Corporate Social Responsibility
Before entering the Public Relations program here at Mohawk
I was somewhat unfamiliar with the meaning of CSR. Within the first few weeks
of study I grew to understand the importance of CSR in relation to PR. CSR can
create opportunity for growth, and help build relationships with internal and
external stakeholders
We were lucky enough to have a visit from David Estok during
our Media Relations lecture. It was very motivating to hear what Estok had to
share. Having worked in the field for over 20 years, Estok has truly “done it
all”. Working in the PR and Journalism field he was able to share some wise
advice with our class. He discussed CSR extensively, and the three R’s.
Relationship, reputation and responsibility are the foundations of CSR.
Mayor Rob Ford’s recent scandal was a hot topic in the news
these past few weeks. Ford’s breach of the
Municipal Conflict of Interest Act demonstrated a lack of ethics and CSR; his
actions tainted the relationship he held with the government, and with the city
of Toronto. It was quoted in the Canadian Business blog that Ford "testified
he never read the Conflict of Interest Act or the councilor orientation
handbook. Nor did he attend councilor training sessions that covered conflicts
of interest." Speaking from a Public Relations standpoint it will be very
difficult now for Ford to turn his image around. He has admitted to a lack of knowledge
surrounding Conflict of Interest Act but has not yet shown a great deal of
remorse.
It is in situations such as this that business and employees
need to evaluate their understanding of CSR. Ethical dilemmas are natural and
each of us will at some point face one however it is how we chose to respond to these dilemmas that truly makes a difference. By addressing social
responsibility the company (or individual) is able to build long term trust and
credibility within the community and is able to maintain a good image
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