Workforce for Good, Essay Example

Involving employees in corporate social responsibility projects is not only improving results, but also helps communicating and creating a shared vision of the company. It increases employee commitment to the vision and mission to the organization, increases job satisfaction and positively impacts working relationships. The below analysis will review the several positive aspects of involving employees in CSR projects.

Azada & Rochte (2013) created a survey among American companies to analyze the methods they use to engage employees in CSR. One of the returning schemes was “making it personal”. By connecting with employees own personal values and preferences, the companies were able to achieve higher level of commitment. Further, companies gained support from top managers and some executives acted as role models. The final method identified as one of the most successful approaches by the study was providing employees with leadership opportunities to communicate their innovative ideas. However, the report also emphasizes the importance of implementing CSR guidelines and principles in the corporate culture.

Mirvis (2012) differentiates between three approaches to employee engagement and CSR: transactional, relational, and developmental. Transactional approach focuses on the needs of employees who would like to take part in philanthropy. Relational model calls for a greater involvement of all employees and collaboration between leadership and workers. The developmental approach fully activates and empowers employees and assigns them with an active role in CSR.

Companies need to choose a model that best serves the interest of the public and employees of the given organization. Making sure that employees can relate to the mission of the CSR strategy on a personal level is the first step of gaining commitment. Creating a culture that aims to support communities will also increase employee involvement.

References

Azada, J., Rochte, M. (2013) Workforce for good. Employee engagement in CSR / sustainability.  White Paper. Retrieved from http://www.workforceforgood.com/4fgDz/WFG_WhitePaper_2013LoRes.pdf

Mirvis, P. (2012) Employee engagement and CSR: Transactional, relational, and developmental approaches. California Management Review Vol. 54, No. 4 Summer 2012.