How can you build a CSR network that adapts to different contexts?

Humility, Respect & Willingness to learn - 3 things to bake into the approach - even before defining goals! As a 'giver', it is extremely easy to mistakenly think we ought to call the shots. But fact is that as much as we try, we will never know as much as the community and the implementation partners who work with them. I speak to CSR donors regularly and the BEST ones are comfortable with letting their partners have the driver's seat and NOT driving from the back seat. They define broad objectives, but they trust their partners on how to get them there. Of course, they review as well. They are there to help in any way when the partner needs it. But it's about truly sharing ownership to meet the community's needs and which IS the goal.

When considering your CSR goals, consider your extended stakeholders beyond shareholders and debt financiers. Customers, employees, and/or the communities where you work are likely to be the most important stakeholders for your CSR program, so identify the goals that matter most to them.

This is the most important piece of the jigsaw because PURPOSE will be the defining factor to WHY and not just WHAT we do to satisfy a business imperative or fill a checklist. CSR needs to be directly related to a company's business and how this is relevant to what it means to conduct a CSR exercise. This does not relate to tobacco businesses investing in cancer research and funding, nor the green washing we see. This is more pertinent to building resilience, sustainable and value creation initiatives for thenlong term.

El Distintivo ESR evalúa a más de 2000 empresas. Las empresas más interesadas en la RSC son las que se preocupan por el medio ambiente, la inclusión y los derechos humanos. El Distintivo ESR tiene 5 niveles de desarrollo, y el primero se enfoca en la alineación de la RSC con la estrategia de negocio. El análisis de los resultados del 2023 muestra que existe una desconexión entre las prácticas de RSC y la estrategia de negocio. Las prácticas de RSC se adaptan a los riesgos ambientales y sociales que enfrentan las empresas.

El Distintivo ESR del Cemefi es una herramienta que puede ayudar a construir una red de RSC que se adapte a diferentes contextos. Esto se debe a que el Distintivo ESR está basado en un modelo integral que considera los diferentes ámbitos de la responsabilidad social empresarial (RSE). En particular, el Distintivo ESR puede ayudar a construir una red de RSC que se adapte a diferentes contextos de las siguientes maneras: * Al proporcionar un marco común que puede ser adaptado a diferentes necesidades y realidades. * Al fomentar el diálogo y el intercambio de experiencias entre más de 2000 empresas de diferentes contextos. * Al ofrecer apoyo y recursos para ayudar a las empresas a implementar sus programas de RSE.

AI can be of real help in this research, to understand from the legal or regulatory framework to local needs and expectations, curated from different ground researches. Though, identification of risks and mitigation strategies, I feel should be extremely contextual and duly captured in the plan.

Um einen umfassenden Einblick in den Kontext zu erlangen ist es hilfreich mehrere Menschen aus verschiedenen Stakeholderkreisen zu beteiligen. Hier würde ich im Speziellen darauf achten, diese Recherche und die Auswertungen daraus nicht nur einem Führungszirkel zu überlassen. Um Aufwand zu minimieren hilft es natürlich ein Projektteam die entsprechenden Vorbereitungen und Recherchen durchführen zu lassen. In einem oder mehreren Workshops können diese dann jedoch vergemeinschaftet werden.

AI will always help in the dry research or desk research. But for a successful implementation and execution of a csr program a Need Assessment has to be done in the particular geography keeping an open mind on the needs of the particular targeted beneficiaries but adhering to the goals set by the csr committee of the company

Entramos a la fase donde es necesario conocer a detalle el contexto socioeducativo de las comunidades a las cuales se les va a servir de tal modo que pueda hacerse un plan de desarrollo efectivo. Entre más acotado en localización, edades y necesidades el análisis es de mayor utilidad.

Na análise do contexto, será conveniente ter em consideração e também, o factor tecnológico e de transformação digital, assim como uma vigilância activa ao micro contexto competitivo e comercial, como por exemplo à concorrência, aos fornecedores e às expectativas, necessidades e preocupações da parte interessada clientes.

D'expérience avec des réseaux de maturités différentes depuis 2 ans, ce sont les réseaux à 4 niveaux qui fonctionnent le mieux : - expertise RSE : niveau global/siège, coordonne, oriente et rassemble l'info RSE. - management : sponsorise et appuit les axes de la démarche RSE. - experts métiers : orientent et aggrémentent la démarche d'initiatives concrètes et en adéquation avec les autres priorités de leurs métiers (RH, Com, Ops, etc) - Ambassadeurs/relais RSE : animent et incarnent la RSE au quotidien, ils embarquent leurs collègues et suggèrent des modifications opérationnelles dans la démarche globale. Ce "cocktail" de compétences permet d'embarquer le plus grand nombre car il alligne bien les objectifs RSE avec ceux du business.

Existem diversos parceiros com grande expertise e que podem contribuir grandemente com empresas e comunidades. A escolha desses parceiros deve ser estratégica no sentido de considerar a adaptabilidade de cada iniciativa a cada local, realidade e cultura diferentes. Além disso, é sempre fator de sucesso integrar pessoas das comunidades para que possam trazer de forma mais fidedigna o olhar local e, com isso, potencializar as ações, resultados e minimizar riscos.

Choose partners who amplify your CSR goals. 👇🌍💡 Business Buddies ↳ Other companies sharing your CSR vision. ↳ They bring innovation, scalability, and real-world impact. NGO Allies ↳ Non-profits with expertise and passion. ↳ They add credibility and deep community insights. Government Connectors ↳ Agencies that align with your goals. ↳ Offering access, policy support, and wide reach. Academic Thinkers ↳ Universities and research institutions. ↳ They're all about new ideas and groundbreaking studies. Community Champions ↳ Local groups knowing their turf best. ↳ They ensure relevance, trust, and grassroots impact.

Finding the right partners for CSR networking involves a strategic approach. Identify organizations aligned with your CSR goals and values. Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops to connect with potential partners. Utilize online platforms and forums focused on sustainability. Engage in dialogue, assess their CSR initiatives, and explore shared values. Establishing mutually beneficial partnerships enhances the impact and reach of your CSR efforts.

Be authentic. Choose partners that align with your company and employee values. CSR is multi faceted providing many benefits to a company, including building a network of brand ambassadors, adding expertise and access and more. One of the most overlooked elements is often how the partner can add value to employees. Consider whether they would be proud to support them.

Je trouve que cet article a une approche très mécaniste de la notion de réseau, notamment pour cette répartition des rôles. Quand il s’agit de collaboration, il est difficile de penser que l’application d’un simple processus en quelques étapes suffira. A l’échelle d’une relation bilatérale, ça serait comme si on avait un protocole, une recette magique, pour construire une relation amoureuse. Alors à l’échelle de tout un réseau… Un réseau est organique, vivant, et sa constitution et son animation ne pourront (heureusement à mes yeux) pas se résumer en un micro processus. Une lecture intéressante pour creuser la question : l’élan sociodynamique de Jean-Christian Fauvet.

Na minha experiência em empresas de nichos diversos em que passei, após o diagnóstico mais real possível dos impactos que as ações principais causam, devemos realizar uma personalização das Iniciativas para que elas atendam às demandas específicas de cada comunidade e venham construir parcerias estratégicas que fortaleçam o desenvolvimento sustentável.

En esta definición de roles entre los aliados es vital firmar un convenio de colaboración en el que se establezcan objetivos claros, actividades a realizar por cada una de las partes, tiempos de cumplimiento, entregables, presupuesto, objetivos alcanzados y mérticas que pueda en cualquier momento ser una base de la alianza que conformamos. En este convenio se añadirá también cómo se resolverán los conflictos y mecanismos de toma de decisiones. Entre más detalle tengamos en este convenio y en el plan de ejecución o acción será más sencillo apegarnos a los objetivos que queremos alcanzar. La rendición de cuentas de las partes es fundamental para alcanzar los objetivos planteados.

Investigar el contexto inplica identificar las brechas existente entrevla realidad de vida de las personas y de sus vinculos con un estandar minimo que garantiza vida digna

Una vez que hayas seleccionado a tus socios, es importante definir los roles de cada uno. ¿Qué responsabilidades tendrá cada organización? ¿Cómo se tomarán las decisiones? Una definición clara de los roles ayudará a garantizar que la red funcione de manera eficiente y eficaz.

Quando os projetos sociais das empresa forem tratados com a mesma seriedade daqueles projetos relacionados ao core business dessas empresas, os ganhos associados tanto para as comunidades quanto para o próprio negócio serão gigantescos.

Implementing Social development projects with a proper project management plan, similar to for-profit projects, helps to adhere to timelines, cost and quality measures along with the effective utilization of resources. This part of often missed with a lack of project management/ planning and results in poor implementation. The conventional/ waterfall or agile methods, as applicable, help to strategize the project.

La mise en œuvre des actions RSE est cruciale et nécessite une approche proactive, adaptable et créative. L'exécution des plans, la mobilisation des ressources et l'engagement des parties prenantes sont des étapes clés. La souplesse face aux changements de contexte et la capacité à ajuster les actions en fonction des besoins sont essentielles pour assurer le succès de votre réseau RSE. Soyez prêt à relever les défis avec créativité, en trouvant des solutions innovantes pour renforcer votre impact positif sur les enjeux sociaux et environnementaux.

Una vez que hayas definido tus objetivos, identificado a tus socios y definido los roles, es hora de empezar a implementar tus acciones. Es importante desarrollar un plan de acción detallado que incluya plazos, objetivos y responsabilidades.

Tailor your CSR initiatives to address the unique needs and challenges of each context. This might involve using different approaches, technologies, or resources in different regions. Encourage local ownership and participation in project design and implementation. Be mindful of cultural sensitivities and ensure your actions are respectful and inclusive.

Utilize como métrica de impacto as metas ODS. As metas são realistas e conecta toda uma rede. Além disso, elabore uma matriz de materialidade para compreender onde investir, isso ajudará e muito na medição.

Eine der größten Herausforderungen ist es definitiv "echten" Impact oder Wirkung zu messen. Inwiefern trägt das CSR-Netzwerk zu gesellschaftlicher Veränderung bei. Die mir bekanntesten Frameworks im deutschsprachigen Raum sind die IOOI-Methode und die Wirkungestreppe von Phineo. Beide unterscheiden ganz stark darin, was "nur" Output oder vielleicht outcome ist. Also ich habe genetzwerkt, ich habe x Menschen getroffen, ich habe x Meetings einberufen. Zu der oben angesprochenen Wirkung: Ich/wir haben gesellschaftlichen Wandel bei X Personen erzeugt. Um Impact ansatzweise gut messen zu können benötigt es eine Messung vor dem Start des intentionalen Netzwerks, als auch regelmäßige Zwischenmessungen.

Evaluating impact is super important - this helps to assess the level of success achieved against the goals set in the beginning. How impact is measured may vary from company to company. Deciding on aspects that are quantifiable may be best, as this can be understood by other stakeholders as well - and may help in understanding the level of impact achieved.

Conduct thorough research to grasp the unique social, economic, and environmental needs of each locality, tailoring CSR initiatives accordingly. Develop flexible guidelines that honor core CSR values while adapting to diverse community contexts, ensuring responsiveness. Forge robust partnerships with local entities to collaboratively address community-specific challenges through impactful CSR projects. Continuously evaluate initiatives, gather stakeholder feedback, and adjust strategies for maximum social and environmental impact. Maintain transparency in CSR operations to build trust and ensure accountability within the organization.

Mantenha comunicação transparente sobre as ações, destacando os resultados alcançados e como essas ações e o quanto elas contribuem para o bem-estar das comunidades. E se possível sempre inclua programas de capacitação que promovam autonomia e desenvolvimento local e que incentive a participação ativa da comunidade nas iniciativas de RSE.

Adhering to local laws & ethical standards is crucial. In my work with an international food distribution company, we ensured that our CSR activities were in strict compliance with local regulations & international ethical standards. Collaboration with academic institutions can bring cutting-edge research & innovative solutions to CSR projects. In a health initiative in Asia, we partnered with local universities to research community health challenges. This collaboration provided us with a deeper understanding & more effective solutions. Employees are a valuable resource in CSR initiatives. In my experience with a global retail chain, we implemented a program where employees received training to become CSR ambassadors.

Guiar-se e ou integrar aos projetos sociais padrões internacionais como os do IFC, ICMM, entre muitos outros, são formas de ter uma agenda de RSE mais inclusiva, assertiva e com maior geração de impacto.

Gamified Impact Challenges: Transform CSR engagement into a gamified experience. Design interactive challenges that align with specific societal needs in different contexts. Whether it's solving local environmental issues, promoting education, or enhancing healthcare, create a digital platform where employees, stakeholders, and community members can collaborate virtually to address these challenges. This unique approach not only encourages participation but also leverages the competitive spirit to generate innovative and impactful solutions tailored to diverse contexts.

Ensuring that your CSR goals do not pull in a different direction from the business' KPIs, most importantly financial for shareholder profit motivations!

Hay algunas cosas que debes tener en cuenta al construir una red de RSC: La comunicación es clave. Asegúrate de mantener una comunicación fluida con tus socios para que todos estén al tanto de los progresos y los desafíos. Sé flexible. Es importante estar dispuesto a adaptar tus planes según sea necesario. Celebra tus éxitos. Es importante reconocer los logros de tu red para mantener el compromiso y la motivación.