Business Ethics/CSR - Essay Example

CSR is said to focus on wealth creation for the maximum benefit for all stakeholders. This paper delves into the concept of corporate social responsibility and gives an analysis of four multinationals Including Wal-Mart, Apple, Coca Cola and Canon. This is because the operations of multinationals have been increasingly scrutinised over the years and the CSR has evolved into a multifaceted idea that is incorporated into business decision making. Coca Coca’s Corporate Social Responsibility The company established a sustainability program referred to as Live Positively which was integrated into the production process (The Coca-Cola Company, 2012).

This initiative has seven major objectives that focus on improving the organisation’s sustainability activities. This affects areas such as sustainable packaging, climate, water preservation, healthy living, beverage benefits and the work environment. The company has a strict code of ethics that provides principles to its employees on issues relating to corruption and competition. Additionally, the company has adopted global CSR principles such as Global Compact; however, these guidelines have not been fully integrated in its Code of Ethics.

In 2007, the company became a member of the CEO Water Mandate and entered into partnership with world Wildlife Fund (WWF) showing its commitment towards environmental concerns. The company’s annual reports have dedicated a section to CSR. The company has sponsored various global events such as the FIFA World Cup 2010 further showing its commitment towards CSR. Wal-Mart’s Corporate Social Responsibility Recent literature has pointed out the company as being an upcoming actor in the revolution of the law making sector.

The company uses its contractual affiliations to manage behaviour among the suppliers in the global scene. The company also ensures quality working conditions, outstanding product quality, ethical conduct among its employees and friendly relationships with it suppliers. The company publishes its CSR report on its official website which is referred to as the Global Responsibility Report. This site shows the company’s contribution towards social and environmental issues. The company believes in accountability and transparency as part of its CSR.

The annual CSR report is centred on three aspects which are, Goals, social and Environment. The report expounds on the Sustainability 360 Model that has enabled the company maintain leadership in the retail market (Wal-Mart, 2012). The company has made considerable progress in its GHGs emission in a move to attain its goals to improve the overall supply chain. The company has made financial contribution in education, health and poverty eradication. Additionally, the company supports small scale farming by enabling farmers to access affordable and healthier food.

In a nutshell, the company is role model in its financial performance and CSR policies. Canon’s Corporate Social Responsibility Over the years, the company has been promoting its Health First initiative that focuses on improving peoples’ lifestyles. The company’s annual report reveals that the entity is fully committed towards the prevention of lifestyle related diseases. The company mainly focuses on prevention of these problems rather than their treatment. The company cares about the welfare of the workers and in re- employed retirees until the age of sixty five years (Canon, 2012).

The company has set working hours to a minimum of 100 hours per week showing their commitment