2. “This is the most important motivation worldwide. No matter where
one lives, people are willing to sacrifice for their children. The only
differentiator is the circumstances they face.”
International Corporate Volunteerism (ICV)
3. ICV: The Next Era of International Volunteerism
“Probably one of the best talent development
programs I have seen.”
- Manager, PepsiCorps
“We live in a time when businesses and NGOs can no longer afford to be isolated.”
- Caroline Roan, President of the Pfizer Foundation
“Any program in
which employees
cross international
borders to provide
services to local
clients based
primarily on the
skills they utilize in
their daily jobs.”
4. For three weeks, six IBM executives
from five different countries
volunteered to work with the local
government to assess Gran
Valparaíso’s current transportation
network and and deliver
recommendations for a long-term
plan to increase its efficiency, reduce
accident rates and improve point-to-
point travel time.
Case Study: Improving Transportation in Valparaíso, Chile
“Because of the places we come from and the influences those locations
have on the way we view the world… (it) not only forces each of us to
think a little more broadly but also gives us a broader base from which
to formulate a solution.”
5. Value of ICV
ICV programs simultaneously advance external and internal organizational goals
“It gives more meaning to your career.”
- Laura Benetti, Customs and International Trade Coordinator, Dow Corning Corp.
6. Corporate social responsibility (CSR)
matters more than ever to consumers
Consumers base 60% of purchasing
and investing decisions on brand
perception
CSR accounts for more than 40% of
a company’s reputation
ICV programs reinforce corporate
values and trust for employees in
addition to consumers
Enhances intercultural experience
and engagement
Company Benefits
77% percent of consumers say
it is important for companies
to be socially responsible.
7. Employee Benefits
97% were more
motivated to perform
their day-jobs
92% believed the
program would have a
positive business impact
Benefits of ICV programs far outweigh the cost
Participants note improvements in resilience, cultural awareness,
leadership and communication skills
52% of companies consider “improving the volunteers’ leadership skills” as an
objective of their ICV programs
75% sparked new ideas
for products, services
and/or improvements
9. The Following are Very Important or Essential to My Happiness
Enhances Recruitment
Corporate values are one of the most important qualities for new job seekers
58% of students would take a 15% pay cut to work for an organization that
shares their values
10. 2012 at a Glance
22 corporate
participants in ICV
1,700 volunteers
worldwide
94% of clients were
pleased or extremely
pleased with the
results of their program
Our Experience
11. IBM sent 12 employees to
Pretoria, South Africa to
develop strategic business
plan for an Inner City Pre-
School Forum.
In Ujire, India
employees from Dow
Corning Corp. designed
a peeling machine for a
nut important to the
local economy.
ICV: Making Positive Impact around the Globe
Pfizer’s Global Health Team sent 12 top talents
to Santiago, Chile to help mental institutions
recruit, select, and train caregivers serving
mentally challenged patients.
Quote: Sometimes it can be easy to forget…but we all want the same things out of life and the only real difference is our circumstances. When you look at this photo it’s easy to identify the six children and a volunteer, all with big smiles on their faces. But the photo only hints at the real story of six future workers who are gaining access to new skills and perspectives, and a future leader who is motivated to make an impact.
Just what is ICV? In short, it is the next era of international volunteerism. CDS defines ICV as a ny program in which employees cross international borders to provide services to local clients based primarily on the skills they utilize in their daily jobs. We live in a time of the “global village,” when businesses and NGOs can no longer afford to be isolated. More and more, companies look globally to build their corporate social responsibility (CSR) portfolios. More than 8,000 businesses around the world have signed the UN Global Compact pledging to show good global citizenship in the areas of human rights, labor standards and environmental protection. ICV is the next era of international CSR. It is the evolution and merger of two essential functions for a competitive company: social responsibility and executive/leadership training programs.
What’s an example of an ICV program?
An ICV program is an opportunity to not only build a stronger world, but a stronger company. Advance external and internal organizational goals: Provides access to new skills and resources for local communities. Whether you are generating better access to healthcare or improving supply chain efficiency for local SMEs, ICV programs can have an enormous impact on local economies and communities. ICV programs allow companies to learn about potential new markets and opportunities for product development. They strengthen corporate brands an improve global reputations. Internally, ICV programs are proven to be on of the most effective methods for developing leadership and team-building skills. They improve employee morale and loyalty, and enhance a company’s ability to recruit and retain high-quality talent.
Now, more than ever, consumers are paying closer attention to the reputation and the values of the brands they buy. While 77% of consumers say CSR is important, as much as 60% will base purchasing and investing decisions on a brand’s perception. According to a 2011 study by the Reputation Institute, CSR accounts for more than 40% of a company’s reputation. To be a competitive global company in the 21 st Century, your employees need to be able to function in a global environment.
ICV programs not a cost; they are an investment that provides significant returns. A 2012 George Washington University study conducted a cost-benefit comparison of ICV programs and traditional leadership programs at universities and found that ICV programs develop more leadership skills at much cheaper cost. Employees feel more confident and motivated to perform their jobs, and the programs promote innovative thinking that leads to new and creative ideas. In turn, the results enhance a company’s employee retention and lead to better recruitment.
Corporate values and a commitment to local communities are some of the most important qualities for the next generation. 70 percent of people 18 to 26 say a company's commitment to the community has an influence on their decision to work there. The ability to make an impact at one’s job is the third largest factor that students consider to be essential to their long-term happiness. Possessing a strong ICV programs will attract the most skilled and motivated talent of tomorrow’s workforce.
Corporate values and a commitment to local communities are some of the most important qualities for the next generation. 70 percent of those ages 18 to 26 say a company's commitment to the community has an influence on their decision to work there. Today’s students consider the ability to make an impact as essential to their happiness. Possessing a strong ICV programs will attract the most skilled and motivated talent of tomorrow’s workforce.
It’s easy to buy into the principal of ICV, but how can you ensure that your company is gaining the most from its efforts? CDS has developed programs in 80 countries across five continents.
Examples: IBM in South Africa: April 2013 Dow Corning in India: 2012 Pfizer in Chile: 2012
When you invest in an ICV program, you want to ensure that you’re achieving maximum results for your organization. We will work closely with you to: Help you identify goals and objectives based on what will be most beneficial for your company; Design an individualized program to fit you needs; Handle all logistics; and Help you measure and evaluate the results
