This is what I discover, as the director of Thaipat Institutution which has studied CSR in the past 4-5 years. Thus, the key driving force is “human”. They must have the “CSR mind”.

            Several businesses have established CSR teams and they failed, as naturally for a success the employees must first feel responsible for society. The mind must be shared internally. With little knowledge in CSR, most employees naturally shy away, believing that such activities are adding their burden.

            Most see CSR in one dimension: going outside and do something for society. In fact, in the big picture, it involves everything. CSR in process is one, requiring all to be responsible for their duties. Do their jobs with integrity and devotion is also part of CSR. Accomplishment would make all working hours valuable, and if all employees share the same attitude, the business organisation would be strong and a strong organisation can do good to society.

            Surprisingly, in 1935, there was a course that teaches how each student could do for the country. As a citizen, they were taught to find a decent job that does not take advantage of others or violate the laws. As a corporate citizen, they must honour good governance, run business with responsibility, honour the local and national laws, and be transparent.

            Though time passes, the teaching contains the right elements. If one unit is responsible for society, the society as a whole will be strong.

            In the United States, the corporate citizenship becomes in focus following the Hamburger crisis which demonstrated that one company could not survive when the world around it collapses. Only companies with CSR in mind would survive, along with the surrounding communities.

            Right now, Thaipat Institution is involved in two main campaigns – CSR Campus (training for provincial SMEs) and CSR Day (focusing on listed companies). As provincial SMEs are forming clusters or working with their networks, the success is within reach.

 By Chanita Pramaratat