Select An Industry Or Business That Has Adopted Foundational ✓ Solved

Select An Industry Or Business That Has Adopted Foundational Global St

Select an industry or business that has adopted foundational global standards. Using SNHU Shapiro Library resources and the web, research your choice. What specifically has this company done that will continue to bring a positive impact to CSR from the global standards perspective? Cite your sources. Provide examples and research to support your thinking.

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The advent of globalization has led companies across industries to adopt foundational global standards, promoting Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) that aligns with sustainable development goals. One notable industry that has adopted such global standards is the food industry, particularly focusing on sustainable agricultural practices. A prime example of a company in this sector is Unilever, which has made significant strides towards integrating CSR into its business model while adhering to various global standards.

Unilever’s Commitment to Foundational Global Standards

Unilever operates in more than 190 countries and is known for its vast portfolio of brands, including Dove, Lipton, and Knorr. The company's commitment to foundational global standards is evident in its Sustainable Living Plan, which was launched in 2010. This plan aims to decouple Unilever’s growth from its environmental impact while increasing its positive social impact. This approach not only aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but also embraces the principles of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the UN Global Compact.

Impact on Corporate Social Responsibility

Unilever's initiatives to promote CSR through sustainable practices are manifold. For instance, the company has made significant investments in sustainable sourcing of raw materials. According to Unilever, as of 2021, over 62% of its agricultural raw materials were sustainably sourced (Unilever, 2021). This is a noteworthy achievement that illustrates how compliance with global standards can mitigate the negative environmental impact of agriculture, such as deforestation and loss of biodiversity.

Moreover, Unilever has set ambitious targets as part of its sustainability strategy, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 50% across its value chain by 2030 (Unilever, 2020). This commitment aligns with the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius. By adopting these standards, Unilever not only enhances its brand reputation but also contributes to global efforts to tackle climate change.

Examples of Positive Impact

One concrete example of Unilever's positive impact is its commitment to improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. The company has developed programs aimed at providing training and resources to farmers, enabling them to adopt sustainable agriculture practices. This investment not only supports social equity but also ensures a steady supply of high-quality raw materials for Unilever's products (Johnson, 2019).

Furthermore, Unilever’s initiatives in water conservation have led to a significant reduction in water usage in its manufacturing processes. The company has achieved a 32% reduction in water usage per product since 2010 (Unilever, 2021). This initiative reflects adherence to global standards regarding water management and demonstrates Unilever’s role in promoting responsible resource use among its stakeholders.

Challenges and Areas for Improvement

While Unilever shows a strong commitment to establishing foundational global standards, challenges remain. The complexity of global supply chains makes it difficult to ensure that all suppliers adhere to the same level of sustainability practices. Reports of non-compliance in certain operational regions, due to economic or political factors, have surfaced, raising questions about transparency and accountability (Smith, 2020). To address these challenges, Unilever is working to enhance its supply chain transparency through technology and partnerships.

The Future of CSR at Unilever

As Unilever continues to lead the charge in adopting global standards for CSR, it is crucial for the company to remain agile in its strategies, especially in the face of evolving consumer expectations and regulatory landscapes. The recent emphasis on social justice and equity requires companies to reassess their role in society, not only in terms of environmental sustainability but also social impact (Lee, 2021).

Overall, Unilever’s adherence to foundational global standards has positioned it as a frontrunner in promoting CSR within the food industry. Its commitment to sustainable sourcing, reducing environmental impacts, and supporting local communities exemplifies how businesses can leverage CSR for both positive societal impact and long-term profitability.

Conclusion

The future trajectory of CSR in relation to global standards hinges on continued innovation and collaboration among industry players. By maintaining its commitment to these principles, Unilever not only enhances its brand but also contributes positively to the global economy and environment, serving as a model for other businesses to follow.

References

• Johnson, E. (2019). Sustainable Practices in Agriculture. Journal of Environmental Management, 245, 123-130.
• Lee, A. (2021). Corporate Social Responsibility in a Changing World. Business Ethics Quarterly, 31(2), 45-67.
• Smith, R. (2020). Transparency Challenges in Global Supply Chains. International Journal of Business, 36(1), 15-27.
• Unilever. (2020). Unilever Sustainable Living Plan. Retrieved from Unilever Sustainable Living.
• Unilever. (2021). Our Progress. Retrieved from Unilever Progress Report.
• Global Reporting Initiative. (2020). GRI Standards. Retrieved from GRI Standards.
• United Nations. (2015). Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Retrieved from UN 2030 Agenda.
• United Nations Global Compact. (2021). About the UN Global Compact. Retrieved from UNGC.
• World Wildlife Fund. (2020). Sustainable Agriculture: A Global Priority. Retrieved from WWF Sustainable Agriculture.
• OECD. (2019). OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Retrieved from OECD Guidelines.