‘Be good’ before you ‘do good’

In the last decade there has been a significant increase in CSR activity. However, within the same period, corporate crime reached unprecedented levels.

Interestingly, some of the biggest CSR spenders have also been the biggest offenders! Think of the ‘big boys’ in global banking, pharmaceuticals and energy – the fines they have paid exceed the GDP of many nations!

If governments and businesses act responsibly, why is CSR required? Furthermore, why should awards for CSR be handed out when your own conscience should be the best judge?