Assignment:
Task
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been identified as an integral part of company operations, although media reports show that many firms are struggling with practical application. You have been asked to conduct a CSR audit for a company that has had negative publicity in recent years (5 years). In your capacity as a communications auditor, report to the firm management in 1,500 words +/- 10% (report format with executive summary and table of contents).
1. Provide details of your scope of engagement (i.e. what exactly were you instructed to do).
2. Critically analyse the current understanding of CSR, referring to academic literature and industry standards.
3. Examine your client CSR commitment through carrying out the following investigation:
• Identify the CSR claims embedded in the firm vision and strategic documents.
• Are these claims measurable (i.e. are the actions arising from them fully integrated into the firm governance and performance documents)?
• Can the firm demonstrate the positive impact of its CSR policy?
4. Clearly identify discrepancies between communicated intention and corporate practice.
5. Make recommendations.
6. Acknowledge sources and provide a reference list.
Rationale
This assessment brings together learning from modules 1-4 and allows you to clarify your understanding of the complexity of communication (learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 & 6).