NGO AND CSR.

by chitra devi.R Iswarya.J

NGO
Ngo A Non-governmental Organization (NGO) is a legally constituted organization created by natural or legal persons that operates independently from any government and a term usually used by governments to refer to entities that have no government status.

NGO areas of activity focus

Children & Youth Communications & Media Conflict Resolution Development Education Environment Family Governance Health & Nutrition Human Rights Indigenous People International Organization Labour Law & Legal Affairs Narcotics, Drugs & Crime Peace and Security Population & Human Settlements Refugees Relief Services Religion, Belief & Ethics Science and Technology Social and Cultural Development Sports & Recreation Trade & International Finance Transportation Women's Status & Issues

Types of NGOs

NGO type by orientation Charitable orientation; Service orientation; Participatory orientation; Empowering orientation; NGO type by level of co-operation Community- Based Organization; City Wide Organization; National NGOs; International NGOs;

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be defined as the "economic, legal, ethical, and discretionary expectations that society has of organizations at a given point in time"

CONCEPT OF CSR
Concept of CSR CSR(corporate social responsibility) is a concept in which organizations consider the interests of society by taking responsibility for the impact of their activities on customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders, communities other stakeholders, future generation and on environment. The organizations voluntarily taking advance steps to improve the quality of life for employees and their families as well as for the local community and society.

CSR in India : CSR in India In India, CSR has evolved to encompass employees, customers, stakeholders and sustainable development or corporate citizenship. The spectrum of CSR includes a number of areas as human rights, safety at work, consumer protection, climate protection and caring for the environment, and sustainable management of natural resources. From the perspective of employees, CSR activities include providing health and safety measures, preserving employee rights and discouraging discrimination at workplace. This helps in fostering a healthy environment within the company.

The purpose of CSR : The purpose of CSR The purpose of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is to make corporate business activity and corporate culture become sustainable in its three dimensions: economic, social and environmental. Benefits : Benefits CSR behaviour can benefit the firm in several Ways: It aids the attraction and retention of staff It attracts green and ethical investment It attracts ethically conscious customers It can lead to a reduction in costs through re-cycling It differentiates the firm from its competitor and can be a source of competitive advantage It can lead to increased profitability in the long run. Is CSR the same as business ethics? : Is CSR the same as business ethics? There is clearly an overlap between CSR and business ethics Both concepts concern values, objectives and decision based on something than the pursuit of profits And socially responsible firms must act ethically The difference is that ethics concern individual actions which can be assessed as right or wrong by reference to moral principles.

CASE - INFOSYS FOUNDATION

INFOSYS TECHNOLOGIES LTD Infosys technologies provides consulting and IT services to clients. Founded in 1981,infosys uses a low-risk Global Delivery Model(GDM). Infosys has developed a C-life principle that aims to honour in all aspects of its business conduct. Infosys has PSPD model(Predictability,Sustainability ,Profitability and de-risking)

CSR AT COMPANY LEVEL

Most corporates contribute are diffuses and unfocused that range from numerous small cash donations to aid local civic causes. Popular approaches-employee matching grants. community services is an example of project work related to IT education rural children and teacher training. Rural reach and Train the Trainer were among the other initiatives undertaken.

 SOCIAL INITIATIVES -the founders of the company and senior staff too, have denoted to educational institutions. -contributing towards social causes and calamities. ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES -Infosys seeks to be an environmentally friendly company and where possible aims to recycle, to be energy efficient and nonpolluting. -Infosys uses a minimal amount of air conditioning to ensure natural airflow for cooling.

ACTIVITIES OF THE FOUNDATION

SOCIAL REHABILITATION AND RURAL UPLIFTMENT -invested approximately 7.3 crores in social rehabilitations activities such as constructing orphanages, distribution of sewing machines to women, improving the lives of children with leprosy and mentally challenged. -in 2003-04 has invested 2.35 crores in rehabilitation activities. HEALTH CARE -the foundation has invested over 17.3 crores in health care. -during 2003-04 total investment made was 8crores. EDUCATION -the foundation has undertaken A Library for Every school", one of the largest rural education programs in the country. -gives away large sums under scholarship program for promising students from weaker sections.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Why Corporate Social Responsibility occurs: - for economic, social, and environmental bottom lines - to get ISO 14000 which reviews environmental impact - community pressure to do so - to enhance reputation - as a branding exercise- to improve community relations and public image - to enable employees to enjoy new levels of responsibility and leadership skills - to improve employee satisfaction, morale and loyalty - to get a sense of fulfillment as a result of contributing to the community What some companies consider as CSR: - education for employee families - plant trees to offset own pollution - labour welfare - training courses - supporting nearby hospital, school, etc. - donating through own Charitable Trust - minimizing garbage creation Companies notions that they are doing CSR or don't need to: - contributing to GDP of country - providing employment - don't pollute - concentrating on better products for customers - ensuring good working conditionss

CONCLUSION
A final point is that Infosys technologies Ltd is a company of international repute and influence. Environmental policy is not obvious concern for an IT company can be based on key concepts of Efficiency Recycling Non polluting company practice. Efficiency is coined to be important for a power-reliant business.