In recent decades the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) turned out to be a vital strategy for companies to survive in a ruthless market environment. In a condition where market’s shift and customers’ preferences becomes more unpredictable and complex, adopting CSR strategy could be a powerful tool for survival. CRS Strategy, sometimes referred to as a sustainability strategy is simply a form of corporate self-regulation integrated into a business model. CSR policy functions as a built-in, self-regulating mechanism whereby a business monitors and ensures its active compliance with the spirit of the law, ethical standards, and international norms.
With need to tackle sustainable development, I was opportune to have Cecilia Wandiga a passionate preacher of CRS all the way from Kaney in this episode of HotTalkWithBlecyn. Continue below to read our full conversation on how CRS helps in achieving Sustainable Development;
Cecilia Wandiga Bio: (Strategy and Innovation). Cecilia Wandiga is a Certified Lean Six Sigma (LSS) Black Belt with an emphasis on applying LSS to social and environmental sustainability issues. She has over 20 years of experience as a Management Consultant advising business owners and executives about how to improve performance. In 2005 Ms Wandiga began exploring ways to integrate sustainability principles such as the Triple Bottom line (people, planet, profits) into daily operations management. Sustainability is an exciting “field” because it encompasses all activities in a way that brings a fresh perspective and purpose to an organization. Sustainability also lends itself well to Lean Six Sigma efficiency metrics and ISO 9000 quality improvement. Cecilia has certifications in both systems. Ms. Wandiga’s background in Public Policy and municipal planning enables her to understand regulatory issues from the perspective of opportunities for improvement instead of constraints. She is a firm believer in the Permaculture maxim “the problem is the solution.” Just because a solution is not readily or immediately apparent does not mean a problem cannot be resolved. It just means one has to explore different ways of thinking about the problem and the desired objective. Human Centered Design and creative brainstorming are tools she will help you use to improve problem solving.
BGM: How can an organization/company implement Corporate Social Responsibilty and what are the things to remember when implementing?
CWandiga: Remember CSR is not an add-on or a marketing tool. CSR is an integrated operational mechanism. CSR must be linked to the Corporate / Organizational mission and to the HR skills development plan. Think about: how can employees can use product packaging skills or manufacturing skills to service the community AND improve company operations?
Examples https://www.inc.com/peter-economy/a-social-responsibility-action-plan-for-2014.html
https://insights.benevity.com/blog/how-to-roll-out-a-powerful-global-employee-engagement-program
BGM: How does CSR affect individual social responsibility?
CWandiga: We don’t stop being members of society when we walk into the office. Regardless of our job title, we continue to be friend/brother/sister/daughter/son/mother/father/husband/wife. These responsibilities are part of our work responsibilities. CSR makes these responsibilities explicit.
BGM: How does CSR impact sustainable development in global shaping?
CWandiga: The sustainable development issues we need to address have been categorized into 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This framework enables coordinated CSR action and progress monitoring. The SDGs can be linked to any industrial activity (construction, banking, manufacturing, marketing & communications). Here is a nifty trick for remembering the SDGs
https://youtu.be/uHEfRAooih8
BGM: How do we use CSR to innovate and offer greener products and services for sustainable development?
CWandiga: The limit to CSR innovation is our own imagination. Large multinationals have begun the transition towards green innovation. https://youtu.be/ovZYYdndB5Q
We need SMEs to follow suit by focusing on re-use of materials, waste reduction and increasing social inclusion (e.g. jobs for people with special needs) https://youtu.be/V1Tszs48xCI
BGM: How has the organization or company you work for help in achieving sustainable development goal of 2030?
CWandiga: The Centre for Science and Technology Innovations (CSTI) is based in Nairobi, Kenya. Scientific research and discovery is often obscure. https://youtu.be/71zVLX_lZls We bridge the gap between science and application by showing communities how to use science to develop technologies that solve eco-social problems.
https://www.csti.or.ke/projects
Thanks for benefiting from this knowledge, do well to share with your network.
Originally published at blecyn.com on February 20, 2018.
Originally published at medium.com