RTG believes in the synthesis of the numerous definitions.

The most important principles and characteristics of corporate responsibility:

• is a way of corporate governance – management commitment is essential and is integrated into the day-to-day operation;
• is closely linked to the concept of sustainable development – the company contributes to the sustainability of the social and environmental system; corporate responsibility encompasses the principle, that a company is responsible for its decisions and impacts;
• assumes cooperation with the stakeholders – all those who are impacted by the company’s activity;
• interdisciplinary – it concerns the core business, employees, environment protection etc.
• voluntary, therefore, goes beyond legal regulations;
• - charity and sponsorship are only part of the concept.

• contributes to the long-term sustainability of the organisation – to achieve social and consumers’ legitimacy social and environmental aspects are needed to be considered;
• improves the company’s standing, and helps to reinforce trust both externally and internally
  • stakeholders’ benignity can be achieved (primarily civils’, local community’s, media’s) and can be used for defence in a crisis;
  • may be a reason to build new relations with the stakeholders;
  • strengthens employees’ loyalty, and boosts their innovative performance;
• increases efficiency, eases the general operation of the company – e.g. reduction of accidents, enhanced transparency,
• reduces risks;
• facilitates positive market differentiation (besides standing away within the sector can have negative effects).

• effective and successful responsibility /sustainability activity should be in line with the corporate strategy;
• commitment of employees is necessary;
• deliberate strategy, focused programs are needed to exploit possibilities of CSR;
• does not necessarily cause additional expenses for the companies;
• needs management support.

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