Embedding CSR mandate into corporate business strategy

The 14th International Conference on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) represents an opportunity for participants to discuss whether, how and to what extent the principles and experience of corporate social responsibility should now apply to all corporate activities and a company should have a social as well as an economic rationale. This theme paper examines a variety of questions for directors and boards to consider in areas such as corporate purpose and board priorities, board leadership and shared challenges, socially responsible strategizing, building bridges between business and society, business giving and corporate philanthropy, recognising stakeholder perspectives, corporate governance considerations, articulating a compelling cause, and corporate involvement in community developments. Most directors have a historic opportunity to re-purpose and re-engage with stakeholders and the communities and societies in which they operate by embracing total corporate social responsibility, and earn the trust and respect of the excluded and younger generations by pursuing social as well as economic aims and working to ensure a carbon-neutral and more sustainable and inclusive future