Csr as Greenwashing

Corporate Social Responsibility has been variously defined and it does not have a universally accepted definition but basically it sees how a business operates in a manner that accounts for the social and environmental impact it has created. Greenwashing is when a company utilizes more money and time claiming to be green by advertising and marketing rather practicing business which minimizes environmental impact. Some term it as ‘whitewashing’ but with a green brush. Yes it is a valid criticism of CSR as businesses are not really practicing what they should be doing. It is purely unethical business conduct as some companies are making their products sound helpful for the environment. In some companies CSR is being genuinely practiced but the majority are not honest. Companies that incorporate social and green policies leave a lasting impression on consumers as according to a survey done by Cone Inc.; it was found that 83% of people might trust a company more when it is environmentally or socially responsible. If we go along with Milton Friedman’s 1970 writing that the one and only social responsibility of business is to increase profits for shareholders then CSR has got no purpose to serve nowadays but is truly deceptive. CSR does not comply with the domestic regulations and laws and as such they are subject to regulation at national and global level. CSR helps to greenwash the company’s image and cover up the negative impacts with positive images as clearly it is being used as a marketing ploy.