept that businesses have a responsibility to the public and their stakeholders to act in a socially responsible and ethical manner. This concept has been around for many years and is gaining increasing attention from both academics and practitioners. Carroll (1991) proposed a definition of CSR which breaks CSR into four responsibilities – economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic. This research paper will discuss how human resource management (HRM) can contribute to each of these responsibilities within a 21st century organisation.
Economic Responsibility
The economic responsibility of CSR is concerned with the generation of wealth and the proper management of resources. HRM can play a key role in contributing to this responsibility. For example, HRM can help organisations by developing strategies to attract and retain highly talented and committed employees. This can be achieved through effective recruitment and selection methods, competitive compensation and benefits packages, and career development opportunities. Additionally, HRM can help organisations reduce costs associated with employee turnover and absenteeism, as well as improve performance and productivity through effective performance management systems.
Legal Responsibility
The legal responsibility of CSR is concerned with complying with the relevant laws, regulations and standards that govern the organisation’s activities. HRM can help organisations meet their legal responsibilities by ensuring that the organisation’s policies and procedures are in compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Additionally, HRM can help organisations stay up to date on changes in the legal environment, ensuring that the organisation is compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.
Ethical Responsibility
The ethical responsibility of CSR is concerned with acting in an ethical and socially responsible manner. HRM can help organisations meet their ethical responsibility by developing and implementing policies and procedures that ensure ethical behaviour. Additionally, HRM can help organisations promote a culture of ethical behaviour by providing training and education on ethical issues, as well as developing an effective code of conduct.
Philanthropic Responsibility
The philanthropic responsibility of CSR is concerned with contributing to the betterment of society. HRM can help organisations meet this responsibility by developing and implementing policies and procedures for corporate philanthropy. This could include providing financial support to charities and causes, sponsoring community events, and offering volunteering opportunities for employees. Additionally, HRM can help organisations develop meaningful partnerships with local businesses and organisations in order to contribute to the community in a meaningful way.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that HRM can contribute to each of the four responsibilities of CSR proposed by Carroll (1991). HRM can help organisations meet their economic responsibility by developing strategies to attract and retain highly talented and committed employees. HRM can help organisations meet their legal responsibility by ensuring that policies and procedures are in compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Additionally, HRM can help organisations meet their ethical responsibility by developing and implementing policies and procedures that ensure ethical behaviour. Lastly, HRM can help organisations meet their philanthropic responsibility by developing and implementing policies and procedures for corporate philanthropy. Through these strategies, HRM can play a key role in helping organisations meet their CSR responsibilities within a 21st century organisation.