IMPACT

Impact Measurement and Performance Analysis of CSR

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

'Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) assumes greater practical significance and political relevance in the EU. A central concern is the extent to which CSR delivers benefits for economies, societies and the environment, providing a business contribution to the EU’s policies for growth, competitiveness, better jobs (Lisbon Strategy) and sustainable development (Gothenburg strategy). By contrast there is little empirical evidence on the impacts of CSR practices on company performance and the wider economy, or the social and environmental fabric of Europe, its nations and regions. There are no widely applied tools and methods that provide valid and representative assessments of the impacts of CSR. The IMPACT project addresses these gaps in knowledge. The project uses a common conceptual framework to develop and apply tools that enable assessment and comparison of CSR impacts – at micro (company), meso (sectoral and regional) and macro levels (nations states and EU). Indicators will be developed to assess the contribution of CSR impacts on EU policy objectives, for growth, competitiveness (including innovation), quality of jobs and environmental sustainability. A large-scale inter- and transdisciplinary empirical investigation will be carried out using four complementary methods: econometric analysis, company case studies, an analysis of different company and industrial networks and a Delphi study. All studies focus on five sectors important across the EU-27. The results will be synthesised and triangulated with each other. A foresight study will estimate ex ante future impacts of CSR. Recommendations will be addressed to policy-makers, especially those dealing with the CSR and the Lisbon and Gothenburg Strategies, also business leaders, CSR practitioners, civil society and the research and education community. Outputs include a handbook on CSR impact assessment tools, a comprehensive description of European CSR impacts to date and policy recommendations.'

Introduzione (Teaser)

The real effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on society and the environment are not fully understood. An EU initiative has developed new methods and tools to help policymakers, business leaders, civil society, and the research and education community to analyse and increase the impact of CSR.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

The positive impact of CSR on companies is clear, but its full effect on the economy and society overall has still not been fully assessed. The EU-funded project 'Impact measurement and performance analysis of CSR' (http://www.csr-impact.eu (IMPACT)) strove to define the exact impacts of CSR on the EU's economy, environment and society.

IMPACT measured and explained CSR impacts, focusing on small and large companies in the automotive, construction, information and communication technology, retail and textile industries. It studied the CSR cycle, including how sustainability issues are recognised, embraced and translated into company strategies and actions.

The project team designed sector-specific indicators for the different industries in order to assess the issues. Then it produced several questionnaires to collect data on motives of CSR activities, and conducted interviews to evaluate their impact.

IMPACT published papers on company self-presentation of CSR, stakeholder evaluation of CSR and public policies to promote CSR in Europe.

Researchers produced a guidebook that presented a 10-step approach for companies to define and measure their impacts on society. This methodology was adjusted to straightforward management procedures and tailored to organisations of any size.

They also created a policy brief that mainly provided a synopsis of existing CSR impacts and public policy support to enhance such impacts. It also promoted the impact of CSR in the EU.

A final conference explained that small and large companies considered CSR necessary and found sustainability issues very applicable. However, this did not always result in concrete actions by companies. Event outcomes called for more policy support for CSR to achieve a sustainable economy.

Research results are scheduled to be published in an industry journal by mid-2015.

Stakeholders now have a better understanding of the impact of CSR in companies and the wider industry. IMPACT results are thus helping the EU meet social, economic and environmental objectives.