Corporate Social Responsibility: Turning Words into Action

The extent to which companies adopt socially responsible practices is clearly linked to Canada’s ability to preserve and enhance its premier position in the world.

Document Highlights

Taking action on CSR begins with recognizing that it is a strategic issue that permeates all aspects of corporate behaviour. This means that CSR must be considered a core value of the company—that the expectations of all the company’s key stakeholders must be considered when making business decisions. It also requires a mindset that is in tune with the society and community in which a company lives and makes its living.

The corporate practices identified in this study are applicable to and achievable by all companies. The CSR Benchmark Assessment Tool developed as part of the CSR Initiative enables companies to:

• identify the benchmarks they are taking action on;
• determine the extent of their deployment of practices towards achievement of the benchmarks; and
• provides a framework for deciding where action is required to improve performance and achievement.