A/ ASSIGNMENT RECAP

• Write an essay that shows that you understand the link between CSR, corporate irresponsibility, and the environmental impacts of business. 

• Answer the question: Is CSR just a cover for companies harming the environment? Why or why not?

• Use at least 6 recent academic sources, 3 from the course

• Suggested word limit: 2,200 words

Suggested Structure: (Suggested word limit of around 2,200 words)

1.  Introduction (Suggested 100 words) 

2.  CSR and CSI Definitions and Relations (Suggested 400 words) 

3.  The Environmental Impacts of Global Business (Suggested 400 words)

4.  CSR and the Environment (Suggested 500 words) 

5.  Corporate Irresponsibility and the Environment (Suggested 200 words)

6.  Is CSR a cover for CSI? (Suggested 500 words)

7.  Conclusion (Suggested 100 words)

B/ KEYWORD EXPLANATIONS

1. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): CSR refers to a company's voluntary actions that go beyond legal obligations to address social and environmental impacts. For example, a company supporting community projects or implementing sustainability initiatives demonstrates CSR.

2. Corporate Irresponsibility: Corporate irresponsibility involves actions by companies that neglect ethical, social, or environmental considerations, often driven by profit motives. 

3. Environmental Impacts: Environmental impacts are the consequences of business operations on the environment. This includes pollution, resource depletion, and emissions.

4. Greenwashing: Greenwashing refers to deceptive marketing practices where a company exaggerates or falsely claims its environmental responsibility. An example is a company labeling a product as "eco-friendly" without substantiating the claim with genuine environmentally friendly practices.

5. Sustainability Initiatives: Sustainability initiatives are actions taken by companies to promote long-term environmental, social, and economic well-being. 

6. Responsible Sourcing: Responsible sourcing involves companies ensuring that the materials and products they use are ethically and sustainably produced. For instance, a company may source raw materials from suppliers committed to fair labor practices and environmental conservation.

7. Supply Chain: The supply chain encompasses the entire process of producing and delivering a product, from raw materials to the end consumer. 

8. Annual Sustainability Reports: Annual sustainability reports are comprehensive documents published by companies detailing their environmental and social performance. 

9. Ethical Considerations: Ethical considerations involve assessing the moral implications of business decisions. 

10. Triple Bottom Line: The triple bottom line evaluates a company's success based on three criteria: social, environmental, and financial performance. 

11. Regulatory Compliance: Regulatory compliance refers to a company's adherence to laws and regulations governing its industry. 

C/ DETAILED OUTLINE 

1.  Introduction 

• You need to clearly state the essay question/topic and keep it short - no need to explain detailed arguments here. Suggested Flow: (Suggested 100 words) 

• 2-3 first sentences: State the essay question and say you will discuss CSR, corporate irresponsibility, and business's environmental impacts 

• Last sentence: Explain your essay will look at both the positive CSR efforts and negative irresponsible actions to answer if CSR is primarily a cover up or making real change in the environment.

Example: Multinational corporations' CSR movement demonstrated a strong commitment to fostering values rather than focusing only on increasing profits. However, doubts arise about CSR's effectiveness. This study demonstrates how CSR can be a long-term commitment that helps to offset some of the costs associated with careless behavior. This evaluation of CSI and CSR in global business in relation to the environment has given rise to the chance to investigate how enhancement might support the goal of successful CSR.