part
below.
Explanation:
How to approach this question
- There are three questions within this question. The purpose could be your introduction, and then
take two big sections in the main body of your essay for the elements and how to evaluate it.
Example Essay
A Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy serves as a formal commitment by a company to
conduct its business in a socially responsible and sustainable manner. The purpose of a CSR policy is
to outline the organization's dedication to ethical practices, environmental stewardship, and social
contributions. It reflects a company's commitment to going beyond mere profit generation and
actively engaging in initiatives that benefit society and the environment.
Elements of a CSR Policy:
1. Ethical Business Practices:
· Clearly articulated principles on fair business dealings, anti-corruption measures, and adherence to
ethical standards in all operations.
2. Environmental Sustainability:
· Commitments to minimize environmental impact through sustainable practices, energy efficiency,
waste reduction, and responsible sourcing of materials.
3. Social Responsibility:
· Efforts to contribute positively to the community, which may include support for education,
healthcare, poverty alleviation, or other social initiatives.
4. Labor Practices:
· Fair and ethical treatment of employees, including non-discrimination, fair wages, safe working
conditions, and respect for workers' rights.
5. Supply Chain Responsibility:
· A commitment to ensuring that suppliers and partners adhere to similar ethical and CSR standards,
promoting responsible practices throughout the entire supply chain.
6. Transparency and Accountability:
· Open disclosure of CSR initiatives, performance, and impacts, demonstrating a commitment to
transparency and being accountable for CSR goals.
7. Stakeholder Engagement:
· A pledge to engage with and consider the interests of various stakeholders, including employees,
customers, communities, and shareholders, in decision-making processes.
Evaluating a Supplier's CSR Policy:
Assessing a potential supplier's CSR policy involves a comprehensive examination of key factors to
ensure alignment with ethical and responsible business practices:
1. Policy Content:
· Review the content of the CSR policy to ensure it covers a broad spectrum of social, environmental,
and ethical aspects. A comprehensive policy reflects a commitment to holistic CSR practices.
2. Alignment with Industry Standards:
· Check if the CSR policy aligns with industry-specific standards and best practices. Adherence to
recognized standards, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) or ISO 26000, indicates a
commitment to global CSR norms.
3. Performance Metrics:
· Evaluate whether the supplier includes measurable performance metrics in their CSR policy. Clear
objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs) demonstrate a commitment to continual
improvement and accountability.
4. Stakeholder Engagement:
· Assess how the supplier engages with stakeholders. A robust CSR policy should involve stakeholders
in decision-making processes and demonstrate an understanding of their concerns.
5. Supply Chain Responsibility:
· Check if the supplier extends CSR principles to its supply chain. This involves ensuring that suppliers
and partners adhere to ethical, environmental, and social standards, contributing to a responsible
and sustainable supply chain.
6. Transparency and Reporting:
· Look for transparency in reporting. A supplier that openly communicates about its CSR initiatives,
achievements, and challenges indicates a commitment to accountability and transparency.
7. Continuous Improvement:
· Evaluate if the supplier emphasizes a commitment to continuous improvement in its CSR policy.
This indicates a dynamic approach to addressing emerging challenges and staying ahead of evolving
CSR expectations.
By thoroughly examining these aspects, a buyer can gain insights into a potential supplier's
commitment to corporate social responsibility and make informed decisions that align with their
own CSR objectives and values.
Tutor Notes
- Students often ask if they can use bullet points in their essays. Many tutors say no, but the answer is
actually more nuanced than that. I’ve purposefully written the above in bullet points to show you
how it can be done effectively. Bullet points are fine, providing you’re using full sentences and it
makes sense as a stylistic choice. It’s not a good option if you’re just going to list things without
context. Then it can be hard to follow. I’ve personally used bullet points in essays and done really
well. There’s no rule against it. You’ve just got to make sure you’re doing it ‘right’.
- CSR policies are only briefly mentioned in LO 2.4 but it does come up as quite a big topic in other
parts of the syllabus so is worth knowing. You could mention some examples of big companies and
what their stance on CSR is. A good one to look at is The Body Shop.
- The study guide
