Giving Compass' Take:

• The author outlines how more Indian companies are taking corporate social responsibility more into consideration and offers insight as to how to engage with both corporate leadership and NGO leadership. 

• How is CSR different in India compared to other countries? Would similar engagement strategies still apply? 

• Read about three ways to activate your CSR mission. 

In the midst of this interesting time, it becomes even more relevant to reflect upon the evolving role of CSR professionals. Undoubtedly, there has been no better time than now to work in CSR especially given the scope for having a meaningful career while earning a decent living. We are now witnessing the start of a swelling tide of resources, attention, and effort targeting social causes. And along with this comes added responsibilities and expanded roles for CSR professionals.

Today, Indian companies are at different stages of their CSR journeys. There are some that have been actively involved for decades, others that were prompted by the Companies Act of 2013 to begin this work, and still others that lie somewhere in-between.

As a result, very often the organizations doing great work on the ground will have to depend on the CSR team to make their voice heard in the corporate board room, where decisions on partnership and grant allocations are taken. This offers a tough challenge as well as a unique opportunity for CSR professionals to play a significant role in influencing how impact is created on the ground.

We typically view the role of someone working in CSR as one that includes identification of nonprofits, grant making, managing the portfolio, managing quarterly and annual reporting, and in some cases, driving impact evaluations. But, what if we were to shift our thinking–to first imagine the outcome we desire, and then work backwards from there?

Tips for engaging with corporate leadership:

  • Be aware of your personal biases and assumptions, and keep them in check
  • Capitalize on every opportunity to engage with corporate leadership so you can expand the quality, depth or breadth of your CSR work
  • Admit when things go wrong or you made a poor assessment
  •  Be patient and realize that not giving advice to nonprofit partners can, at times, be the best contribution you can make

Tips for engaging with NGO leadership:

  • Humility and mutual respect are non-negotiable
  • Be a ‘match-maker’ and help them understand one another’s goals
  • Hold the nonprofit accountable while also offering your support
  • Always be accessible and supportive

Read the full article about corporate social responsibility by Unnikrishnan T.S at India Development Review (IDR)