About CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility)

Although it is not a new concept, the concept of corporate social responsibility, which has found a wide place in recent years, has different meanings for different groups, sectors, and stakeholders. What is agreed upon is that businesses play a greater role in the global economy beyond creating employment and welfare and that corporate social responsibility helps businesses achieve sustainable development. This means that the goals of businesses are not just to provide income to shareholders, wages to employees, products, and services to consumers; In addition, they embrace social and environmental problems and values. Today's businesses are faced with a triple structure that is aware of their responsibilities towards the environment and society as well as having an economic development perspective. Although corporate social responsibility has begun to attract more and more attention in recent years, the use of this concept goes back to the 1950s. In the years when the concept was first used, it was handled with a perspective such as "social responsibility begins where the law ends".

??????????This concept, which was mentioned in the works of Bowen (1953) in the 1950s, does not receive serious attention until the 1960s and could not find an area for development. In the following years, it is seen that some businesses include several practices that can be evaluated within the scope of corporate social responsibility. According to Agudelo et al. (2019), it is seen that Levi Strauss & Company has included social responsibility projects and practices since 1968. This company, which directs its employees to take responsibility for social problems, has formed “social participation teams” within the scope of corporate social responsibility and within this program, it has provided its employees with the opportunity to participate in voluntary activities for 5 hours a month.

?Although social responsibility discussions and practices were born in Europe, they developed in North America. The biggest role in the emergence and importance of the concept of corporate social responsibility belongs to Howard Bowen, as mentioned above. In his work “Social Responsibilities of Businessman”, he laid the foundations of the concept in a sense and provided the structuring of theoretical approaches to social responsibility. This work of Bowen gave wide coverage to the practices and statements of the managers in the USA in the 1950s and became the guide for much research that will come after it.

? CSR is often equated with philanthropy. But it is not philanthropy. Because in philanthropy, there is no such thing as informing others about this situation or making publicity. On the other hand, corporate social responsibility is the actions taken by considering the expectations of the masses of the people. The situation in question is realized entirely within the framework of plans. The situation is made public by various means. In addition, the plan period is generally evaluated to cover one or two years.

The main purpose of corporate social responsibility is to create a good company image about the company in people's minds. In other words, when the customer group remembers that company, this perception is formed. Loyalty, reliability, and loyalty type are abstract concepts that companies gain with corporate social responsibility. These intangible gains return to the firm as sales. In other words, these abstract concepts we are talking about aim to make the institution socially reputable and to make the firm go higher than it is materially.

Corporate social responsibility does not have to include purely altruistic behavior. To have good franchises socially responsible policies must be followed. Because they benefit both the company and the business. This situation is a win-win situation for most companies. It can give something back, show the local community is valued, and inspire customer loyalty.

?Benefits of Corporate Social Responsibility to the Firm

– Maximizes customer loyalty.

– Increases the loyalty of internal employees. Thus, efficiency will be greater.

– Corporate social responsibility increases strategies at very high rates.

– At the same time, it is the institution's attempt to gain a certain prestige. With corporate social responsibility, the company succeeds in gaining prestige and qualification.

– The market is very important to seize opportunities.

– Competitive advantage can be created.

– Reinforce that in the eyes of the people, the institution has very good intentions.

? Today, there are examples of social responsibility projects carried out by many companies, non-governmental organizations, government, and private sectors in our country and in the world.

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Social Responsibility Project Example “Let the Children Take to the Streets with Omo

For years, Omo has created a perception in our lives that integrates with Omo, with the slogan "It's Good to Get Dirty (Kirlenmek Güzeldir)". When we examine Omo's sustainable works, we can easily realize that it often touches on children, the environment, or the way children live with the environment. The aim of the Let the Children come to a life project, among which Gülben Ergen is among the founders of 2011, is to support places where education is needed for preschool so that the Children Smile. With the donations made, stationery, basic equipment, toys, etc. are provided to the kindergarten classes of the schools. While the support was given, parking areas were built so that they could play games freely. The project took place on the "It's Good to Get Dirty Facebook" page. People shared the pictures of their children playing on the street on the Facebook page, "Let the children go out on the street". Omo provided support to the public school for each shared photo, and the construction of basic equipment and a park playground was provided within the school.

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Opet “Clean Toilet Campaign” Social Responsibility Project Example

The aim of this project, which was implemented by Opet in 2000, is to spread toilet cleaning and hygiene throughout Turkey. In addition to its corporate image at the stations, it has created several conditions. In all Opet stations, the requirement for disabled toilets for disabled people has been stretched and implemented. Similarly, diaper changing units have been made so that babies do not get germs from the toilets. This study, whose purpose is to clean and hygiene the toilet, has provided its continuity with the pieces of training given in public institutions and organizations, schools, and hospitals, apart from Opet stations. It is among the long-term social responsibility projects that have been started and continued in Turkey for about 21 years.

???????????Finally, social responsibility can be perceived as an attempt to make a difference and change the world. It is a definition by businesses that not everything is quite right for society, that individuals and organizations must improve and change themselves if they are to change for the better. From sourcing products ethically and treating staff the right way, to organizing charitable events and sponsoring sponsored initiatives to help local communities, businesses have a responsibility to help the people around them, many of whom are their customers.