Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a self-regulating business model that helps a company be socially accountable to itself, its stakeholders, and the public. By practicing corporate social responsibility, also called corporate citizenship, companies can be conscious of the kind of impact they are having on all aspects of society, including economic, social, and environmental.

Engaging in CSR means that, in the ordinary course of business, a company is operating in ways that enhance society and the environment instead of contributing negatively to them.

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KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Corporate social responsibility is a business model by which companies make a concerted effort to operate in ways that enhance rather than degrade society and the environment.
  • CSR can help improve various aspects of society as well as promote a positive brand image for companies.
  • Corporate responsibility programs can also raise morale in the workplace.1 
  • CSR is often broken into four categories: environmental impacts, ethical responsibility, philanthropic endeavors, and financial responsibilities.
  • Some examples of companies that strive to be leaders in CSR include Starbucks and Ben & Jerry’s.

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