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Total No. of Questions : 5] SEAT No.

P6903 [Total No. of Pages : 2

[5860]-406
M.B.A. (Semester - IV)
408 : GE-UL-22 CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY &
SUSTAINABILITY
(2019 Pattern)
Time : 2 Hours] [Max. Marks : 50
Instructions to the candidates:
1) All questions are compulsory.
2) Make necessary assumptions wherever required.
3) All questions carry equal marks.

Q1) Attempt any 5 out of 8 :


a) Define ecological footprint.
b) What are the three dimensional focus of corporate citizenship?
c) Mention any two characteristics of Good corporate Governance.
d) Give any two strategic advantages of CSR.
e) State the meaning of charity.
f) What is the difference between sustainable development and green
development?
g) What is ESG Reports?
h) Write any two key public sector roles in CSR.

a) Define ecological footprint.

An ecological footprint is a measure of the impact of human activity on the


environment. It is calculated by estimating the amount of land and water required
to support a particular lifestyle.

b) What are the three-dimensional focus of corporate citizenship?

The three-dimensional focus of corporate citizenship are:


• Economic: Corporate citizenship is about how businesses can use their
economic resources to benefit society. This can include things like investing
in education, providing jobs, and paying taxes.
• Social: Corporate citizenship is also about how businesses can use their
social resources to benefit society. This can include things like volunteering,
donating to charities, and promoting diversity and inclusion.
• Environmental: Corporate citizenship is also about how businesses can use
their environmental resources to benefit society. This can include things like
reducing pollution, conserving energy, and promoting sustainable
development.
c) Mention any two characteristics of Good corporate Governance.

Two characteristics of good corporate governance are:

• Transparency: Good corporate governance requires that businesses be


transparent about their activities. This means that they should disclose
information about their finances, operations, and decision-making processes
to stakeholders.
• Accountability: Good corporate governance also requires that businesses be
accountable for their actions. This means that they should be held
responsible for their decisions and the impact they have on society.

d) Give any two strategic advantages of CSR.

Two strategic advantages of CSR are:

• Improved reputation: CSR can help businesses to improve their reputation


with stakeholders. This can lead to increased customer loyalty, employee
morale, and investor confidence.
• Reduced risk: CSR can help businesses to reduce their risk of legal liability,
regulatory fines, and reputational damage.
e) State the meaning of charity.

Charity is the act of giving money or other assistance to those in need. It can be
done on an individual or organizational level.

f) What is the difference between sustainable development and green


development?
Sustainable development is the development that meets the needs of the present
without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Green development is a type of sustainable development that focuses on
environmental protection.
g) What is ESG Reports?
ESG reports are reports that provide information about a company's
environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. They are becoming
increasingly important as investors and consumers demand more information
about the sustainability of companies.

h) Write any two key public sector roles in CSR.

Two key public sector roles in CSR are:

• Regulation: The public sector can regulate CSR by setting standards for
businesses to follow. This can help to ensure that businesses are behaving in
a socially responsible way.
• Support: The public sector can also support CSR by providing businesses
with resources and information. This can help businesses to implement CSR
initiatives.

Q2) Answer any 2 of the following :


a) Discuss the pros and cons of globalization on CSR initiatives taken by
different organizations with examples.
Sure, here are some of the pros and cons of globalization on CSR initiatives
taken by different organizations, with examples:
Pros:
• Increased awareness: Globalization has increased awareness of CSR issues
around the world. This has led to increased pressure on businesses to
adopt CSR practices.
• New opportunities: Globalization has created new opportunities for
businesses to engage in CSR initiatives. For example, businesses can now
partner with organizations in other countries to address shared social and
environmental challenges.
• Shared resources: Globalization has made it easier for businesses to share
resources and expertise to support CSR initiatives. This can help to scale
up CSR initiatives and make them more effective.
Examples:
• Nestlé: Nestlé is a global food company that has been involved in CSR
initiatives for many years. The company has a number of programs in
place to help improve the lives of people in the communities where it
operates. For example, Nestlé supports projects to improve water quality,
provide education, and promote gender equality.
• Unilever: Unilever is another global company that is committed to CSR.
The company has a number of programs in place to address climate
change, promote sustainable agriculture, and improve the lives of women.
For example, Unilever has a program to help farmers in developing
countries adopt sustainable agricultural practices.
Cons:
• Cultural differences: Globalization can lead to cultural clashes when
businesses try to implement CSR initiatives in different countries. For
example, what is considered to be CSR in one country may not be
considered to be CSR in another country.
• Lack of transparency: Globalization can make it difficult for businesses to
be transparent about their CSR activities. This is because businesses may
be operating in multiple countries with different regulations.
• Greenwashing: Globalization can also lead to greenwashing, which is
when businesses make false or misleading claims about their CSR
activities. This can make it difficult for consumers to know which
businesses are truly committed to CSR.
Examples:
• Coca-Cola: Coca-Cola has been accused of greenwashing in the past. The
company has been criticized for its use of water in its bottling operations,
and for its use of plastic bottles.
• Nike: Nike has also been accused of greenwashing. The company has been
criticized for its use of sweatshops in developing countries.
Overall, globalization has both pros and cons for CSR initiatives. Businesses
need to be aware of these challenges and opportunities in order to implement
CSR initiatives effectively.

b) Discuss about Indian values and ethics.


Indian values and ethics are a complex and diverse set of beliefs and principles
that have been shaped by the country's rich history and culture. Some of the most
important Indian values include:

• Dharma: Dharma is a Sanskrit word that can be translated as


"righteousness" or "duty." It is one of the most important concepts in Indian
philosophy and ethics. Dharma refers to the moral code that guides a
person's actions. It is based on the belief that there is a universal order of
things, and that people should act in accordance with that order.
• Ahimsa: Ahimsa is a Sanskrit word that means "non-violence." It is one of
the core principles of Hinduism and Jainism. Ahimsa is based on the belief
that all living beings are interconnected, and that violence is ultimately
harmful to both the perpetrator and the victim.
• Satya: Satya is a Sanskrit word that means "truth." It is another important
concept in Indian philosophy and ethics. Satya refers to the importance of
speaking the truth, even when it is difficult. It is based on the belief that
truth is essential for a just and harmonious society.
• Asteya: Asteya is a Sanskrit word that means "non-stealing." It is based on
the belief that people should not take what does not belong to them. Asteya
is seen as a way to protect the rights of others and to ensure that everyone
has what they need.
• Brahmacharya: Brahmacharya is a Sanskrit word that means "celibacy." It is
a vow of sexual abstinence that is often taken by Hindu monks and nuns.
Brahmacharya is based on the belief that sexual desire can be a distraction
from spiritual development.
• Aparigraha: Aparigraha is a Sanskrit word that means "non-attachment." It
is based on the belief that people should not be attached to material
possessions or worldly pleasures. Aparigraha is seen as a way to achieve
freedom from suffering.

These are just some of the most important Indian values and ethics. These values
have shaped Indian culture and society for centuries, and they continue to be
important to many people today.

In addition to these values, Indian ethics also emphasize the importance of


compassion, respect for elders, and community service. These values are often
reflected in the daily lives of Indians, and they help to create a sense of shared
purpose and belonging.

Indian values and ethics are a rich and complex tradition that has much to offer the
world. They provide a framework for living a meaningful and ethical life, and they
can help to create a more just and harmonious world.

c) Differentiate between charity and philanthropy with examples of


organizations engaged into it.
Charity and philanthropy are both forms of giving that aim to help others, but there
are some key differences between the two.

Charity is generally defined as the act of giving money or other resources to those
in need. It is often motivated by a sense of compassion or empathy, and it can be
done on an individual or organizational level.
Philanthropy is a more general term that refers to the desire to promote the welfare
of others. It can involve giving money or resources, but it can also involve
volunteering time, donating skills, or advocating for social change. Philanthropy is
often motivated by a sense of social responsibility or a belief in the power of
giving to make a difference.

Here are some examples of organizations that are engaged in charity and
philanthropy:

Charity:
• The Red Cross: The Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that provides
disaster relief, blood donation services, and other humanitarian aid.
• UNICEF: UNICEF is a United Nations agency that works to protect the
rights of children and improve their lives.
• Feed the Children: Feed the Children is an international organization that
provides food and other assistance to children in need.
Philanthropy:
• Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is
a private foundation that works to improve global health and development.
• The Rockefeller Foundation: The Rockefeller Foundation is a private
foundation that works to improve the lives of people around the world.
• The Ford Foundation: The Ford Foundation is a private foundation that
works to advance social justice and human welfare.

It is important to note that there is no clear distinction between charity and


philanthropy. Some organizations may engage in both, and some may focus on
one or the other. Ultimately, the goal of both charity and philanthropy is to help
others and make the world a better place.
Q3) Answer (a) or (b) :

a) Based on the social responsibility core subjects of ISO 26,000, an


organization has to define internal requirements. Illustrate two different
action plans that would be acceptable to verify the implementation of the
requirement.

here are two different action plans that would be acceptable to verify the
implementation of the requirement based on the social responsibility core
subjects of ISO 26,000:
Action Plan 1:
1. Define the requirements. The first step is to define the specific
requirements that need to be verified. These requirements should be based
on the core subjects of ISO 26,000.
2. Develop a plan. Once the requirements have been defined, a plan needs to
be developed to verify their implementation. This plan should include the
following:
o The methods that will be used to verify the requirements
o The resources that will be needed
o The timeframe for the verification
3. Implement the plan. The plan should then be implemented. This will
involve collecting data and evidence to verify that the requirements have
been met.
4. Evaluate the results. Once the data and evidence have been collected, they
need to be evaluated to determine if the requirements have been met. If the
requirements have not been met, corrective actions need to be taken.
Action Plan 2:
1. Establish a committee. The first step is to establish a committee to oversee
the verification process. This committee should include representatives
from all relevant departments within the organization.
2. Develop a checklist. The committee should then develop a checklist of the
requirements that need to be verified. This checklist should be based on the
core subjects of ISO 26,000.
3. Conduct the verification. The committee should then conduct the
verification process. This will involve reviewing documentation,
interviewing staff, and observing activities.
4. Report the results. The committee should then report the results of the
verification process to the management team.
These are just two examples of action plans that could be used to verify the
implementation of the requirements based on the social responsibility core
subjects of ISO 26,000. The specific action plan that is used will depend on the
specific requirements of the organization.

b) Illustrate the effect of globalization in the context of CSR practices


adopted by various MNC's.
Globalization has had a significant impact on the way that multinational
corporations (MNCs) adopt corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices. In the
past, MNCs were often criticized for engaging in CSR practices only in their home
countries, while ignoring the needs of the communities in which they operated in
other countries. However, globalization has led to a growing awareness of the
importance of CSR practices in all countries, and MNCs are now under increasing
pressure to adopt CSR practices in all of the countries in which they operate.

There are a number of reasons why globalization has led to this increase in
pressure on MNCs to adopt CSR practices. First, globalization has led to an
increase in the interconnectedness of the world economy. This means that
businesses are now more likely to be affected by the actions of other businesses in
other countries. For example, if an MNC is accused of engaging in unethical
practices in one country, this could damage its reputation in other countries, and
could even lead to boycotts of its products.

Second, globalization has led to an increase in the awareness of CSR issues among
consumers. Consumers are now more likely to be aware of the ethical practices of
the businesses that they buy from, and they are more likely to choose to buy from
businesses that they believe are acting in a responsible way.

Third, globalization has led to an increase in the number of non-governmental


organizations (NGOs) that are working to promote CSR. These NGOs are often
very effective at raising awareness of CSR issues, and they can put pressure on
MNCs to adopt CSR practices.

As a result of these factors, MNCs are now under increasing pressure to adopt
CSR practices in all of the countries in which they operate. This has led to a
number of positive developments, such as an increase in the number of MNCs that
are publishing CSR reports, and an increase in the number of MNCs that are
engaging in sustainable practices.

However, there are still some challenges that MNCs face in adopting CSR
practices in the context of globalization. One challenge is that different countries
have different expectations of CSR practices. For example, what is considered to
be a responsible business practice in one country may not be considered to be a
responsible business practice in another country. This can make it difficult for
MNCs to know what standards they should be meeting when it comes to CSR
practices.

Another challenge is that MNCs often have to balance the interests of different
stakeholders when it comes to CSR practices. For example, an MNC may have to
balance the interests of its shareholders, its employees, and the communities in
which it operates. This can be a difficult balancing act, and it can sometimes lead
to MNCs making decisions that are not in the best interests of all stakeholders.

Despite these challenges, globalization has had a positive impact on the way that
MNCs adopt CSR practices. MNCs are now under increasing pressure to adopt
CSR practices in all of the countries in which they operate, and this has led to a
number of positive developments.

Q4) Answer (a) or (b) :

a) Illustrate current trends and opportunities in CSR as a strategic business


tool for sustainable development from Indian and global perspectives.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become a strategic business tool for
sustainable development in India and globally. There are a number of current
trends and opportunities in CSR that are driving this development.
One trend is the increasing awareness of the importance of sustainability.
Consumers are becoming more aware of the environmental and social impacts of
businesses, and they are demanding that businesses take steps to reduce their
impact. This is creating an opportunity for businesses to differentiate themselves
by adopting CSR practices.
Another trend is the growing importance of stakeholder engagement. Businesses
are realizing that they need to engage with a wider range of stakeholders, such as
employees, customers, suppliers, and communities, in order to be successful.
CSR practices can help businesses to build relationships with these stakeholders
and to gain their support.
Finally, the rise of technology is creating new opportunities for CSR. Technology
can be used to track and measure the impact of CSR practices, to engage with
stakeholders, and to develop innovative solutions to social and environmental
challenges.
Here are some specific examples of CSR trends and opportunities in India and
globally:
• In India, there is a growing focus on CSR in the areas of education, health,
and poverty alleviation. Businesses are increasingly investing in these
areas to help address some of the country's most pressing challenges.
• Globally, there is a growing focus on CSR in the areas of climate change,
water conservation, and sustainable sourcing. Businesses are increasingly
recognizing the need to take action on these issues in order to protect the
environment and ensure long-term sustainability.
• The rise of social media is creating new opportunities for CSR
engagement. Businesses can use social media to connect with stakeholders,
to share information about their CSR initiatives, and to raise awareness of
social and environmental issues.
• The development of new technologies is creating new opportunities for
CSR innovation. Businesses can use technology to develop innovative
solutions to social and environmental challenges, such as renewable
energy, water conservation, and waste management.
These are just a few examples of the current trends and opportunities in CSR. As
CSR continues to evolve, businesses will need to adapt their strategies in order to
remain competitive and to contribute to sustainable development.
Here are some of the benefits of CSR for businesses:
• Improved reputation: CSR can help businesses to improve their reputation
with consumers, employees, investors, and other stakeholders.
• Increased sales: CSR can help businesses to increase sales by appealing to
consumers who are looking for products and services from responsible
businesses.
• Reduced costs: CSR can help businesses to reduce costs by reducing waste,
improving efficiency, and mitigating risks.
• Attract and retain talent: CSR can help businesses to attract and retain
talented employees who are looking for work with responsible businesses.
• Access to new markets: CSR can help businesses to access new markets by
building relationships with stakeholders in those markets.
Overall, CSR can be a valuable strategic business tool for sustainable
development. By adopting CSR practices, businesses can improve their
reputation, increase sales, reduce costs, attract and retain talent, and access new
markets.

b) Appraise the measures taken by various organizations to reduce the


ecological footprint with examples.

here are some examples of measures taken by various organizations to


reduce their ecological footprint:
• Google: Google has a number of initiatives in place to reduce its
ecological footprint. These include:
o Using renewable energy sources to power its data centers
o Reducing the amount of energy used by its data centers
o Recycling and composting waste
o Promoting sustainable transportation options for its employees
• Apple: Apple has also taken a number of steps to reduce its ecological
footprint. These include:
o Using recycled materials in its products
o Designing products that are energy-efficient
o Reducing the amount of packaging used for its products
o Promoting sustainable manufacturing practices
• IKEA: IKEA is a furniture retailer that has taken a number of steps to
reduce its ecological footprint. These include:
o Using sustainable materials in its products
o Designing products that are easy to disassemble and recycle
o Promoting sustainable transportation options for its customers
• Coca-Cola: Coca-Cola is a beverage company that has taken a number
of steps to reduce its ecological footprint. These include:
o Reducing the amount of water used in its bottling operations
o Using recycled materials in its packaging
o Promoting sustainable agricultural practices
These are just a few examples of the many organizations that are taking steps
to reduce their ecological footprint. These organizations are leading by
example and showing that it is possible to do business in a sustainable way.
Here are some additional measures that organizations can take to reduce their
ecological footprint:
• Use energy-efficient lighting.
• Install solar panels or wind turbines.
• Conduct energy audits to identify areas where energy can be saved.
• Use water-efficient appliances and fixtures.
• Recycle and compost waste.
• Promote sustainable transportation options for employees and
customers.
• Support sustainable agriculture practices.
• Offset their carbon emissions.
By taking these steps, organizations can help to reduce their impact on the
environment and make a positive contribution to the planet.

Q5) Answer (a) or (b) :

a) A corporate body is made up of varying categories of personnel, operating


at various levels with different responsibilities and rights. Describe five
points you will take into consideration while drafting the code of ethics
to be implemented in your organization.

here are five points I would take into consideration while drafting a code of
ethics to be implemented in my organization:
1. **The ** nature of the organization's business. The code of ethics should
be tailored to the specific needs of the organization and its industry. For
example, a code of ethics for a financial services company would likely
emphasize the importance of confidentiality and conflict of interest, while
a code of ethics for a healthcare organization would likely emphasize the
importance of patient privacy and safety.
2. **The ** values of the organization. The code of ethics should reflect the
values of the organization and its employees. For example, an organization
that values diversity and inclusion would likely include a statement in its
code of ethics prohibiting discrimination and harassment.
3. **The ** responsibilities of employees. The code of ethics should clearly
define the responsibilities of employees. This includes both the
responsibilities that employees have to the organization and the
responsibilities that employees have to each other.
4. **The ** rights of employees. The code of ethics should also recognize the
rights of employees. This includes the right to be treated fairly and with
respect, the right to privacy, and the right to freedom of speech.
5. **The ** procedures for enforcing the code of ethics. The code of ethics
should include clear procedures for enforcing the code. This includes
procedures for reporting violations of the code, investigating violations,
and taking disciplinary action against violators.
In addition to these five points, I would also consider the following factors when
drafting a code of ethics:
• The ** laws and regulations that apply to the organization. The code of
ethics should comply with all applicable laws and regulations.
• The ** culture of the organization . The code of ethics should be consistent
with the culture of the organization. This includes the values, beliefs, and
practices that are already in place in the organization.
• The ** needs of stakeholders . The code of ethics should take into account
the needs of stakeholders, such as customers, investors, and the
community.
By taking all of these factors into consideration, I can draft a code of ethics that is
effective and that will help to promote ethical behavior in my organization.

b) Formulate a green supply chain plan so as to meet the requirements of


sustainable development for an e-commerce company.
Here are some steps that an e-commerce company can take to formulate a green
supply chain plan so as to meet the requirements of sustainable development:
1. Set sustainability goals: The first step is to set sustainability goals for the
supply chain. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable,
relevant, and time-bound. For example, an e-commerce company might set
a goal of reducing its carbon emissions by 20% by 2025.
2. Assess the current state of the supply chain: The next step is to assess the
current state of the supply chain. This includes identifying the
environmental and social impacts of the supply chain, as well as the
opportunities for improvement. For example, an e-commerce company
might assess the energy efficiency of its warehouses, the environmental
impact of its packaging, and the working conditions of its suppliers.
3. Identify opportunities for improvement: Once the current state of the
supply chain has been assessed, the next step is to identify opportunities for
improvement. These opportunities can be found in all areas of the supply
chain, from procurement to transportation to disposal. For example, an e-
commerce company might look for ways to reduce the amount of
packaging it uses, to source its products from more sustainable sources, or
to use more energy-efficient transportation methods.
4. Implement the improvements: Once the opportunities for improvement
have been identified, the next step is to implement them. This might
involve making changes to the company's policies, procedures, or
practices. For example, an e-commerce company might implement a new
packaging policy that reduces the amount of packaging it uses, or it might
switch to using more sustainable transportation methods.
5. Measure the results: The final step is to measure the results of the
improvements. This will help the company to track its progress and to
make sure that it is on track to meet its sustainability goals. For example,
an e-commerce company might measure the amount of energy it uses, the
amount of waste it produces, or the number of employees it has who are
satisfied with their working conditions.
By following these steps, an e-commerce company can formulate a green supply
chain plan that will help it to meet the requirements of sustainable development.
Here are some additional tips for formulating a green supply chain plan:
• Involve all stakeholders: It is important to involve all stakeholders in the
development of the green supply chain plan. This includes employees,
suppliers, customers, and the community.
• Use technology: Technology can be a valuable tool for greening the supply
chain. For example, technology can be used to track and measure
environmental impacts, to optimize transportation routes, and to reduce
waste.
• Be transparent: The company should be transparent about its sustainability
goals and its progress towards meeting those goals. This will help to build
trust with stakeholders and to encourage them to support the company's
sustainability efforts.
By following these tips, an e-commerce company can formulate a green supply
chain plan that will help it to meet the requirements of sustainable development
and to build a more sustainable future.



[5860]-406 2

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