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New Research Report And Peer-To-Peer Network Promote Integration Of Corporate Citizenship Into Core Business Strategy

New Research Report And Peer-To-Peer Network Promote Integration Of Corporate Citizenship Into Core Business Strategy

Published 06-28-05

Submitted by Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship

CHESTNUT HILL, MA - At its best, corporate citizenship is the strategic connection of a company's profit motive to the social and environmental goals of society. Yet, for many companies, corporate citizenship or corporate social responsibility is still rooted in unaligned practices that emphasize philanthropy, volunteerism or environmental sustainability and not within a cohesive strategy.

During a two-year study, researchers with The Center for Corporate Citizenship at Boston College went inside eight companies to discover the challenges and successes of middle-level executives who were initiating the integration of corporate citizenship across business lines and up and down the company. The research examined the strategies and tactics of more than a dozen professionals who were willing to take risks and find ways to engage colleagues across business units and up and down the command chain.

Details of this research are contained in the new report, Integration: Critical Link for Corporate Citizenship. (A PDF copy can be downloaded at http://www.bcccc.net/index.cfm?fuseaction=document.showDocumentByID&DocumentID=743; registration is required).

New peer-to-peer network created

To extend the lessons from the research and add the experiences of dozens of other industry leaders, The Center for Corporate Citizenship is creating a peer-to-peer network that will allow companies to benchmark their activities and delve more deeply into strategic and operational challenges and create strategies and solutions. Through web-based and in-person convenings company executives charged with incorporating citizenship will share insights, collaborate and develop long-term relationships with other practitioners who understand the reality of corporate citizenship work today.

Theresa Fay-Bustillos, vice president of worldwide community affairs and executive director of the Levi Strauss Foundation is a founding member of the network. "I joined the Business Network because it's a venue where I can brainstorm with peers, learn from other industries, and have access to the staff at the Boston College Center on Corporate Citizenship, said Fay-Bustillos. "At Levi Strauss & Co., no one has the same role that I have in driving corporate social responsibility. The ideas, the relationships, keep me inspired to make progress on such a tough yet important business issue, corporate citizenship."
The Business Network on Integration is being launched with the support of the companies that participated in the original research project: Abbott, AMD, Agilent Technologies, Levi Strauss & Co., Petro-Canada, Unocal, and Verizon.

"Integrating corporate citizenship into the core strategy has become a business essential," said Bradley K. Googins, executive director of The Center for Corporate Citizenship. "There is so much to learn about this emerging discipline which is why so business professionals are willing to share their internal challenges and learn from each other."
The formal kick-off of the network will come in September 2005 when members participate in a Boston-based meeting that will include peers and industry experts. Membership in the network will also provide companies with a series of conference calls and web-based discussions; on-line tools including discussion forums, member profiles and news briefs; issues papers and research. The charter membership fee of $9,500 for one company reprehensive (or $13,500 for two) includes access to all convenings and available resources. A two-year commitment is discounted.
The Network will focus on corporate citizenship strategy, practice and implementation. The agenda for convenings and discussion forums will be shaped by Network members. Potential topics include:

  • Gaining executive buy-in and involvement
  • Engaging employees and the lines of business
  • Institutionalizing corporate citizenship through values
  • Assessing performance and results with new measurement strategies
  • Leveraging the value of a non-financial report
  • Accelerating action through innovative change processes
  • Developing a common vision for corporate citizenship throughout the company
  • Adding value through dialogue with third-party and external stakeholder groups
    Companies interested in more information about the Business Network on Integration should contact Kristen Zecchi at 617-552-8680.

    About The Center for Corporate Citizenship at Boston College
    The Center for Corporate Citizenship at Boston College is a membership-based research organization that for 20 years has been committed to helping businesses leverage their social, economic and human assets for the good of society. The Center works with its 350 member companies to help them define, plan and operationalize their corporate citizenship. For more information visit www.bc.edu/corporatecitizenship.

  • Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship logo

    Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship

    Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship

    The Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship connects professionals with research, insights on corporate social responsibility and management education opportunities. Founded by the Carroll School of Management, we help our member companies know more, do more and achieve more with their corporate citizenship programs. We engage over 400 member companies and more than 10,000 individuals annually to share knowledge and expertise about the practice of corporate citizenship through our executive education program, research, courses, and our annual conference. For more information on our courses, research and membership, visit ccc.bc.edu. Connect with Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship: Linkedin, Twitter, Facebook & Google+.

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