This document discusses corporate social responsibility (CSR) and its role in promoting social equity and cohesion. It notes that many large corporations now have economies larger than some countries. CSR involves businesses voluntarily integrating social and environmental concerns into their operations and stakeholder interactions. The document outlines the historical context of CSR and ethics in business dating back centuries. It identifies key issues for CSR system design, such as respecting human rights, freedom of association, and eliminating discrimination. Research shows that over 50% of European small- and medium-sized enterprises have already implemented some CSR activities, indicating it is a growing reality for businesses.

1. LEARNING SUBJECT DESIGN FOR SOCIAL EQUITY AND COHESION LEARNING RESOURCE Corporate Social Responsability (CSR) in System Design for Social Equity LEARNING SUBJECT LEADER Politecnico di Milano OTHER INTERESTED PARTNERS: Federal University of Paraná

2. Is it relevant to work with corporations to improve social equity and cohesion?

3. Among the 100 largest economies 63 are countries and 37 are corporations (Grauwe & Camerman, 2002)

4. continuing commitment by business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as of the local community and society at large (WBCSD, 1998) Defining (1) CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSABILITY

5. CSR IN CONTEXT

6. integrates social and environmental concerns in the business operations and in the interaction with stakeholders on a voluntary basis ( European Comission, 1998) Defining (2) CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSABILITY

7. Historical Background The Hindu Vedas Code of Hammurabi Bible Quran (Koran) Analects of Confucius Magna Carta English Bill of Rights US Constitution and Bill of Rights Ford´s Model T Gilbreth´s work studies International Labour Organization Hawthone Studies Universal Declaration of Human Rights International Style Movement 1215 1689 1789 1791 1910 1919 1932 1948 1992 2000 Rio Summit UN Millenium Goals End-of-Pipe Cleaner Production Eco-Design Social Equity & Cohesion

8. support/respect internationally human rights avoid complicity in human rights abuses uphold the freedom of association and the right to collective bargaining elimination of all forms of forced an compulsory labour KEY ISSUES ON CSR DESIGN FOR SOCIAL EQUITY AND COHESION CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) IN SYSTEM DESIGN

9. KEY ISSUES ON CSR (2) DESIGN FOR SOCIAL EQUITY AND COHESION CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) IN SYSTEM DESIGN effective abolition of child labour elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation work against all forms of corruption, including extortion and bribery

10. The CEC (2002) survey had found out that 50% of the European SME´s at that time have already carried out some CSR activity. IT IS ALREADY A REALITY WITHIN THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

11. Next topic: Part II - Benefits of CSR for the company