Abstract

This project explores the contribution of an individual in a journey towards corporate
social responsibility in a modern civic university.
In an organisational context of a university that promotes a civic vision, with
stakeholders who are internal and external, local and international, this report outlines
a range of initiatives, from equality and diversity best practice to community
engagement projects, which enhanced corporate reputation.
It demonstrates how a holistic approach of encouraging an inclusive environment and a
positive relationship with its communities, underpinned by principles of fairness and
transparency, can generate stakeholder confidence in an organisation and pave the
way towards the development of a CSR strategy and culture.
Using a methodology which combines reflection and action research, the project
identifies connections between personal values and professional activities and
demonstrates how both individuals and organisations can impact on partners and
stakeholders. It outlines how, by working in line with shared corporate values, an
individual who may not be in an executive role can influence an institution in making a
difference to its communities.
The project uses action research in the development of a CSR statement, explores how
principles were embedded into corporate strategy and practice, and benchmarks
progress. In a study that captures perceptions of key stakeholders, it evaluates the
impact of the CSR approach, quantifies stakeholder engagement and determines if the
institution is seen as responsible by those who have contact with it.
In reviewing wider CSR developments and examining a contribution to CSR within an
institution and to the broader community of practice, the project develops CSR
principles which have wider applicability.
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Synthesising the evidence collected and comparing existing approaches to corporate
social responsibility, a new framework for CSR is proposed.
The framework draws lessons for the CSR community of practice by incorporating
strands of CSR activity and CSR verification across all organisational and stakeholder
levels. Informed by the experience of engagement with CSR, the report reaches
conclusions that can be used by individuals and organisations that are themselves at
different stages of their own CSR journeys.