Does HR need to put more effort into corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives between the organisation and the community? This frequently-asked question often receives a ‘yes’ answer, however how much action do people really take? Or is CSR really a HR responsibility, or should they be focusing more on the bottom line?
Taking action
Community Business has recently launched the Business Action on Poverty initiative in conjunction with its 41 partner companies. The aim of the campaign is to mobilise the business sector to move beyond discussion and actually take action on helping poverty alleviation for the member companies’ staff and also the general population in Hong Kong. Twenty of these companies have signed a charter stating their commitment to take a leadership role in this campaign by actively participating in the programmes and including poverty alleviation practices in their community investment initiatives.
The charter was designed to raise awareness of the role the business sector plays in poverty alleviation and provides a platform for companies to publicly declare their commitment to taking action on this highly-important issue.
Commenting on the programme, Andrew Weir, Champion of the Business Action on Poverty Charter Founding Signatories and Regional Senior Partner, Hong Kong, KPMG China stated, “There is not just a moral obligation but also a clear business case for companies to consider this issue. Poverty creates an unstable society and this affects business. Helping reduce poverty and to increase opportunities can strengthen communities and society which in turn will help the sustainability of business.”
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
