Individual Project
Phase 1 Individual Project
MGM110-1301B-02
Professor Joan Adkins
Lowanna Hill-Manuel
26 February 2013
There remain many questions as to whether or not Wal-Mart is a CSR leader there is no question that this company has been innovative and progressive in its CSR, or at least in its environmental sustainability initiatives. Its approaches to reducing its footprint can fairly be characterized as bold, innovative, and cutting edge. (Ravich, 2010). When we look back at the CSR rankings, the “2010 CRO rankings” and the “2009 Newsweek Green Ranking” recognize Wal-Mart as a CSR leader. The true question is why is Wal-Mart failing to gain recognition in rankings and sustainability indexes? You are made to wonder if the Wal-Mart workers’ poor reputation, in the area of rights, are being tarnished by its corporate social responsibility reputation. Wal-Mart isn’t signed up for the program. This decision to not participate is really not uncharacteristic for Wal-Mart; which has demonstrated initiatives or filled out information for their rankings. They may be penalized for not furnishing the required information that is requested of companies when compiling the data for their analysis. (Ravich, 2010). The question still remains however, Does Wal-Mart’s omission from the lion’s share of CSR rankings indicate more about the rankings assessing its performance or about the company itself. There are many reasons why Social Responsibility is important to any company that is built on ongoing success. “Good things do happen to good people”. (Taylor, 2010). Corporate Social Responsibility can make ALL the difference to a company’s competitive position. Initiatives such as pro-bono work, philanthropy, support for community-building initiatives and environmental awareness can add significant value to your company, and if the program is well designed, the benefits far outweigh the costs. An easy way for a company to grow is to build a good reputation and a public profile.
MGM110-1301B-02
Professor Joan Adkins
Lowanna Hill-Manuel
26 February 2013
There remain many questions as to whether or not Wal-Mart is a CSR leader there is no question that this company has been innovative and progressive in its CSR, or at least in its environmental sustainability initiatives. Its approaches to reducing its footprint can fairly be characterized as bold, innovative, and cutting edge. (Ravich, 2010). When we look back at the CSR rankings, the “2010 CRO rankings” and the “2009 Newsweek Green Ranking” recognize Wal-Mart as a CSR leader. The true question is why is Wal-Mart failing to gain recognition in rankings and sustainability indexes? You are made to wonder if the Wal-Mart workers’ poor reputation, in the area of rights, are being tarnished by its corporate social responsibility reputation. Wal-Mart isn’t signed up for the program. This decision to not participate is really not uncharacteristic for Wal-Mart; which has demonstrated initiatives or filled out information for their rankings. They may be penalized for not furnishing the required information that is requested of companies when compiling the data for their analysis. (Ravich, 2010). The question still remains however, Does Wal-Mart’s omission from the lion’s share of CSR rankings indicate more about the rankings assessing its performance or about the company itself. There are many reasons why Social Responsibility is important to any company that is built on ongoing success. “Good things do happen to good people”. (Taylor, 2010). Corporate Social Responsibility can make ALL the difference to a company’s competitive position. Initiatives such as pro-bono work, philanthropy, support for community-building initiatives and environmental awareness can add significant value to your company, and if the program is well designed, the benefits far outweigh the costs. An easy way for a company to grow is to build a good reputation and a public profile.
References: Is Wal-Mart a CSR Leader?, retrieved on 25 February 2013, from, http://www.justmeans.com/Is-WalMart-a-CSR-Leader/33033.html Why Social Responsibility is important, retrieved on 25 February 2013, from, http://businessthatcares.blogspot.com/2010/11/Why-social-responsibility-is-important.html Does your company really need a CSR program?, retrieved on 25 February 2013, from, http://www.businessearth.com/company-csr-program