November
2009
Real World Example of CSR1
As described earlier, CSR is having the knowledge of and managing society’s expectations for your organizations impacts on shareholders and the surrounding community. CSR can be a great way to promote your organization’s achievements and relations to the community. A great example of CSR being implemented is at BMW Manufacturing Co. in Spartanburg, SC. I recently interviewed for a Corporate Communications Intern position at this premiere company and after doing a little research beforehand, I discovered many ways in which BMW takes responsibility for their actions and also enhances their relations with the community.
Something that stood out to me was the factory’s care for environmental impact. They are ISO 14001 certified, conserve 9.5 million gallons of water per year, enforce recycling in every building, and donate money from selling recycling materials to local charities. The BMW plant also uses landfill gas for energy and has an on-site protected wetlands and garden area. These things are all examples of being conscious of the company’s impact and understanding society’s expectations.
As far as PR, I cannot imagine working for a better company. This BMW plant continues to excel in all areas from manufacturing to communications, and the efforts they continue to implement are only helping to boost their reputation even more. The BMW plant is not only beneficial to shareholders, but also has a great impact on those not directly associated with it. They have contributed over $6.3 billion to the state of SC through sales and employment, demonstrating their positive usefulness.
Hey Angela, hope you had a good Thanksgiving!
Just thought I’d comment on this post since we both interviewed at BMW
I agree that BMW provides a perfect example of effective CSR. The company not only practices effective CSR, but promotes it through advertisements, other marketing tactics, and PR. For example, during our tour of the plant, there were places to recycle EVERYWHERE. From the cafeteria and employee break-rooms to the assembly line, there were different containers for employees and visitors to separate their recyclables from regular trash. Through this small act, BMW promotes its CSR both internally and externally. Throughout the plant and
Visitor Center the company emphasized its programs to help the environment and give back to the community. After our short visit, it was obvious that BMW cares about the environment and ‘Going Green.’ BMW uses CSR as a way to strengthen relationships, and not simply as PR for the company. I was impressed with BMW’s programs and left with a more positive view of the company. Their CSR programs successfully strengthen relationships with key stakeholders: potential employees and visitors. In addition, BMW’s promotion of CSR is a product of its CSR programs, which ensures that BMW maintains its credibility.