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Explore a conceptual framework on corporate social responsibility (CSR) and volunteer action in the SADC region. Discover benefits, barriers, and approaches for companies. Address contextual issues, corporate partnerships, employee volunteer programs, and more.
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Re-envisioning corporate support for voluntary action in the SADC region Sabine Strassburg
Conceptual Framework Interdependence • Understanding arguments for CSR… • Moral • Reputation • Obligation • Sustainability • License to operate Dynamic where companies and communities share common values and are mutually responsible Business Community • Business thrives in stable communities and growing markets • SADC context: concept of Ubuntu
Contextual Issues • CSOs operate under difficult circumstances, providing services in poor communities, but demonstrate resilience and innovation • Often corporate support for volunteering is designed to fill gaps in service delivery • Companies can do more to raise the profile of voluntary action and affirm its value • Coordinated corporate action can increase impact • Joint planning between companies and beneficiaries can help reduce power imbalances and dependency
Approaches to Corporate Support for Volunteer Action I II III IV
Employee Volunteer Programmes • FirstRand Volunteers Programme • Community building across all division • Range of activities • Deloitte Foundation South Africa • e.g. Project Siyakhula - trainee accountants to assist learner and teachers • Standard Bank • Over 700 Wellness Champions in 17 African countries • Accenture Voluntary Service Overseas • Collaboration with VSO • Matching employee with community job • Released time / time banks • Volunteering outside working hours • Loaned personal • Development assignments • Secondment • Trustees and Board Membership • Mentoring • (Local) once off event • Targeted programme • Charity of the year • International corporate volunteering
Donations III
Conclusions • A lot of opportunities for companies to support volunteer action in the SADC region BUT we still have a long way to go (awareness, infrastructure, enabling legal environment etc.) • Lack of substantial research on corporate support for volunteering undermines the development of good practice and policy Questions: • Is corporate support for volunteering just a marketing tool? • Is employee volunteering really volunteering? • Is corporate support for volunteering only for big businesses? • How can companies identify priority areas? • Are communities ready for volunteers?