How do you manage CSR in different contexts?

1 Assess the needs and expectations

Before you design or implement your CSR activities, you need to understand the needs and expectations of your internal and external stakeholders. This includes your employees, customers, suppliers, investors, regulators, communities and the environment. You can use various methods to gather feedback, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, workshops or consultations. You can also use tools such as materiality analysis, stakeholder mapping or SWOT analysis to prioritize the most relevant and significant issues for your CSR agenda.

2 Align with global standards and frameworks

While CSR is context-specific, there are also some global standards and frameworks that can guide your CSR practices and reporting. For example, you can follow the United Nations Global Compact, which is a voluntary initiative that promotes 10 principles on human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption. You can also use the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) standards, which are the most widely used sustainability reporting standards in the world. These standards help you measure and communicate your CSR performance and impacts on various topics.

3 Adapt to local cultures and regulations

When you operate in different countries or regions, you need to respect and adapt to the local cultures and regulations that affect your CSR activities. For example, you need to consider the cultural values, norms, beliefs and customs of the people you work with or serve. You also need to comply with the local laws, policies and regulations that govern your business operations and CSR obligations. You can consult with local experts, partners or organizations to help you understand and navigate the local context.

4 Engage with stakeholders and partners

One of the key aspects of managing CSR in different contexts is to engage with your stakeholders and partners. This means that you need to communicate, collaborate and co-create with them on your CSR initiatives. You can use various channels and platforms to inform, consult, involve or empower your stakeholders and partners. For example, you can use social media, newsletters, blogs, webinars or podcasts to share your CSR stories and achievements. You can also use forums, events, networks or coalitions to exchange ideas, best practices and challenges with other CSR practitioners.

5 Evaluate and improve your CSR outcomes

Finally, you need to evaluate and improve your CSR outcomes in different contexts. This means that you need to monitor, measure and report on your CSR activities and impacts. You can use various indicators, metrics and tools to assess your CSR performance and progress. For example, you can use the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are a set of 17 global goals that address the most urgent challenges facing the world. You can also use the ISO 26000 standard, which is a guidance on social responsibility for organizations. These tools help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for your CSR improvement.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?