CSR Journey from Philanthropy to Create Value

CSR Journey from Philanthropy – CSR (corporate social responsibility) is ingrained in the world we live in today. It has become a commercial priority, not only because it has tremendous influence over how a brand is regarded, but also because businesses are becoming more aware of their role and the value of their contribution to the larger good. The idea that businesses and organizations have a social obligation is not new. 
 
According to research, the notion of CSR can be traced back to India’s history. As a first step toward streamlining the concept of business responsibilities, CSR was legitimized as a rule in India in 2007. It was later renamed ‘Voluntary Guidelines on Corporate Social Responsibility’ in 2009. 
 
In fifteen years, over 8,600 organizations in India will have contributed over Rs 20,300 crore to environmental and social welfare efforts. Furthermore, CSR has grown significantly from its forerunner, corporate philanthropy. 
 
While both stem from the same tree and often overlap in practice, corporate philanthropy and corporate social responsibility have gradually evolved from the former to the latter. Corporate philanthropy began as a “nice-to-have” activity that companies used to contribute to social welfare and influence change. Furthermore, philanthropy gained birth in the form of organizations that financially supported a variety of causes, such as ending homelessness or providing educational opportunities to underprivileged populations.

CSR Journey from Philanthropy

Organizations frequently invest in such techniques to promote their brand in a positive way and to support global concerns. As time passed and resources were continuing to be exploited for corporate profit, it became clear that companies could do a lot more for society and the environment in which they operate. Corporations were able to use their human, technological, and financial resources to help combat the world’s current difficulties. 
 
The concept is becoming a bigger focus for companies of all sizes, and it’s recognized as an important aspect of a company’s vision and employee value offer. The concept of ESG has enhanced this even more. While CSR holds firms qualitatively accountable for their social obligations, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) assists in measuring or quantifying such efforts. The ESG framework helps organizations create value and push efforts to accomplish the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially in a post-pandemic world with severe changes in the environment. 
 
CSR is helpful to the organization as well as society in the long term. Corporations and organizations contribute to the economy and society at large by providing jobs and services. Furthermore, we must comprehend the critical role that such enterprises play in the greater ecosystem — both the positive and negative aspects. Corporations have always relied on the natural environment and have had a big impact on it. In fact, until recently, businesses were allowed to generate carbon, use existing energy generation resources, and overuse materials to the point of endangering the environment. 

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