Corporate Social Responsibility

Corporate Social Responsibility

Being a global citizen does not only mean having the ability to reach economies of scale and consumers worldwide. It also entails following legal and ethical standards in countries were one operates. Not only do countries have requirements for business conduct, various interest groups, non-governmental organisations and the Government put pressure on Corporations to act responsibly towards their stakeholders. This pressure has given rise to the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Corporate Social Responsibility is defined by the European Commission as “A concept whereby companies decide voluntarily to contribute to a better society and a cleaner environment, a concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis”. The social responsibility of businesses encompasses the economic, legal, ethical and discretionary (philanthropic) expectations that the society has of organisations at a given point in time.

CSR in Computer Warehouse Group

It is argued that large corporations have huge reserves of human and financial capita and as such are expected to devote at least some of their resources to addressing social issues. Computer Warehouse Group takes CSR and its activities very importantly because people are quick to remember and point out ethical issues in organizations. CSR activities give CWG a sense of belonging in the world in which they operate. CSR has helped Computer Warehouse Group build trust and brand loyalty in consumers, partners, clients and increased profit for shareholders. CSR in today’s business environment is almost regarded as a tool for image building.

CSR at CWG officially started in 2006 to help develop young and aspiring technical people in software and hardware in various tertiary institutions