Corporate Social Responsibility-M S Sample

Corporate Social Responsibility 1

Corporate Social Responsibility: Case of Mark & Spencer Plc.

Student’s Name

Institution’s Name

Date of Submission

Corporate Social Responsibility 2

Table of Contents

Central Research Questions: ............................................................................................................ 3

Research Title: ................................................................................................................................. 3

1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 3

1.2 Objectives .............................................................................................................................. 4

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW ................................................................................. 5

2.1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 5

2.2 Shared Value Idea .................................................................................................................. 5

2.3 Company’s perspective .......................................................................................................... 6

2.4 Society’s Perspective on CRS ................................................................................................ 7

2.6 Case of Mark and Spencer ..................................................................................................... 7

2.7 The Five Pillars ...................................................................................................................... 8

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY .................................................................. 9

3.1 Research Design..................................................................................................................... 9

3.2 Data Collection Methods ....................................................................................................... 9

3.3 Sample size and Population ................................................................................................... 9

3.4 Company Historical Background ........................................................................................... 9

3.5 Validity and Reliability ........................................................................................................ 10

3.7 Expected Findings ................................................................................................................ 10

3.8 Resource and Logistics ........................................................................................................ 10

Bibliography .................................................................................................................................. 11

Questionnaire ................................................................................................................................. 12

Study Timeline ............................................................................................................................... 13

Appendix I : Work plan ............................................................................................................. 13

Corporate Social Responsibility 3

Central Research Questions:

How Marks and Spencer’s Plc ensure its Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) by considering

related factors?

Research Title:

Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility: Case of Marks and Spencer’s Plc.

1.1 Introduction

It is expected of body corporates and firms to conduct their business in a manner that is

ethical, benefits the society in regards to development and is community friendly. Corporate

social responsibility includes among other things funding community-based activities, issuing

grants and engaging in environmental sustainability programs (Aguinis & Glavas 2012, p.23).

However, some organizations consider corporate social responsibility as philanthropy and should

not be regarded as a duty owed to the society by the corporations. The most important point is

that companies have a significant role to play in the community other than making profits.

Furthermore, despite having conflicting views scholars have agreed that corporations

have to exercise a certain level of responsibility towards the society they are located. In this

regard, corporate social responsibility prohibits actions that may jeopardize the health of

members of a community through activities such as pollution. According to Crane (2013, p.34),

CSR instructs corporates to depart from just making profits instead make the society a better

place while still engaging in business. Corporate social responsibility involves an undertaking by

a business enterprise to solving society problem, maintaining ethical standards and contributing

to the community development. This paper seeks to interrogate how Mark and Spencer plc.

Undertake corporate social responsibility in line with the company’s policies. Further, this paper

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will evaluate the place of CSR, its importance and its contribution towards a particular society.

1.2 Objectives

 To evaluate the place of Corporate Social responsibility

 To determine the commitment of Mark & Spencer in undertaking corporate social

responsibility

 To understand the society’s perspective on CRS and its expectation from a body

corporate

 To give recommendations on the best approach on CRS that benefits a given enterprise

and the community at large.

Corporate Social Responsibility 5

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

According to Aguinis & Glavas (2012, p.23), the role of a company is to create value for

the shareholders, protect the creditors and also contribute to the welfare of the society. On their

part, McWilliams & Siegel (2011, p.4) noted that corporate social responsibility is premised on

public relation campaigns rather than solving problems or improving the welfare of a particular

society. In this regard, a business enterprise aims to enhance its image which in the long run

creates a broader customer base. Ideally, CSR stems borders on benevolence and marketing

platform rather than actual responsibility to making a society a better place. Crane (2013, p.31),

views on CSR is that in a capitalist society, business should not only be interested in creating

financial returns but to contribute to the broader economy in the country.

Further, corporate social responsibility should not the viewed as a measure taken by an

enterprise to contribute to social development rather than upholding ethical standards (Jo &

Harjoto 2011, p.76). In this respect, companies are discouraged from engaging in activities such

as pollution which endanger the community’s welfare.

2.2 Shared Value Idea

Corporate social responsibility vest on the philosophy if an enterprise creates value for

the shareholders and itself, then it creates value for the society. Despite having a shared value

foundation, CSR creates conflict between the private value (owners and shareholders) and public

value (Crane 2013, p.43). According to McWilliams & Siegel (2011, p.12), investing on CSR

ensures that a corporate continue to enjoy the social marketing platform that improves business

as a going concern. Cisco and Nestle have adopted CSR by shared value where they undertake

Corporate Social Responsibility 6

activities to enhance the welfare of society since societal infrastructure offer markets for the

products. Notably, Aguinis & Glavas (2012, p.31), observed that corporates and society are

critical players in the economic ecosystem and their interaction should complement each other.

2.3 Company’s perspective

As opposed to 1940’s, companies are now engaging in CSR at different levels such as

contributing to societal development projects, maintaining ethical standards and safeguarding the

environment (Hopkins, 2012). According to the Global Reporting Initiative, more than 4,500

companies are engaging in CSR each critical issuing reports on its role in the development and

social welfare of the society (Suliman et al. 2016,p15). Further, in 2016 Economist online survey

observed that 60 per cent of notable companies had embraced social responsibility and that

demonstrates their commitment towards the community. Research indicates that shared value

idea influences organizations that are dedicated to CSR practice.

However, Romano (2017), notes that CSR is based on reasons beyond shared value idea.

Such an approach according to Hopkins (2012), connotes that an enterprise can use CSR as a

marketing tool which is to the advantage of the company and the society. Aguinis & Glavas

(2012, p.12), observed that CSR is also founded by the company owners human side. In this

regard, corporate leaders feel the compulsion to give back to the society which they are the part.

According to Hopkin (2012), private companies are more likely to engage in CSR than

public-owned firms since they have a higher liberty to allocate resources for charitable work.

Moreover, large private companies have created departments responsible for CSR indicating that

the endeavour is essential for the businesses. Furthermore, most manufacturing companies

realize that their production mostly impacts the environment through pollution and disposal of

Corporate Social Responsibility 7

wastes (Suliman et al. 2016, p.15). Such being the case, most companies have devised measures

that improve the environment. M&S approach towards CSR is focused on environmental

protection with activities such as conservation to protect natural resources.

2.4 Society’s Perspective on CRS

It is true that business owners, founders, and employee are part of a particular society that

they closely interact with the business enterprise. Moreover, the community expects them to

(business owners) to add value to the society other than making profits (Romano, 2017). On their

part, employees and business owners are compelled in the course of their business to gain

goodwill from the society. From a society perspective, companies engage in CSR to gain

goodwill and permission to operate in the community. Further, McWilliams & Siegel (2011, p.7),

noted civil societies and activists could push corporates to engage in CSR in their business

operations. It is important to note that CSR does involve not only development but also social

and environmental undertakings (Hopkin, 2012).

2.6 Case of Mark and Spencer

Many companies approach towards CSR is that it should reflect the company’s business

values, at the same time addressing the social, economic and environmental challenges facing a

community. Therefore, the place of CSR is influenced by what motivates a particular company to

undertake community-based initiatives. In the case of Mark and Spencer plc, the CSR initiative

is provided under its policies and the Plan A Commitments 2010-2015. According to Plan A

Commitment which was launched in 2007, Mark and Spencer plc undertakes to make a

difference in the environment while proceeding with business (M&S Report Plan A 2010-2015).

Further, the company conducts to improve its customer’s environment, climate change

Corporate Social Responsibility 8

and offer contribution to the community. As observed by M&S Report (2010-2015), companies

engage in CSR to grow their business environment and M & S is not an exception. Through the

company’s Plan A, M&S intends to create products that are sustainable and environmental

friendly while disposed of.

2.7 The Five Pillars

M&S undertakes its CSR on social and environmental commitment in five perspectives:

first climate change. Under the climate pillar, M&S focuses on making products that are carbon

neutral while reducing its energy use. Secondly, the second pillar involves the disposal of waste

in an environmentally friendly manner. The company commitment by 2015 was to increase

clothes recycling from 2million to 20 million a year (M&S Report, 2010-2015). Furthermore, the

second pillar is closely related to the third pillar that involves conservation of the environment.

M&S recognizes it contributions towards deforestation since it relies on natural raw material and

makes a commitment under Plan A conserve the environment.

Another critical CSR commitment taken by M&S entails paying its worker's sustainable

wages, especially in developing countries.

Pillar four entails a commitment by M&S to partner with other profit making organizations

(clothing suppliers) to ensure that workers in India and Sri Lanka are adequately compensated

(M&S Report, 2010-2015). From that perspective, it is evident that CSR is premised on shared

value idea where the society should benefit as the business owners continue to make profits.

Equally important, the company undertakes to improve the quality of its customers and

employees under pillar five.

Corporate Social Responsibility 9

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Research Design

This research paper will employ qualitative research design to achieve its objectives.

According to Mackey & Gass (2015, p.37), the advantage of using qualitative research design is

that the results obtained are measurable and can be compared with findings by other researchers.

Qualitative design yields certain outcomes that are comparable and reliable.

3.2 Data Collection Methods

The preferred data collection will be questionnaires which will be administered to the

respondents. Further, the researcher intends to use observations in furtherance of questionnaires

as data collection tool. Questionnaires will be the preferred mode of data collection since they

are cheap, timely and can be administered online thereby reducing the cost of traveling. Data

obtained from the questionnaires will be filled in tables according to the respondent’s answers.

3.3 Sample size and Population

The population will be employees and customers of Mark & Spencer plc. In this regard,

five stores will be selected randomly, and from each store, a minimum of six employees will be

chosen to answer the questionnaires. Further, random sampling will be conducted to selected

customers to respond to the questionnaires.

3.4 Company Historical Background

Mark and Spencer plc have an impressive CSR commitment since the 1980s although

during that time the company’s contribution was based on philanthropy rather than its current

actual CSR. In the 1990s, the company moves away from philanthropy to more elaborate CSR

Corporate Social Responsibility 10

plan coined on community investment. In the 21st Century, M&S have developed Plan A and

Plan A (2010-2015), aimed at incorporating CSR as policies with the company’s business

undertaking. In this regard, the company has set aside part of 2.7billion earned from sales in

improving the social, developmental and environmental welfare of the society.

3.5 Validity and Reliability

A pilot study will be done to ensure the reliability and validity of the research tool which

is the questionnaire. Reliability refers to the consistency of the research tool to produce the same

results while validity is the tools ability to measure what it is supposed to measure.

3.6 Ethical Consideration

To maintain ethical standards permissions will be obtained where necessary before

administering the questionnaires. Further, the researcher undertakes to ensure confidentiality and

data will not be shared with a third person.

3.7 Expected Findings

It is expected that the respondents will offer differing views on CSR.

3.8 Resource and Logistics

Means of transport, questionnaire papers and pens will be used in this research. The researcher

will obtain permissions from the respondents before administering the questionnaires.

Corporate Social Responsibility 11

Bibliography

Aguinis, H. and Glavas, A., 2012. What we know and don’t know about corporate social

responsibility: A review and research agenda. Journal of management, 38(4), pp.21-67

Crane, A., Matten, D. and Spence, L.J., 2013. Corporate social responsibility in a global

context.pp.45

Hopkins, M., 2012. Corporate social responsibility and international development: is business

the solution?. Earthscan.

Jo, H. and Harjoto, M.A., 2011. Corporate governance and firm value: The impact of corporate

social responsibility. Journal of business ethics, 103(3), pp.76-98

Mackey, A. and Gass, S.M., 2015. Second language research: Methodology and design.

Routledge.

McWilliams, A. and Siegel, D.S., 2011. Creating and capturing value: Strategic corporate social

responsibility, resource-based theory, and sustainable competitive advantage. Journal of

Management, 37(5), pp.2-56

Romano, N., 2017. Corporate social responsibility.

Suliman, A.M., Al-Khatib, H.T. and Thomas, S.E., 2016. Corporate Social Responsibility.

Corporate Social Performance: Reflecting on the Past and Investing in the Future, p.15.

Corporate Social Responsibility 12

Questionnaire

Part 1

Please write your response appropriately for each question. Where two answers apply, indicate

both of them accordingly. When done, return the questionnaire to the researcher.

What is your relationship with M&S plc....................................................?

Do you understand corporate social responsibility.......................................?

Do you think a company must undertake CSR................................................?

What is the commitment of M&S to corporate social responsibility according to your

understanding..............................................................................?

Are you aware of companies that don’t engage in CSR.........................................?

In general, for how long should a company engage in CSR..................................?

How would you rate the company’s level of CSR...................................................?

Please indicate your preferred model of CSR..........................................................

Is CSR a financial burden to the company..............................................................y?

Part II

What recommendation do you have for improving CSR.................................................?

To what extent do you think companies should engage in CSR..................................?

Does the society benefit from CSR...............................................

Corporate Social Responsibility 13

Study Timeline

Appendix I : Work plan

Activities

Year and months

Sept

2017

Dec

2017

Dec

2018

Dec

2017

Dec

2017

Jan

2018

Feb

2018

Proposal development

Proposal presentation

Proposal approval by

Graduate School

Permission from the

University

Pre-testing, Data

collection

Data analysis and

Report writing

Result presentation

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