Week 2-Individual Project MGMT110 Colorado Technical University Brandi Norfleet

Abstract Target has long been a company that is fully dedicated to its CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) programs. These programs include commitments to education, environment, safety, and health and well being. Also, Target is a leader in fostering an inclusive culture of diversity in every area of the company.

According to Target.com, community giving has always been a cornerstone of the company. Starting in 1946 Target has give 5% of its income to its communities which includes commitments in the areas of education, environment, health, and safety. Targets corporate responsibility goals foster greater transparency and accountability on initiatives that help put more U.S. children on the path to graduation, reduce our impact on the environment, and help Target team members and their families live healthy, balanced lives (Tim Baer, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Target). Target is committed to hiring and developing a diverse group of team members which reflect the diversity of the communities in all their locations. Fostering an inclusive culture has long been one of our strengths, and will continue to be an important part of our business strategy as we expand into new markets (Target, 2008). In 2011, Target was ranked #44 on a list of Top 50 Companies for Diversity by DiversityInc magazine (Target, 2012). U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan states Target has been a great supporter of our efforts to improve education. Target has implanted programs which make it possible for children from low income families to have access to more books, and also given library makeovers to over 100 schools nationwide since its inception in 2007. Through its Early Childhood Reading Grants, Take Charge of Education Program, Meals for Minds, and Kids in Need Resource centers, Target is on track to give $1 billion to its communities by the end of 2015. Because Target is in the retail industry and sells a variety of merchandise and food products, they have a responsibility to the environment. This includes a recycling program, sustainable goods and packaging, as well as fuel efficient transportation practices. Target has a set of standards by which their vendors must abide Items are broken down and recycled, refurbished, or marketed for reuse

e-waste items are processed domestically and no e-waste is sent to landfills anywhere

vendors must submit monthly reports on recycling and sales activity, and are subject to periodic inspections and reviews by Target (this encourages transparency)

There are recycling stations in every store where customers can join Target in their waste reduction efforts. Target was one of the first retailers to start a garment-hanger-reuse program. They also have incorporated more sustainable packaging in much of their food products, and carry a variety of eco-friendly household goods as well. In 2008, Target became a member of the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) SmartWay Transportation Partnership. It encourages current and potential transportation vendor partners to participate in their commitment to minimize their carbon footprint. Target is a founding member of US Healthiest, a nationwide coalition which strives to help people become more physically and emotionally healthy. Target is also one of four organizations that piloted the HealthLead US Healthiest Workplace Accreditation Program, which offers accreditation to employee well being practices and policies as well as a means to continuous quality improvement of their health-management practices (Target, 2012). Target has maintained strong relationships with local public safety leaders through events such as Safe City, National Night Out, and Shop with a Cop. In addition, by sharing resources and ideas with partners such as the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the Big City Emergency Managers Forum, they are helping build safer connected communities (Target, 2012).

Target aims to make sure the company is held to the highest ethical standards, as well as their business partners. Target Sourcing Services (TSS) imports products from vendors around the world and ensures that the company is in full compliance with U.S. government regulations. Target Compliance and Production Services, a division of TSS, helps to ensure that Targets vendor partners operate safe, efficient, and ethical factory environments (Target, 2008). The Target Corporation is responsible to its customers, employees, investors, and the environment. A company which implements a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program can increase profitability through cost cutting measures efficiency and added product lines. It can also go a long way in improving a companys brand and image. It is the continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the local community and society at large. Target corporation encourages its partners to also adopt a CSR program as well so that the company can continue to keep its commitments to all those who hold the company accountable. This is part of the reason that the Target Corporation has become the leader it is today, and will strive to create new ways to make the company even better.

References

2008 Corporate Responsibility Report:Global Sourcing: Standard for Worldwide Partners (n.d.). Target. Retrieved July 16, 2012, from http://sites.target.com/site/en/company/page.jsp?contentId=WCMP04-034158 Target Here For Good. (n.d.). Target . Retrieved July 12, 2012, from http://hereforgood.target.com/ Target Named One of the "Worlds Most Ethical Companies". (2012, March 16). Minnesota Council on Foundations. Retrieved July 15, 2012, from http://www.mcf.org/news/targetmost-ethical-2011 Target Publishes 2011 Corporate Responsibility Report / Target Corp. (2012, June 18). Pressroom Home / Target Corp. Retrieved July 16, 2012, from http://pressroom.target.com/pr/news/target-publishes-2011-corporate-235241.aspx