On May 10th, 2013, the Head of Regional Delegation for East Asia of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mr. Thierry Meyrat and the Economic Adviser Mr. Claude Voillat of ICRC visited CIBE, Prof. Liu Baocheng, Director of CIBE met with the guests, discussing about corporate social responsibility (CSR) of Chinese enterprises.
After the brief introductions of both sides, the plight enterprises are facing in the operation of social responsibility was mainly discussed. Prof. Liu believed the fundamental reason is we couldn’t reach a consensus on the definition of CSR. Many companies see CSR report as part of the public relations and write it by themselves and use it as a channel to show their achievements, which would not be helpful for the improvement of enterprises’ CSR performance. The CSR offices in the enterprise pay more attention to individual charitable activities, rather than to enhance CSR in strategic planning and implementation. The transparency of charity organizations and the independence of the audit are the focus of public attention.
There are some investors concerned unilaterally about the economic benefits of investment, taking for granted that all social responsibility is the business of the Government. As long as their organizations do not break law, they think they are doing responsible investment. Some Chinese investors in overseas markets holding the same view, not caring the environment and stakeholders, but passing the buck to host countries’ government. If there are problems, these companies cannot be able to ask help from local government in turn. Meanwhile, China does not have an integrated law for CSR performance of institutions operating abroad, and consulate officials abroad pay more attention to diplomatic affairs rather than commercial activities. When scandal happens, Chinese investors’ reputation in the international community has been seriously affected by the combination of these factors.
Therefore, CIBE is conducting a Study on the CSR Performance of Chinese Overseas Investment, in order to provide some guidance for these enterprises and give some suggestions for the government to formulate relevant laws and regulations.
The good news is that with the economic development and social progress, the public has realized the significance of corporate social responsibility. From Levis Sweatshop in 1990s, when Chinese public were officially aware of the problem, to 2006 when the revision of the Companies Law came into force and the Shenzhen Stock Exchange Social published a set of Responsibility Instructions to Listed Companies, both give clear guidance on corporate social responsibility. 2008 was also considered a social responsibility consciousness year since the Olympic Games volunteers and Sanlu milk scandal in 2008 made the public further aware of social responsibility. Prof. Liu summarized as follows: China’s road of Corporate Social Responsibility - The road is tortuous, but the future is bright. CSR education should be given to the public and business related personnel. This is why CIBE shot the documentary of "Integrity, China in Action" and eventually broadcasted it in CCTV-News. At the same time, we also attach great importance to the future leaders of the society - college students’ awareness of social responsibility, CIBE organized a series of activities, such as Collegiate Corporate Social Responsibility Essay Competition, Collegiate Students' Social Responsibility Summer Camp, to promote the Collegiate Social Responsibility Student Association and even the whole country alliance-building.
At last, Prof. Liu and guests expressed the hope that the two sides will be able to have a further cooperation to contribute to the promotion of social responsibility in China. The talks came to an end in a pleasant atmosphere. |
