Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to how companies manage their operations in an ethical manner for the benefit of the company, the quality of life of their workforce, families, community and society. Solid companies see themselves as corporate citizens and acknowledge that the way  they manage their business impacts owners, investors, employees and the community-at-large. For international business that community is the world. 

Over the last decade, businesses have come under increasing pressure to play an active and positive role in addressing social and environmental issues. This is especially true in the developing world. Those firms that are most successful are the ones which operate in an ethical and culturally appropriate manner which supports local economic and social development.

Businesses are also taking a leadership role in addressing social and economic issues where governments have been unable to find sustainable solutions. Some have helped improving transportation infrastructure or worked on local economic development plans with communities so as to provide labour to large industrial operations. Corporate Social Responsibility is mutually beneficial for both business and nations. It helps build a positive company profile especially in socially and politically volatile environments.

Identifying the best means to meet such an agenda is not an easy task. Should a company dedicate resources and energy to protecting biodiversity, improving education, health and poverty reduction or address energy and climatic change? The team at DEVELOPMENT FOCUS INTERNATIONAL can help your firm do a detailed analysis to help merge business interests with development priorities of the location where you are working and then facilitate a process for developing an effective long-term sustainable programme which will address these priorities.