Page 175 - Performance Leadership

164 • Part III Principles from the Values and Social Dimensions

F igur e 10.1
The Social Dimension of the Performance Leadership Framework

External Self- Self
Perception Perception

Analytical
Dimension
Social Values
Dimension Dimension
Operational
Dimension

Transparency Alignment Authenticity
Public Relations
Risk Management

Business Strategy

generally is not very well understood. It seems there are as many defi-
nitions of CSR as there are discussions on the topic. Some equate it
with philanthropy, where organizations sponsor “good causes.” Some
talk about business ethics, others about “green investments,” stressing
minimizing carbon emissions and preserving natural resources. The
Economist, the influential magazine, commented that for most com-
panies CSR doesn’t run very deep, and results are more about “good
management” in general. 2
Many organizations have coined definitions of CSR, such as these
two:
• The International Standards Organization (ISO) defines CSR as
“a balanced approach for organizations to address economic,
social, and environmental issues in a way that aims to benefit
people, community and society.” 3

• The European Union (EU) defines CSR as “a concept whereby
firms integrate social and environmental concerns in business
operations and in the interaction with their stakeholders on a
voluntary basis.” 4