Historical and Socio-economic Context
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Transcript of Historical and Socio-economic Context
The Social, Environmental & Economic Responsibilities of Business
Bimal Arora 07 February , 2013, Hyderabad
Historical and Socio-economic Context
Religious backgroundCharity and PhilanthropyPrinciple of TrusteeshipSocial Responsibility - The Western ThoughtEnvironmental ConcernsCSR and BeyondNational ConcernsBusiness Responsibility- A Holistic Approach
Government and Business Responsibility
PM’s Ten Point Social CharterMCA and CSRVoluntary Guidelines on CSR, 2009
• Released in Dec 2009, in presence of the President of India• A statement of intent by the national government• Intended to be replaced by a more comprehensive guideline
Draft Voluntary Guidelines 2011Planning Commission and Task Force on Business
Regulation
Formulations of the National Guidelines
IICA mandated to formulated the guidelinesConstitution of the Guidelines Drafting
CommitteeWide and elaborate Stakeholder
ConsultationsExpansion of GDC in 2010Formulation of holistic guidelines that take
into account the global practices but are ‘Indian’ in ethos
Structure of the Guidelines
1. Nine (9) Principles, covering the Triad and Ethics Brief Description Core Elements
2. Implementation Guidance on the 9 Principles3. Indicators (metrics) to enable self-monitoring by
businesses4. Specific inputs for MSMEs5. Caselets to aid comprehension of best practices in
each Principle6. Business Case Matrix7. Glossary of Terms used
Background
The Draft Guidelines were shared over email with over 700 businesses/groups in India – representing different industry sectors, locations, sizes and maturity– seeking feedback and responses
Guidelines sent to the Members of FICCI, CII, PHD Chamber and TERI for them to critique
Face to face interactions in stakeholder meetings in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata
Review and Compilation of the Final Report
Principles of the Guidelines
Principle 1: Ethics, Transparency and Accountability Principle 2: Providing Goods and Services that are
Sustainable over entire Life Cycle Principle 3: Well-being of Employees Principle 4: Being Responsive towards Stakeholders,
especially the disadvantaged Principle 5: Respecting and Promoting Human Rights Principle 6: Protecting and Restoring the Environment Principle 7: Responsible Policy Advocacy that enhances
Public Good Principle 8: Supporting Inclusive Growth and Development Principle 9: Providing Value to Customers responsibly
Principle 1 : Businesses should conduct and govern themselves with Ethics, Transparency and Accountability
Brief Description• Ethical conduct in functions and processes• Decisions and actions should be amenable to disclosure• Inform all the stakeholders of the operating risks involved• Establishment of a culture of integrity and ethics throughout the enterprise
Core Elements• Ethical conduct at all levels by developing proper governance structures,
practices and procedures• Transparent communication• Should not engage in practices that are abusive, corrupt or anti competition• Truthful discharging of the responsibility on financial and other mandatory
disclosures• Avoid complicity with the actions of any third party that violates any of the
principles.
Principle 2: Businesses should provide goods and services that are safe and contribute to sustainability “throughout their life cycle”
Brief Description• To function effectively and profitable the businesses should work to improve
the quality of life of people• Engineer value in goods and services by keeping the impact of a product on the
society through all stages of the product life cycle
Core Elements• Assure safety and optimal resource use over the life cycle of the product• Recognize the rights of its consumers through education, product labeling,
appropriate and helpful communication, full details of the contents and safe usage.
• Ensure that the manufacturing processes and technologies are resource efficient and sustainable
• Regularly review and improve upon the process of new technology development, deployment and commercialization, incorporating social, ethical and environmental considerations
• Recognize and respect the intellectual property rights• Promote sustainable consumption
Principle 3: businesses should promote the wellbeing “of all employees”
Brief Description The principle encompasses all policies and practices relating to dignity and
wellbeing of employees engaged within a business or in its value chain The principle extends to all categories of employees within and outside its
boundaries and covers work performed by individuals, including subcontracted and home based.
Core Elements Respect the right to freedom of association, participation, collective bargaining
and access to proper grievance redressal mechanism Equal opportunities to all caste, creed, gender, religion, race, disability or sex No child labor, forced labor or any form of involuntary labor (paid or unpaid) Cognizance of work life balance of employees especially women Provide facilities for the wellbeing Safe, hygienic and humane work place environment Ensure continuous skill and competence up gradation of all employees Harassment free work place
Principle 4: Businesses should respect the interests of, and be responsive towards all stakeholders, especially those who are disadvantaged, vulnerable and marginalized
Brief Description• Responsibility to think and act beyond the interests of its shareholders to
include all their stakeholders• Proactively engage with and respond to those that are disadvantaged,
vulnerable and marginalized
Core Elements Systematically identify their stakeholders, understand their concerns,
define purpose and scope of engagement, and commit to engaging with them.
Acknowledge, assume responsibility and be transparent about the impact of their policies, decisions, product and services and associated operations on the stakeholders.
Give special attention to stakeholders in areas that are underdeveloped Resolve differences with stakeholders in a just, fair and equitable manner
Principle 5: Businesses should respect and promote human rights
Brief Description Recognizes that human rights are the codification and agreement of what it
means to treat others with dignity and respect. Imbibes its spirit from the Constitution of India Takes into account the “Corporate Responsibility to Respect Human Rights”
Core Elements Understand the human rights content of the Constitution of India, national
laws and policies and content of International Bill of Human rights. Integrate respect for human rights in management systems through
assessing and managing human rights impacts of the business operation Recognize and respect all human rights of all relevant stakeholders and
groups within and beyond workplace Promote the awareness and realization of rights across its value chain Should not be complicit with human rights abuses by third party
Principle 6: Business should respect, protect and make efforts to restore the environment
Brief Description Recognizes the environmental responsibility is a pre requisite for sustainable
economic growth and well being of society Emphasizes that environmental issues are interconnected at the local, regional
and global levels. Encourages businesses to understand and be accountable for direct and indirect
environmental impacts of their operations, products and services Urges businesses to follow the precautionary principle
Core Elements Utilize natural and man made resources in and optimal and responsible manner Take measures to check and prevent pollution Ensure that benefits are shared equitably Continuously seek to improve environmental performance Develop Environment Management Systems and contingency plans Report environment performance Proactively persuade and support its value chain for adoption of this principle
Principle 7: Businesses, when engaged in influencing public and regulatory policy, should do so in a responsible manner
Brief Description Recognizes that business operate within the specified legislative and policy
frameworks prescribed by the Government Acknowledges that in a democratic set up, such as legal frameworks are
developed in a collaborative manner with participation of all the stakeholders including businesses
Recognizes the right of businesses to engage with Government for redressal of a grievance or for influencing public policy and public opinion
Emphasizes that policy advocacy must expand public good
Core Elements Businesses, while pursuing policy advocacy must ensure that their
advocacy positions are consistent with the Principles and Core Elements contained in these Guidelines.
Businesses should utilize the trade and industry chambers and associations and other such collective platforms to undertake such policy advocacy
Principle 8: Businesses should support inclusive growth and equitable development
Brief Description Recognizes the challenges of social and economic development faced by India and
builds upon the development agenda Recognizes the value of energy and enterprise of businesses and encourages them
to innovate and contribute to the overall development of the country Emphasizes the need for collaboration amongst businesses, government agencies
and civil society in furthering this development agenda. Reiterates that business prosperity and inclusive growth and equitable development
are interdependent
Core Elements Understand their impact on social and economic development. Innovate and invest in products, technologies and processes that promote the
wellbeing of society and mitigate any negative impacts Make efforts to complement and support the development priorities at local and
national levels Businesses operating in regions that are underdeveloped should be especially
sensitive to local concerns
Principle 9: Businesses should engage with and provide value to their customers and consumers in a responsible manner
Brief Description Basic aim of a business entity is to provide goods and services to its customers in a manner
that generates value for both. Acknowledges that no business entity can exist or survive in the absence of its customers. Recognizes that customers have the freedom of choice in the selection and use of goods Recognizes that businesses have an obligation to mitigating the long term adverse
impacts that excessive consumption may have on the overall well-being of individuals, society and our planet.
Core Elements Take into account the overall well-being of the customers and that of society. Ensure that they do not restrict the freedom of choice and free competition in any manner Disclose all information truthfully and factually, through labelling and other means Promote and advertise their products in ways that do not mislead, confuse the consumers
or violate any of the principles in these guidelines. Exercise due care and caution while providing goods and services that result in over-
exploitation of natural resources or lead to excessive conspicuous consumption. Provide adequate grievance handling mechanisms to address customer concerns and
feedback.
Adoption Methods and Reporting Framework
For the Voluntary Guidelines to be universally adopted, they must become part of the business DNA
Adoption Methods, Reporting Framework and Indicators are included, to enable firms to understand and perform as “Responsible Businesses”
MSME Guidance to reinforce that all businesses irrespective of size need to function responsibly
Reporting and Disclosure at two levels
Step 1 - Analyse Your Business
Key Business Drivers
Opportunities and Threats
Strengths and Weakness
Articulate the RB Policy
Step 1 - Analyse Your Business
Key Business Drivers
Opportunities and Threats
Strengths and Weakness
Articulate the RB Policy
Step 2 - Identify Risks and
Opportunities
Identify Issue
Network
Prioritise
Step 2 - Identify Risks and
Opportunities
Identify Issue
Network
Prioritise
Step 3 - Develop a Strategy
Operational Vs Strategic
Compliance Vs Beyond Compliance
Step 3 - Develop a Strategy
Operational Vs Strategic
Compliance Vs Beyond Compliance
Step 4 - Plan and Implement
Strategy
Roadmap
Clear Objective
Adoption of Indicators for each Principle
Step 4 - Plan and Implement
Strategy
Roadmap
Clear Objective
Adoption of Indicators for each Principle
Step 5 - Monitor and Review
Progress
Monitor
Measure
Learn and Refine Processes
Step 5 - Monitor and Review
Progress
Monitor
Measure
Learn and Refine Processes
Step 6 –Communicate
Convey Rationale
Listen
Embed In Communications
Report
Step 6 –Communicate
Convey Rationale
Listen
Embed In Communications
Report
Training
‘Low-hanging Fruit’
Step 1 - Analyse Your Business
Key Business Drivers
Opportunities and Threats
Strengths and Weakness
Articulate the RB Policy
Step 1 - Analyse Your Business
Key Business Drivers
Opportunities and Threats
Strengths and Weakness
Articulate the RB Policy
Step 2 - Identify Risks and
Opportunities
Identify Issue
Network
Prioritise
Step 2 - Identify Risks and
Opportunities
Identify Issue
Network
Prioritise
Step 3 - Develop a Strategy
Operational Vs Strategic
Compliance Vs Beyond Compliance
Step 3 - Develop a Strategy
Operational Vs Strategic
Compliance Vs Beyond Compliance
Step 4 - Plan and Implement
Strategy
Roadmap
Clear Objective
Adoption of Indicators for each Principle
Step 4 - Plan and Implement
Strategy
Roadmap
Clear Objective
Adoption of Indicators for each Principle
Step 5 - Monitor and Review
Progress
Monitor
Measure
Learn and Refine Processes
Step 5 - Monitor and Review
Progress
Monitor
Measure
Learn and Refine Processes
Step 6 –Communicate
Convey Rationale
Listen
Embed In Communications
Report
Step 6 –Communicate
Convey Rationale
Listen
Embed In Communications
Report
Training
‘Low-hanging Fruit’
Six Steps for Building A Strategy for Responsible Business (RB)
Source: Adapted from Developing Value published by SustainAbility and IFC
IICA, New Delhi
NVGs Aligned with Aspects of Private Healthcare Sector
General Manufacturing Processes
IPR New Technologies, R&D
Environment Resource Efficiency and Sustainable Production Practices (LCA)
Good Manufacturing Practices
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
Periodic Impact Assessment and Disclosure
Pollution Control Measures
Pollution (Hospital Waste) Control Measures
Pollution (Pathological Waste) Control Measures
Clean Technology & EMS
Environmental performance of Value Chain members
Stakeholders, Community
Stakeholder Engagement and Communication
Community Well-being & Inclusion
Labour Complaint and Grievance Redressal
Equal Opportunity at work
Child, Bonded and Forced Labour
Occupational Health & Safety
Wage Policies
Workplace Environment
Human Rights (Bonded Labour, Sexual Harassment, Child Labour, Disabled Person)
Marketing Transparent Marketing Information & Communication
Anti-competitive Practices
Consumer Education and Information
Sustainable Consumption
Deceptive Marketing Practices (UTPs)
Freedom of Choice (Consumers)
Consumer Grievances and Handling
Distribution Abuse of Dominant Position (Exclusionary)
Corruption (Influencing hospitals/providers to sell products)
Corrupt practices in Hospitals
Corruption (‘Commission/Cuts’ for Docs)
Anti-competitive Practices
Lobbying and Policy Advocacy Processes
Thank You