In class 15, we discussed the role of CSR play in business and it got me thinking about the importance this role really plays. What motivates businesses be practice CSR? Is it beneficial for all businesses to practice CSR?

Source: “Dying Tongues”

An article I recently read that hits close to home was about Tata Steel’s tribal language preservation project. They built numerous centres in Kolhan, Jharkhand to teach and preserve fast-fading oral languages and traditions. Being from India myself, I understand and see the merit of such an initiative as I myself have seen traditions and languages fade away as the people’s culture changes to mimic a more Western culture. Tata’s Steel initiative for that reason appears great in my eyes, as alongside preserving a rich part of the Indian heritage, they are allowing people in the community to grow through education.

Based on class discussion and the following article (link here), I believe the motivation behind a company’s engagement in CSR goes far beyond simply wanting to do the right thing; there is a lot to gain. In the case of Tata Company, they have developed a strong on brand image as they have gained intensive recognition for their work. They were listed as one of the “World’s most ethical companies” by the Ethisphere Institute in 2013. Such recognition must have had a good effect on the value and image of the company, setting them apart from others in the field. Good company values in my eyes attracts both loyal employees and customers, an ideal combination.

Keeping this in mind, should all businesses invest in engaging in CSR, I believe they should. Yes, there is likely an additional cost to CSR, both financial and labor related, but if making a good social impact can improve the reputation of the company, why not? It seems that more companies now days are embarking the boat of CSR, as CSR and CSV appears to be future of business in our culture. Not everyone will have an identical impact on society, however, as I saw with Tata Company’s initiative, if what they do works, the benefits the company reaps is immense. I am all for boarding on the boat of corporate social responsibility.

Works Cited

“Tata Steel’s Tribal Language Preservation Project Gets Positive Response.” The Economic Times. Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd., 2 Nov. 2014. Web. 06 Nov. 2014.

“Why Do Companies Engage in Corporate Social Responsibility?” The Economic Times. Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd., 21 June 2013. Web. 06 Nov. 2014.

Kamath, Gayatri. “Dying Tongues.” Tata Group. Tata Sons Ltd, June 2012. Web. 06 Nov. 2014.

Fernando, A.C. Business Ethics: An Indian Perspective. N.p.: Pearson Education India, 2009.Print.