What is CSR?

CSR stands for Corporate Social Responsibility (often also called corporate conscience, citizenship, social performance, or sustainable responsible business).

There are several definitions for CSR:

"Corporate Social Responsibility is the continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the local community and society at large"
- Lord Holme and Richard Watts,
The World Business Council for Sustainable Development

"CSR is about capacity building for sustainable livelihoods. It respects cultural differences and finds the business opportunities in building the skills of employees, the community and the government"

"CSR is about business giving back to society"

"A concept whereby companies decide voluntarily to contribute to a better society and a cleaner environment. A concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis."
- European Commission