CSR: a real thing now

For those of us with hippy parents, who went to ultraliberal schools and have been attempting to work with corporations to change policies for years, for decades, the businesses' community's tacit obligation to society has always been real. But Spring 2010 seems to mark the first mainstream evidence that the business community, as a whole, internationally, is also recognizing fiscal value in corporate social responsibility as well. Check out some recent developments:

CSR professionals valuable

In delightful news, 3BL media reports data from green recruitment firm Acre Resources, Acona Consulting and Ethical Performance magazine report that CSR professionals saw increased job security and higher salaries even as the world crashed down around the rest of America's workers. In general salaries are high ($85,000+), and especially so in the UK (10% increase). The message: companies think that CSR is valuable. And they're right.

The 3BL report suggests that corporations are growing consciousnesses at a rate not seen before, especially if they are larger firms, but that the transformation to thoughtful, sustainable companies is far from over. However, other reports suggest a similar theme- that corporate social responsibility adds value.

Employees work better in CSR companies

Another example, from a new study out of the Kenexa Research Institute, reports that after a good salary and comfortable working environment, employees want a job where they feel their employers take social responsibility seriously. Indeed, Dan Pink's "Drive" supports this idea and indicates that employees must have the feeling that they are making a difference, helping things advance and helping the world in order to stay motivated.

CSR companies see stock gains

Another piece of evidence harks back to my favorite TV program Undercover Boss, wherein corporate executive work front line positions, and typically adopt some CSR initiatives as a result of their expanded perspective. The Wall Street Journal reported that firms featured on the show saw gains in stock price the next day, and firms also saw an upswing in sales following programs. Customers like good companies that are nice to their employees.

All of this is positive news validates the tooth-pulling and persuasion it took to get here. Just as most environmental initiatives end up saving money, just as responsible financial procedure reduces incidences of fraud, corporate social responsibility adds value for the people it benefits -society- employees and customers, therein benefiting firms in sales and productivity, creating a feedback cycle of goodness.