Evolving Green Markets Why A Company Does Sustai

A) Executive Summary of one page or less. This is standard in business reports.

B) Social sustainability: Create a list of the internal benefits of CSR and social sustainability initiatives. These can put in a table format. This includes the benefits that can accrue to employees, stakeholders, as well as the company in doing these programs.

For example, one benefit is a charitable donation. The benefit provide a tax deduction, hence the company reaps a financial benefit. It also possibly garners some good will by consumers (if it is reported by the media). There may be other benefits as well that are strategic and related to effective management.

The Dannon case provides as a good example that illustrates some of the internal social sustainability values of CSR programs. Explain why it was not their priority to advertise their CSR activities. Explain how a CSR strategy “fits” the firm’s management culture that values employees.

C) Environmental Sustainability: Discuss the emerging opportunities in the evolving “green markets.” In this part, cite strategic opportunities to pursuing green markets. One part of this would be to summarize the different green markets in the Clorox case and provide the strategic discussion as to how they successfully developed green brands. Summarize the benefits of these efforts for marketing, branding, reputation enhancement, etc.

D) Critique Deloitte’s CSR report (attached). Explain how Deloitte construed and defined their specific “responsibility” in the report. Cite any shortcomings and weaknesses. Don’t just parrot what the report states. Be tough. Ask questions…

• Is the company doing enough?
• Is it effective?
• Is the company fully transparent in addressing all social and environmental responsibility concerns?
• What would you suggest that the company needs to do?

In the above assignment, do NOT forget the benefits that accrue to people, consumers, localities, and other stakeholders as well as the planet. Sustainability is not just about money (or solely an instrumental benefits to the firm’s shareholders alone). Triple bottom line thinking is required. Benefits are financial, social, and environmental, and these benefits are related to each other.

Citing the key readings (not the merely the cases) are very important here, as they discuss many benefits. Involves the “business case” or rationale as to why a company does sustainability and CSR programs. Also, make sure to include the takeaways from the Dannon and Clorox cases. Each case provide good examples of the benefits of CSR.