It is but natural that companies focus on their own business growth, it is their very nature of existence. However, the times that we live in strongly demand that companies also invest in the growth of the nation and the advancement of its people.

These companies and their business activities that have a detrimental impact on their surroundings.

If we look at urban-focused service companies, there is often no direct visible impact on their surroundings. But there is a latent environmental impact in terms of congestion and pressure on city infrastructure; which needs to be accounted for. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is therefore critical for business sustainability in a country like India. It enables companies to look beyond profits, and invest in the communities of which they are a part.

Over my years of working in this space, I have learned a few lessons on how to make corporate giving more effective:

  • Think beyond a year; make it count 
  • Plan for the unexpected when working with the government
  • Measure and communicate impact
  • Don’t only innovate, replicate as well
  • Partner with fellow corporates
  • Partner with the development sector

Read the full article about effective corporate social responsibility by Pearl Tiwari at India Development Review.