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• 5 Pillars of Corporate Responsibility
  

5 Pillars of CR

When talking about the whole area of responsible business practices, it can sometimes help to talk about the ‘pillars’ ie Marketplace, Community, Environment, Workplace and CR Management and Communications. Below is an overview of how being responsible in each area is of vital importance to a company’s growth and sustainability and how Business in the Community Ireland can provide guidance and expert advice in these areas.

Marketplace

A globally-interconnected world means customers have heightened expectations of customer service, ethical business practices and environmentally sound products and services. Indeed, Business in the Community Ireland conducted a Ipsos MRBI survey in 2010 of CEO’s attitudes on corporate responsibility and 92% of Irish CEOs believed there will be an increasing demand for sustainable products and services in the future. Therefore, companies must explore this area when developing products and services but also be mindful of how they communicate with their customers as increasingly with the rise of social media, customers have a huge role to play in communications about a company’s brand.

When it comes to suppliers, procurement practices and ethical supply chains are fast becoming the only way to do business. Business in the Community Ireland can advise companies in the area of Marketplace and also run collaborative groups focused on such topics as ethical supply chains and customer service where best practice is shared. Click here to view the dedicated collection of  best practice case studies and search ‘Marketplace’.

Community

The strength of the relationship between a business and its local community can sustain the business through difficult times, benefit its stakeholders and enhance the company’s reputation. Business in the Community Ireland has strong links with community groups nationwide and has designed custom strategic initiatives for companies such as Oracle, AOL and Janssen Pharmaceutical. Click here for Ireland’s first map of the impact businesses are having on communities around the country. Also visit the dedicated collection of best practice case studies and search ‘Community’.

Environment

Ecological footprint, carbon neutrality, greenhouse gas emissions, climate change-what does it all mean for businesses? Strategies need to be put in place both to explore opportunities but also reduce risks. Business in the Community Ireland works with companies on environmental practices and policies and can help identify relevant targets based on best practice in relevant sectors and support the implementation of a programme of continuous improvement. Business in the Community Ireland also works with Friends of the Earth, Vodafone and other companies on the Irish Corporate Leaders on Climate Change. For more information on this unique initiative visit www.corporateleaders.ie

For more inspiration visit the dedicated collection of best practice case studies and search ‘Environment’.

Workplace

74% of Irish CEOs agreed that CR has a role to play in talent acquisition and retention. Businesses want to attract the best people to work for them and also retain them and develop employees as leaders of the future. Business in the Community Ireland work with a number of companies on their workplace practices and indeed member companies have regularly appeared in Best Places to Work listings year on year.

For a full selection of great workplace practices, visit the dedicated collection of best practice case studies and search ‘Workplace’. 

CR Management & Communications

86% of Irish CEOs believe CR can play a role in rebuilding Ireland’s corporate reputation. Therefore companies must communicate what they are doing and also have sound governance and management practices embedded across the organisation.  Business in the Community Ireland work with  a large number of businesses in this whole area from providing advice and endorsement on CR Reporting and measurement to communicating and showcasing members practices through initiatives such as the annual  National Corporate Responsibility Week (held each October) to providing Ireland’s only dedicated CR newsletter, CR Monthly - click here to subscribe. Business in the Community Ireland also work closely with companies on the area of measurement and with the new ‘Business Working Responsibly' mark, have launched Ireland’s first certified standard for responsible and sustainable business practices. Finally visit the What We Do section to view our own CR reports.

 Click here for more information on joining our network of companies or contact Kellie Dalton on kdalton@bitc.ie or 01 874 7232