Discussion: Making Sense of Corporate Social Responsibility

The push for written legislation on the social dimension of CSR

The European Union (EU) has been recognized for its extensive legislation on corporate social responsibility (CSR), positioning itself as a global leader in this area. However, as our guest author Surpreet Kaur shows, this legislation exhibits an imbalance, primarily emphasizing environmental aspects of corporate engagement. In contrast, emerging economies like India and South Africa have integrated social initiatives into their CSR legislation. Thus, Kaur calls for the EU to learn from these countries and adopt a more comprehensive legislative approach to CSR that encompasses social dimensions alongside environmental considerations:

“At this stage, the need for corporates to proactively embrace their societal responsibilities is not just a moral duty but a strategic imperative.” (Surpreet Kaur)

What you can expect?

Read this article to better understand core elements and key drivers of CSR, and in which ways the EU could improve its CSR legislation by learning from emerging markets.

Corporate Responsibility and the Need for Legislative Push: Unpacking Societal Responsibility Concerns in Europe and Emerging Economies

by guest author Surpreet Kaur

Table of contents

  • Introduction
  • Corporate Responsibility: Is There Any?
  • Corporate Responsibility: Current Status
  • Need for Legislation
  • Conclusion
The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author alone and do not reflect the official position of Beiersdorf or Wider Sense. No responsibility is taken for the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. Neither Beiersdorf or Wider Sense nor any person acting on their behalf can be held responsible for any content or information published in the article.
About Surpreet Kaur
Bild von Surpreet Kaur
Surpreet Kaur is a Chevening Scholar with a background in law and a focus on international development. Her work explores the intersection of law, social justice, and global issues. After completing a Master's degree in International Law from London School of Economics and Political Science, she embarked on a career in the Indian judiciary. Following a valuable experience of more than two years as a judge in Delhi, Surpreet pursued a second Masters at Ruhr Universität Bochum focusing on sustainability and corporate ethics. Currently, Surpreet utilizes this diverse background as a Social Impact Strategy & Partnerships Manager at Beiersdorf. This experience, combined with her academic expertise, informs her insightful writing on a range of social issues.