Canadian Corporations and Social Responsibility

Robert W. Sexty is a professor of commerce and business administration
at Memorial University of Newfoundland and the author of Canadian
Business: Issues and Stakeholders.

The globalization of business has focused attention on corporate social
responsibility (CSR). Corruption, human-rights violations, adverse
working conditions, and low compensation underline the need for managers
to understand social responsibility. The North–South Institute is one
of many nongovernment organizations that have recently addressed the
issue.

In this book, social responsibility is defined as the overall
relationship of the corporation with all of its stakeholders, including
customers, employees, communities, governments, owners/investors,
suppliers, and competitors. The first chapter provides an overview of
CSR and outlines how corporations can integrate it into daily operations
and international management practices. The following five chapters
provide examples of how Canadian corporations have contributed to social
welfare and environmental stewardship in developing countries while at
the same time remaining competitive. The industry sectors covered are
financial services, manufacturing, mining, infrastructure and
engineering, and management consulting.

A concluding chapter, “Selling Canadian Values,” discusses some of
the inconsistencies in government policies and corporate behavior with
respect to social issues in developing countries. The author points out
that Canada’s official foreign policy has three objectives:
prosperity, security, and the projection of Canadian values. The first
objective involves trade and has dominated government actions. At the
same time, Canadian businesses have a solid reputation for reliability
and honesty, and governments should encourage corporations to emphasize
Canadian values in their international transactions.

This sophisticated, relevant, and objective review of CRS in an
international context is recommended reading for businesspersons and
managers involved with trade in the developing countries of the South.