Where is CSR heading to in Lebanon?

Corporate Social Responsibility has taken its first step in Lebanon; this can be shown by the various banks adopting this concept. A conference was held in May 2009 in Intercontinental Phoenicia Hotel, Beirut, Lebanon discussing CSR in the region. It was titled as “Better Business Value Group”, sponsored by the “American Lebanese Chamber of Commerce”. This demonstrates genuine efforts being initiated to take CSR a step forward in Lebanon and the region.CSR programs are not applicable to all companies; it is rather customized to large companies that actually invest and reap more in society. These companies are more socially obligated towards their community and should contribute to its development.

References

CSR event - Pictures(n.d).Google Images.Retrived on November 5,2009 from http://www.amcham.org.lb/images/uploaded/23.jpg

Factors preventing the implementation of CSR in lebanon

Lebanon has always been experiencing tragic wars which kept on preventing it from prospering and advancing in various domains. Thus, the instability and shakiness of the economy and culture make CSR programs difficult to implement in the long-run. Consequently firms present in Lebanon limit their social contributions on a short-term scale fearing the instabilities that could occur at any time. Companies should be motivated to give social offerings to the community; a way of doing that is the participation of higher authorities in implementing CSR programs by lowering taxes, ensure an economic stability, and many other possible contributions.

References

MacDonald,C.(2009).Google Images.Retrived on November 5,2009 from http://www.businessethics.ca/blog/uploaded_images/money-taxes-jet-719233.jpg

CSR in Lebanon

Almost all CSR activities in Lebanon are under the discretionary part. For example Byblos Bank had CSR programs which included working with UNICEF to help in improving public schools, donating computers to public schools and organizing workshops for the disabled at work (Byblos Bank Events, 2009). Other banks in Lebanon also engage in their social contributions, donations or programs involving the orphans and handicapped, art and cultural development type activities, sports and music events, and educational and learning programs (Jamali, D. & Mirshak, R., 2007).

References

Jamali, D. & Mirshak R., 2007. ). Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Theory and Practice in a Developing Country Context. Journal of Business Ethics, 72(3), 243-262. Retrieved May 2, 2009, from ABI/INFORM Global database. (Document ID: 1249533211).

Walk in the Forest (2006). Google Images.Retrived on November 5,2009 from http://www.byblosbank.com.lb/newscenter/events/BaroukPictures/Walkintheforest/4.jpg

Carroll's pyramid of CSR

Carroll’s pyramid of CSR gives a clearer view and understanding of CSR. This pyramid describes four types of CSR, in their order of importance. They are arranged as follows: economic, legal, ethical and discretionary. Economic responsibility lies at the bottom and is regarded as the most fundamental and important type of CSR. It includes providing high returns for investors, providing workers with jobs and fair wages and promoting new technology. Building up from it is the legal perspective, which provides the laws needed to determine acceptable or unacceptable behaviour. Following it is the ethical perspective which goes beyond the law and presents the idea of morality and acting in a fair, just and right manner. The final type of responsibility, which is found at the peak of the pyramid, is the discretionary perspective. This refers to philanthropic acts and contributions that are done to prolong the society and its members (Jamali, D. Mirshak, R. 2007 as stated by Caroll, 1991).

References

Carroll (1991).Google Image. Retrived on November 5,2009 from
http://www.sapereaude.org/escrito/csr_files/image002.jpg

Jamali, D. & Mirshak R., 2007. ). Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Theory and Practice in a Developing Country Context. Journal of Business Ethics, 72(3), 243-262. Retrieved May 2, 2009, from ABI/INFORM Global database. (Document ID: 1249533211).

What is CSR?

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is a type of commitment or responsibility that businesses have towards their employees, environment and society as a whole(Hartman, L.P & Desjardins, J., 2008). The basic concept behind CSR is for companies to be responsible in their acts to a wide range of stakeholders. What CSR necessitates is somewhat a puzzling idea to corporations. Some companies believe that CSR stems out of a legal responsibility, which is a policy that is given and determined by law and should be obeyed. Other companies believe that it is an act that should be followed because it is the duty of any reputable and good company.

References

CSR(2007).Google Images.Retrived on November 5,2009 from http://www.philanthromedia.org/archives/CSR.bmp

Hartman, L.P., & DesJardins, J., 2008. Business Ethics: Decision-Making for Personal Integrity & Social Responsibility. (pp: 148-153).