Thanks to Toby Webb, founder of Ethical Corporation for linking this brilliant 1998 time-defying article The Role of Business in Society by John Kay on his blog.
A must read. You will want to read it again and again!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Ethical Corporation's new-look website
Ethicalcorp.com, the world's leading resource on responsible business has a new all spruced-up website now. Neater, crispier and sharper. The new-look website has thousands of free articles, a free newsletter, and links to cutting edge conferences and research.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Ethical Corporation Podcast: April 2009 issue
In the April 2009 issue pubcast, Ethical Corporation's editors John Russell and Toby Webb, in Ethical Corporation's local pub, The Gramaphone, discuss some of the biggest ethical business stories in April 2009's issue of Ethical Corporation's print magazine. These include:
- GlaxoSmithKline and access to drugs
- BT in India
- CSR champions
- Social enterprise marketing
To download or listen to the pubcast, click here
Industry Dialogue on ISO /CD 26000- Social Responsibility
Spring Singapore is hoting an industry dialogue on ISO/CD 26000- Social Responsibility. The intent of the dialogue is to seek feedback on potential critical issues in this future international guidance standard that might potentially impact our industries.
Date: 5 May 2009, Tuesday
Time: 0900-1130
Venue: Training Room #09-05,
SPRING Singapore, 2 Bukit Merah Central, Singapore 159835
Fee: FREE
Deadline for registration: 28 April 2009, Tuesday
For registration, please contact Ms Christie Thong, (christie_thong@spring.gov.sg)
Date: 5 May 2009, Tuesday
Time: 0900-1130
Venue: Training Room #09-05,
SPRING Singapore, 2 Bukit Merah Central, Singapore 159835
Fee: FREE
Deadline for registration: 28 April 2009, Tuesday
For registration, please contact Ms Christie Thong, (christie_thong@spring.gov.sg)
CSR Event: Seminar on CSR Trends in Europe
In partnership with SNEF, Singapore Compact will be organizing a seminar on ‘Emerging CSR Trends in Europe and Its Implications for Asia’.
Peter Brew, Director for Asia Pacific, International Business Leaders Forum will be sharing his insights on the CSR trends in Europe just before the world economic crisis and the business failures that had created the crisis. He will also examine some new business practices, in particular CSR practices, in the new economic landscape. He will explain how these new CSR practices will potentially affect Asia.
Date: 28 April 2009 (Tue)
Time: 3:30pm-5:30pm (registration starts at 3pm)
Venue: Level 22, Singapore Business Federation Seminar Room 1,
Keppel Towers, 10 Hoe Chiang Road
Fee: Free for SC and SNEF Members, Non-member rate: $30 nett
For registration, please contact Emily at 6827-6825 or email at info@csrsingapore.org
Peter Brew, Director for Asia Pacific, International Business Leaders Forum will be sharing his insights on the CSR trends in Europe just before the world economic crisis and the business failures that had created the crisis. He will also examine some new business practices, in particular CSR practices, in the new economic landscape. He will explain how these new CSR practices will potentially affect Asia.
Date: 28 April 2009 (Tue)
Time: 3:30pm-5:30pm (registration starts at 3pm)
Venue: Level 22, Singapore Business Federation Seminar Room 1,
Keppel Towers, 10 Hoe Chiang Road
Fee: Free for SC and SNEF Members, Non-member rate: $30 nett
For registration, please contact Emily at 6827-6825 or email at info@csrsingapore.org
CSR Social Evening -May 2009
Singapore Compact's CSR Social Evening will be held on 6th May (Wed) instead of the usual first Thursday of the month. The venue will still be at the Union Square (Amara Shopping Centre). Drinks are available at low prices and food will be provided. The networking event is open for all. Just walk in if you have interest in CSR and would like to meet up with CSR folk.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Unfair contracts
Have you ever noticed how several businesses expect customers to sign one-sided contracts? These contracts leave the customer at the total mercy of the business. A large portion of such contracts is painfully devoted to explaining the rights of the business. The remaining part is dedicated to telling the customer that s/he has no rights whatsoever.
Then, to add insult to injury, the final clause will read something like this (taken from the terms & conditions of a famous tuition centre): "WE reserve the right to vary, modify, add or delete any of the above trems and conditions." Thus not leaving you in any doubt that you don't have any rights in dealing with this business entity.
And, if you point out such ridiculous contract clauses, the stock answer is: "This is our standard contract. Can not change. Company policy lah." What a standard! And some of them will have a look in their eyes which kind of says: "Accept this or get lost."
A contract by a 'reputed' car dealer which I saw vividly mentions penalties for the customer if s/he cancels the order. But, another clause made it clear that the dealer had unlimited rights to cancel the order without any notice and without any liability whatsoever.
A contract by a maid agency endlessly mentions the rights of the agency and the duties of the cutomer. Upon reading the contract, you will have no difficulty in understanding that if anything goes wrong, the agency will bear no responsibility.
The reasons are obvious. These contracts are drafted by lawyers who get paid by the businesses. Unsriprisingly, the lawyers will tend to protect their client while writing the contract rather than protecting the clients' customers. So, who protects the hapless customer then?
If you have come across such unilateral contracts shoved by businesses, please share.
Then, to add insult to injury, the final clause will read something like this (taken from the terms & conditions of a famous tuition centre): "WE reserve the right to vary, modify, add or delete any of the above trems and conditions." Thus not leaving you in any doubt that you don't have any rights in dealing with this business entity.
And, if you point out such ridiculous contract clauses, the stock answer is: "This is our standard contract. Can not change. Company policy lah." What a standard! And some of them will have a look in their eyes which kind of says: "Accept this or get lost."
A contract by a 'reputed' car dealer which I saw vividly mentions penalties for the customer if s/he cancels the order. But, another clause made it clear that the dealer had unlimited rights to cancel the order without any notice and without any liability whatsoever.
A contract by a maid agency endlessly mentions the rights of the agency and the duties of the cutomer. Upon reading the contract, you will have no difficulty in understanding that if anything goes wrong, the agency will bear no responsibility.
The reasons are obvious. These contracts are drafted by lawyers who get paid by the businesses. Unsriprisingly, the lawyers will tend to protect their client while writing the contract rather than protecting the clients' customers. So, who protects the hapless customer then?
If you have come across such unilateral contracts shoved by businesses, please share.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
The Future of Green Building in China
My most recent article published on www.climatechangecorp.com explores the Future of Green Building in China.
China’s green building demand is mainly driven by multinational companies - to achieve the country's energy saving targets local companies need to commit to green building standards too.
Nearly half of the world’s new building construction will be in China by 2015, estimates the World Bank. A forecast by McKinsey Global Institute last year said that China will build a massive 40 billion square feet floor area over the next 20 years adding up to 50,000 new skyscrapers. Energy consumption by buildings in China grew from 10% of the national total in 1970s to 20% in 2006 and is estimated to shoot up to 35% by 2020, according to a study by the Asia Business Council, an association of chief executives of companies with business interests in Asia.
Read the full story at: http://www.climatechangecorp.com/content.asp?ContentID=6023
China’s green building demand is mainly driven by multinational companies - to achieve the country's energy saving targets local companies need to commit to green building standards too.
Nearly half of the world’s new building construction will be in China by 2015, estimates the World Bank. A forecast by McKinsey Global Institute last year said that China will build a massive 40 billion square feet floor area over the next 20 years adding up to 50,000 new skyscrapers. Energy consumption by buildings in China grew from 10% of the national total in 1970s to 20% in 2006 and is estimated to shoot up to 35% by 2020, according to a study by the Asia Business Council, an association of chief executives of companies with business interests in Asia.
Read the full story at: http://www.climatechangecorp.com/content.asp?ContentID=6023
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Outsourcing jitters for JP Morgan
Americans are now outraged by the news that their banks are quitely shipping thousands of jobs overseas. The latest target is JP Morgan Chase. Press reports originating from India suggested that JP Morgan is working out a $400 million deal to outsource jobs to India. Interestingly, the US press did not get a whiff of the plan.
Reports have led over three dozen members of Congress to write to the bank to explain the outsouring plans. JP Morgan received $25 billion in bail out money from the TARP fund. The Congressmen have written in a joint letter to the bank that "“taxpayers of the United States of America contributed $25 billion to your company to help stabilize our economy – not send jobs overseas.”
Some bloggers were quick to call for all Americans to close their account with the bank. "Hello America!Its time to take a stand.If you really feel like you're being screwed by these big money boys, then quit whining,do something.If you have an account with chase, close it tomorrow.The only thing they understand is their bottom line.We need to let them know that enough is enough," wrote a blogger on http://columbus.bizjournals.com/.
Another blogger's posting said, "if the story is true, you, Chase, should be ashamed. Ashamed for considering outsourcing during these troubled economic times. Ashamed for letting the story get out from India, not the U.S. Shows me a total disregard for corporate etiquette and responsibility."
JP Morgan has not offered a comment on the matter so far.
What will be a responsible act in this situation? Should JP Morgan keep jobs in the US and forego cost savings from outsourcing? Failure to cut costs will make the bank's survival even more difficult. JP Morgan is a global bank. How should it deifne its stakeholders? Should it consider only Americans as its stakeholders, because it's headquartered in the US? Or should it consider a wider worldwide stakeholder base because it's a global bank?
Reports have led over three dozen members of Congress to write to the bank to explain the outsouring plans. JP Morgan received $25 billion in bail out money from the TARP fund. The Congressmen have written in a joint letter to the bank that "“taxpayers of the United States of America contributed $25 billion to your company to help stabilize our economy – not send jobs overseas.”
Some bloggers were quick to call for all Americans to close their account with the bank. "Hello America!Its time to take a stand.If you really feel like you're being screwed by these big money boys, then quit whining,do something.If you have an account with chase, close it tomorrow.The only thing they understand is their bottom line.We need to let them know that enough is enough," wrote a blogger on http://columbus.bizjournals.com/.
Another blogger's posting said, "if the story is true, you, Chase, should be ashamed. Ashamed for considering outsourcing during these troubled economic times. Ashamed for letting the story get out from India, not the U.S. Shows me a total disregard for corporate etiquette and responsibility."
JP Morgan has not offered a comment on the matter so far.
What will be a responsible act in this situation? Should JP Morgan keep jobs in the US and forego cost savings from outsourcing? Failure to cut costs will make the bank's survival even more difficult. JP Morgan is a global bank. How should it deifne its stakeholders? Should it consider only Americans as its stakeholders, because it's headquartered in the US? Or should it consider a wider worldwide stakeholder base because it's a global bank?
Friday, March 13, 2009
Japanese Cars Race Ahead for World Green Car Award
After two years of German dominance, Japanese automakers have made an impressive comeback in the green car segment of the World Car Awards.
Mitsubishi iMiEV, Honda FCX Clarity and Toyota iQ have made it to the top three finalists for the coveted honour of The 2009 World Green Car Award announced. The awards are a program initiated by, organized by, and conducted by automotive journalists from all over the world. The awards will be given out at the New York International Auto Show on the 9th April, next month.
Honda Civic Hybrid was the first winner in 2006 when the awards started. The 2007 award went to Mecedez Benz E320 Bluetec and the last year's prize went to BMW 118d with Efficient Dynamics.
More at http://www.wcoty.com/media/?release=44&year=2009
Mitsubishi iMiEV, Honda FCX Clarity and Toyota iQ have made it to the top three finalists for the coveted honour of The 2009 World Green Car Award announced. The awards are a program initiated by, organized by, and conducted by automotive journalists from all over the world. The awards will be given out at the New York International Auto Show on the 9th April, next month.
Honda Civic Hybrid was the first winner in 2006 when the awards started. The 2007 award went to Mecedez Benz E320 Bluetec and the last year's prize went to BMW 118d with Efficient Dynamics.
More at http://www.wcoty.com/media/?release=44&year=2009
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Next CSR Social Eve on 2nd April
The first CSR Social Evening hosted by Singapore Compact on 5th march received an enthusiastic response from the CSR fraternity here. In attendance were over 40 participants from NGOs, unions, companies, academic institutions and consulting firms.
According to Singapore Compact, 'there was much networking and the feedback was good. Drinks were available at low prices and much food was provided. A number of attendees indicated that they will bring along others the next session.'
So expect a bigger gathering on the 2nd April, the next CSR Social Evening. At the same place: Union Square (The Amara Hotel Shopping Complex). The same time: 6pm.
The participants have access to drinks at discounted rates. A mug of draft beer or a pour of whiskey or a glass of wine goes for $5.35. There are a lot of other options, of course.
According to Singapore Compact, 'there was much networking and the feedback was good. Drinks were available at low prices and much food was provided. A number of attendees indicated that they will bring along others the next session.'
So expect a bigger gathering on the 2nd April, the next CSR Social Evening. At the same place: Union Square (The Amara Hotel Shopping Complex). The same time: 6pm.
The participants have access to drinks at discounted rates. A mug of draft beer or a pour of whiskey or a glass of wine goes for $5.35. There are a lot of other options, of course.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
CSR Social Evening
Singapore Compact-the national tripartite body for CSR-is launching CSR Social Evening, a networking event which will take place on the first Thursday of every month begining 5th March, 2009.
Singapore Compact's new initiative meets a long felt need for a regular and independent forum where CSR practitioners, business leaders, academics and students can exchange ideas and network.
Participants need to buy their own drinks. But Singapore Compact has managed to get concessional rates for drinks for participants which is great!
Important details:
Venue: Union Square (The Amara Shopping Complex #02-05, 165 Tanjong Pagar Road)
Time: 6pm-8.30pm
Frequency: The first Thursday of every month.
Singapore Compact's new initiative meets a long felt need for a regular and independent forum where CSR practitioners, business leaders, academics and students can exchange ideas and network.
Participants need to buy their own drinks. But Singapore Compact has managed to get concessional rates for drinks for participants which is great!
Important details:
Venue: Union Square (The Amara Shopping Complex #02-05, 165 Tanjong Pagar Road)
Time: 6pm-8.30pm
Frequency: The first Thursday of every month.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
CSR not a luxury
Veronique Salze-Lozach of Asia Foundation argues that CSR is not a luxury which only rich nations or large companies can afford. CSR can actually be a strategic tool to increase competitiveness of a country. Veronique, one of the key presenters at just concluded Cambodia CSR Conference, gives an account of the conference in an interesting article which can be accessed by following the below link:
http://asiafoundation.org/in-asia/2008/12/10/in-cambodia-is-corporate-social-responsibility-a-luxury-or-a-possibility
http://asiafoundation.org/in-asia/2008/12/10/in-cambodia-is-corporate-social-responsibility-a-luxury-or-a-possibility
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Cambodia CSR Conference 2008 a great success
The first Cambodia CSR Conference concluded with a thumping success in Phnom Penh on Nov 27-28 at Raffles Hotel Le Royal.
More than 250 delegates representing the private sector, the government and the civil society interacted with 39 speakers and panellists over two days. The issues ranged from the very basic "What is CSR" to sophisticated ones such as CSR at Workplace, Socially Responsible Investing, Corporate Governance and Climate change.
The conference objective was to find ways to deploy CSR to make Cambodia competitive. No philanthropy-charity nonsense that most other Asian CSR conferences are touting around in the name of CSR.
Participants said it was the best conference they ever attended in the fascinating Kingdom of Cambodia. It was a great satisfaction, and flattering, for me personally as the "architect" (they called me that!) of the conference. As the CSR Strategy Consultant for UNDP Cambodia, I was given the responsibility to conceive the theme and put together a conference agenda most relevant to Cambodia. And then help identify speakers and then work with the speakers to whip up thought provoking content for the two days deliberations.
All presentations are now available on the conference website: http://www.csrcambodia.com/
More than 250 delegates representing the private sector, the government and the civil society interacted with 39 speakers and panellists over two days. The issues ranged from the very basic "What is CSR" to sophisticated ones such as CSR at Workplace, Socially Responsible Investing, Corporate Governance and Climate change.
The conference objective was to find ways to deploy CSR to make Cambodia competitive. No philanthropy-charity nonsense that most other Asian CSR conferences are touting around in the name of CSR.
Participants said it was the best conference they ever attended in the fascinating Kingdom of Cambodia. It was a great satisfaction, and flattering, for me personally as the "architect" (they called me that!) of the conference. As the CSR Strategy Consultant for UNDP Cambodia, I was given the responsibility to conceive the theme and put together a conference agenda most relevant to Cambodia. And then help identify speakers and then work with the speakers to whip up thought provoking content for the two days deliberations.
All presentations are now available on the conference website: http://www.csrcambodia.com/
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Cambodia CSR Conference 2008
Cambodia is all set to have its first National CSR Conference on 27-28 November in Phnom Penh. Supported by UNDP and a host of other organizations from private, public and development partners, the conference is sure to bring CSR to the forefront in this fast emerging South-east Asian economy.
The falvor of the conference is very interesting. The conference aims to explore how CSR can be deployed to make Cambodia more competitive in an increasingly complex global market.
Currently, the proposed agenda is undergoing an extensive consultation process with a wide range of stakeholders.
If you would like to receive the Concept Paper on the CSR Conference Agenda to share your views, please leave your contact here and the paper will be emailed to you.
The falvor of the conference is very interesting. The conference aims to explore how CSR can be deployed to make Cambodia more competitive in an increasingly complex global market.
Currently, the proposed agenda is undergoing an extensive consultation process with a wide range of stakeholders.
If you would like to receive the Concept Paper on the CSR Conference Agenda to share your views, please leave your contact here and the paper will be emailed to you.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Sexual Harassment at Workplace Report
A recent survey report by Singapore based women rights organization AWARE on Sexual Harassment at Workplace created a widespread buzz. According to the report, 54% respondents said they have experienced some kind of sexual harassment at workplace.
Though the report received huge media attention, the business groups did not make any comments or commitments to prevent sexual harassment at workplace. Singapore currently does not have a specific regulation to address sexual harassment at workplace. But that should not prevent responsible companies to take a voluntary action and have a strict program against sexual harassment at workplace.
The complete report can be found at:
http://www.aware.org.sg/images//aware%20research%20study%20on%20workplace%20sexual%20harassment.pdf
Though the report received huge media attention, the business groups did not make any comments or commitments to prevent sexual harassment at workplace. Singapore currently does not have a specific regulation to address sexual harassment at workplace. But that should not prevent responsible companies to take a voluntary action and have a strict program against sexual harassment at workplace.
The complete report can be found at:
http://www.aware.org.sg/images//aware%20research%20study%20on%20workplace%20sexual%20harassment.pdf
Friday, August 08, 2008
We are back
CSRWorks is back to blog with a new look. We did not disappear with the rainforests and Sumatran elephants of Indonesia, as you might have thought. We are very much here and will be back soon with more thought-provoking stuff on corporate responsibility, sustainability and climate change.
By the way, environmentalists tell us that more hectares of rainforests and peatlands and a large population of tigers, elephants and orang-utans have vanished in Indonesia since our last entry in 2006.
By the way, environmentalists tell us that more hectares of rainforests and peatlands and a large population of tigers, elephants and orang-utans have vanished in Indonesia since our last entry in 2006.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Disappearing rainforests, sumatran elephants and tigers in Indonesia
Just completed a research work on the state of destruction of rainforests in the Riau province of Indonesia. It's difficult to assess which is diappearing faster: the forests or Sumatran elephants? An immediate international attention and a check on irresponsibile behavior of multinational pulp and paper companies as well as oil palm plantation companies is required to conserve the exotic plant and wildlife of natural rainforests in Riau.
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