Public Policy and the Promotion of

Corporate Social Responsibility

Kimberly Ascoli and Tamar Benzaken
School of International Relations and Pacific Studies, University of
California, San Diego

August 2009

About BSR Executive Summary

A leader in corporate
responsibility since 1992, In the past decade, governments have become increasingly proactive in
BSR works with its global promoting corporate social responsibility (CSR) through their public policies.
network of more than 250 Most recently, companies have seen increased government involvement in the
member companies to business sector—partially due to the global financial crisis—and this trend is
develop sustainable business expected to continue into the future. Keeping this in mind, it is likely that
strategies and solutions government promotion of corporate responsibility and good governance will
through consulting, research, continue to grow in the coming years.
and cross-sector collab-
oration. With six offices in With the implementation of these public policies, companies must now look at
Asia, Europe, and North governments as key stakeholders of their operational structures and become
America, BSR uses its more aware of the public sector’s efforts to promote CSR. By engaging with
expertise in the environment, governments, companies can increase the impact of their CSR strategy and
human rights, economic improve the sustainability of their programs. Joining efforts across sectors can
development, and lead to more efficient solutions to social problems that are a concern to both
governance and account- companies and governments. Companies that proactively engage in public policy
ability to guide global have a new opportunity to become leaders in the countries where they operate
companies toward creating a and to shape the future of how governments promote CSR.
just and sustainable world.
Visit www.bsr.org for more Recognizing the implications for the business community and the potential for
information. impact on labor practices, BSR incorporated into its DR-CAFTA Responsible
1
Competitiveness Project an extensive research project to understand current
and past government efforts in designing public policies that promote CSR. This
business brief discusses the three main trends found in the research and
includes country-specific examples of public policies in each category. The final
section provides companies with important takeaways from the findings and
makes several recommendations.

The research focused on seven different countries: Brazil, Canada, China,

Mexico, Peru, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. These countries were chosen
because their policies address a variety of topics within CSR and they represent
varied stages of economic development. These countries’ diverse policies reflect
each region’s unique social, political, and economic composition; however,
several trends in national policy are observed across countries. These trends
include:
1 Voluntary guidelines or binding standards that guide or require
companies to implement socially responsible practices
2 National campaigns that raise awareness about CSR issues
3 Government funds made available to the private sector for the
implementation of CSR programs

1
BSR’s CAFTA-DR Responsible Competitiveness Project is a three-year, U.S. State Department-
funded initiative that aims to contribute to regional competitiveness through the promotion of
responsible labor standards and practices.

BSR | Public Policy and the Promotion of Corporate Social Responsibility 1

This research also reveals that national policies targeting CSR are widespread,
regardless of the economic standing of the countries, and these policies appear
to be gaining more attention from governments. Many countries focus on the
competitiveness that can be derived from implementing socially responsible
practices and are investing in CSR to improve their comparative advantage in
relation to other countries. However, the comprehensive, coordinated national
strategies necessary for effective CSR promotion remain elusive, with most
governments implementing unaligned policies that fail to address CSR in an all-
encompassing manner.

I. Voluntary Guidelines and Binding Standards

All seven countries researched harbor government-created voluntary or binding
standards that range from broad voluntary guidelines and suggestions for CSR to
more formal and legally binding standards. Voluntary guidelines are prescriptions
for action on responsible labor issues to the private sector, government agencies,
or government-owned companies. Binding standards are contractual in nature
and usually contain an enforcement mechanism for cases of noncompliance.
Often, both the voluntary guidelines and binding standards are the result of
ongoing stakeholder dialogues among the government, the private sector, and
civil society organizations that result in the publication of agreed-upon principles
for the implementation of CSR. In countries like Brazil and Mexico, the
government has created certification mechanisms that can be awarded to
companies that implement the government’s guidelines.

Both voluntary guidelines and binding standards tend to focus on transparency,

accountability, and labor rights, as well as the promotion of community
involvement practices. A number of standards also require reporting and the
public disclosure of social and environmental practices, while several guidelines
recommend that companies contribute to newly created community development
funds. Additionally, some governments have developed issue-specific guidelines,
targeting problems such as gender equality and the investment of occupational
pension funds.

Examples of binding standards include the Swedish government’s reporting

policy, which seeks to influence the private sector’s behavior through its state-
owned companies. As part of this law, in 2007, the government began to require
that all state-owned companies report on social issues using the Global
Reporting Initiative as a framework. Another example of a binding contract is
found in China, where the Communist Party enacted the Labor Contract Law in
2008, requiring companies to provide minimum protections to workers.

Peru provides a good example of voluntary guidelines; in that country, the

government and mining companies have established a joint community
development fund to which firms contribute a portion of their pre-tax profit. (Read
the Peru country case that follows for more detail.) In China, the government has
drafted CSR guidelines for both state-owned companies as well as foreign-
owned firms operating in the country.

Both voluntary guidelines and binding policies publicly communicate the

government’s position regarding CSR in a way that could potentially influence
companies’ behavior. These statements can raise CSR awareness among the
general public, who, in turn, could demand more socially responsible practices
from the private sector. Additionally, when state-owned companies implement
these policies, those actions can signal the government’s commitment to CSR
and serve as an example for the private sector. A clear benefit in the case of
binding standards is the widespread implementation of CSR and the availability
of step-by-step instructions for companies to incorporate responsible practices
into their business practices.

BSR | Public Policy and the Promotion of Corporate Social Responsibility 2

 Some shortcomings of these policies include the lack of accompanying
government action. In cases where guidelines are not enforceable, governments
may simply post public statements without any complementary awareness
campaigns or avenues for businesses to engage in such initiatives. Additionally,
with voluntary guidelines, there is no guarantee of implementation and oversight.
Consequently, if businesses are not compelled to enact new policies, the
guidelines and principles fall short of effecting social change. Binding standards
also have potential drawbacks. For example, in the long term, corporations may
see the standards as imposing too many additional costs and choose to remove
their operations from the country. Furthermore, mandatory standards are often
unenforced due to lack of long-term government funding. As a result, both
employees and the community frequently do not see the lasting benefits of the
policies.

Voluntary guidelines and binding standards are the most common forms of public
policies found in this research. This phenomenon could be attributed to their
relatively low cost compared to other types of policies, especially when voluntary
or binding standards do not go beyond the publication of guidelines. In order for
these policies to be most effective in changing corporate behavior, however, they
must be part of a larger public initiative that includes awareness, industry buy-in,
implementation assistance, and—in the case of binding standards—enforcement.

Country Case: Peru

Established in 2006, the Peruvian government’s voluntary “Mining Program of Solidarity

with the People” aims to help alleviate poverty in Peru, especially in the country’s mining
regions. By 2008, 38 companies had signed individual five-year agreements with the
government in which they agreed to contribute to the fund in years when the prices for
metals are above the threshold determined by the contract (decided based on market and
export prices). If the prices exceed the threshold, companies contribute roughly 3 to 4
percent of pre-tax profit. The funds are used for local and regional projects, and at least 30
percent is allocated to education, health, and nutrition programs.

The Peruvian government does not require companies to contribute to the fund; however,
the private sector is encouraged to participate as a way to improve relations between the
government, business, and the community. Due to the constant tensions between private
mining companies and local communities, firms view this initiative as a way to improve their
relationships with people in surrounding areas. This type of policy has the potential to
diminish conflicts and disputes between companies that extract natural resources and
neighboring communities.

II. Government Efforts to Raise CSR Awareness

Most of the governments researched engage in some type of activity that serves
to promote CSR within the country’s private sector. However, some governments
encourage corporate responsibility more explicitly than others and therefore have
made raising awareness of CSR one of their main focal points in national
campaigns. Examples can be found in Brazil, Canada, and China.

While the efforts are led by different agencies in each country, they all seek to
promote CSR as a means to increasing trade and competitiveness. For example,
the Brazilian Service of Support for Micro and Small Enterprises (SEBRAE)
seeks to encourage the growth of small and medium enterprises by encouraging
the adoption of responsible business practices. In Canada, the two federal
agencies that oversee the business sector, namely Industry Canada and Foreign
Affairs and International Trade Canada, promote CSR both domestically and
internationally to increase trade and foreign investment in the country (see the

BSR | Public Policy and the Promotion of Corporate Social Responsibility 3

 country case that follows). Likewise, the Chinese Communist Party has adopted
the Harmonious Society doctrine on the federal level to emphasize social equity
and responsible business practices as important principles in the quest for long-
term economic growth. On a regional level, cities like Shenzhen have taken steps
to encourage CSR as a way for the city to retain its competitive advantage.

The benefits of these awareness efforts are evident in each country. On one
hand, these initiatives are relatively inexpensive compared to other types of
efforts, such as the creation of binding standards. In the absence of large
budgets, governments can leverage their endeavors and create public
awareness by using existing infrastructures to communicate the advantages of
CSR. Additionally, these promotional efforts often serve to encourage cross-
sector collaboration. For example, civil society organizations such as CSR
associations frequently support the government’s efforts because the messages
are consistent with their own objectives.

However, government-led CSR promotion faces several challenges—the biggest

of which is that the efforts to promote voluntary actions do not guarantee
implementation. Likewise, none of the governments researched has quantitative
evidence demonstrating that CSR activities can lead to increased trade and
competitiveness. Without this evidence, it is difficult to make voluntary actions
attractive to businesses, especially in times of economic hardship.

Country Case: Canada

Although the Canadian government lacks formal policies promoting CSR with incentives or
disincentives, two government agencies—Industry Canada (IC) and Foreign Affairs and
International Trade Canada (DFAIT)—have successfully raised awareness in the private
sector of CSR and its advantages. Both IC and DFAIT seek to grow the Canadian economy
and improve domestic conditions for investment and its competitiveness abroad. Within this
mandate, both agencies promote CSR principles and practices to Canadian businesses
because “it makes companies more innovative, productive, and competitive.” IC’s user-
friendly website (www.ic.gc.ca) provides information and links to tools that businesses can
use to advance their CSR activities. DFAIT actively encourages companies operating
abroad to have strong CSR programs and to communicate with local governments and
citizens. For example, Canadian embassies abroad are used as venues to hold dialogues
on CSR and the conduct of Canadian firms.

III. Government Funds for the Implementation of CSR

Programs
Several researched countries enact policies allocating government funds for the
implementation of CSR programs, and various government agencies also rely on
ethical guidelines as part of their resource allocation decisions. These policies
distribute funds based on a screening of companies’ CSR programs. The policies
are championed by various sectors of the government, including the ministries of
labor, agencies of international development, and national banks.

Policies such as these include the Brazilian National Economic Development

Bank’s ruling ethical code, which requires that all funded entities comply with
national labor codes. Although this qualifies as legal compliance only, it
nonetheless promotes the improvement of labor practices. The bank’s contracts
include a social clause requiring compliance with child labor, forced labor, and
discrimination laws. A violation of this clause can lead to the suspension of the
contract. Another example is in Sweden, where the Business Development
Agency has disbursed funds to 50 small and medium enterprises to promote

BSR | Public Policy and the Promotion of Corporate Social Responsibility 4

 CSR through the creation of business development tools, case studies, and
regional incubators.

Allocating funds for the implementation of CSR programs is an important and

valuable tool in spreading CSR awareness throughout the private sector. In some
cases, it also allows governments and private parties to debate CSR issues and
collaborate on implementation. This collaboration helps improve the relationship
between government and companies in countries where the two sectors are not
usually engaged. (For an example of this, read the Mexico country case that
follows.)

There are challenges with this type of policy, however. For instance, it can be
difficult to verify compliance and implement evaluation mechanisms. This
research did not reveal any examples of how entities verify compliance with
ethical codes or with fund allocation requirements. The lack of a reliable
compliance mechanism could severely undermine the initiative. Furthermore, it is
difficult to quantify the benefits of such policies when evaluation mechanisms do
not exist. Metrics would allow governments to decide which types of programs
are more efficient in promoting CSR.

Country Case: Mexico

In 2004, the Mexican Ministry of Economics created the “Support Fund for Micro, Small,
and Medium Enterprises,” with a budget of more than 3 million pesos and the goal of
promoting economic development based on competitiveness, productivity, and
sustainability. Part of the fund’s focus is to implement CSR programs in small and medium
enterprises (SMEs) as a way to promote socially responsible behavior and sustainability.
The government works with COMPITE, a Mexican nonprofit organization, and provides
subsidized CSR consulting services (covering up to 70 percent of the costs) for SMEs.
Since the beginning of this government partnership, COMPITE has seen a sharp increase
in the demand for CSR consulting services, and the organization is confident that Mexican
SMEs that were not previously aware of CSR concepts are now able to implement certain
sustainable and responsible practices in their firms.

One of the program’s major challenges is the ability for SMEs to implement measures
within stipulated timeframes and to sustain these activities. Additionally, several companies
remain skeptical of CSR and wish to see objective results, highlighting the importance of
measurement mechanisms that quantify results. In addition to helping SMEs incorporate
CSR initiatives into their strategies, this program has increased trust between the private
sector, the federal and local governments, and the Mexican population.

IV. Additional Findings

The researched countries promote a variety of policies related to CSR that range
from public recognition and awards—which identify companies that have good
CSR programs—to fiscal incentives for companies that engage in certain
government-sponsored programs and labor law compliance programs. For
example, the U.K. government has taken steps to ensure the socially responsible
investment of public pension funds. In Brazil, government has allocated
resources to fight child and forced labor through awareness campaigns; it has
increased auditing by the Ministry of Labor; it has modified laws that attempt to
make these practices less common; and it has created programs to rehabilitate
children and victims of slave labor.

The diversity of these policies is a positive sign that countries adjust their public
policies to suit the needs and relationships of the government and private sector.

BSR | Public Policy and the Promotion of Corporate Social Responsibility 5

The economic standing and the social issues that plague each nation tend to
dictate the nuances of the policies.

It is also notable that the governments studied have not taken full advantage of
the benefits of fiscal incentives and socially responsible investments in fostering
CSR. Two exceptions are Brazil’s Zero Hunger program, which gives companies
incentives for contributing to the program, and the U.K. government’s socially
responsible investment policies regarding pension funds.

Lastly, while it would be beneficial for governments in deciding which CSR

strategy to implement, none of the governments studied has engaged in
significant impact assessments of policies promoting CSR. Few governments are
assessing the impact of these policies on economic growth, competitive
advantage, and poverty reduction. In some instances, governments performed a
cost-benefit analysis prior to implementation to assess the potential implications
of policies, but very few governments evaluated the policies after they were
implemented. By researching tangible and quantitative results, governments
could improve the private sector’s buy-in and, perhaps more importantly, build
support among constituents for new policies.

V. What This Means for Business

This research clearly shows that governments worldwide are thinking about the
responsibilities and behaviors of companies in new ways. The examples from
Brazil, Canada, China, Mexico, Peru, Sweden, and the United Kingdom
demonstrate that governments are seeking ways to promote corporate
responsibility and good governance practices by implementing policies, fiscal
incentives, and voluntary guidelines. Likewise, governments are taking an active
role in raising CSR awareness, among both the private sector and society at
large. There are three main ways companies can benefit from government CSR
initiatives.

1. ENGAGE THE PUBLIC SECTOR AND LEARN ABOUT GOVERNMENT

POLICIES
Too often, the private sector is unaware of government policies promoting CSR
or simply does not take advantage of them. However, these policies are
ubiquitous; developed and developing countries alike have laws that can bolster
companies’ CSR efforts. Companies should investigate and make use of national
policies in all the countries in which they operate.

By inquiring about government policies and programs related to corporate

responsibility, companies can improve their CSR programs and signal their
commitment to the long-term development of the country.

These inquiries also can provide a platform for dialogue with government
officials, which is imperative for companies, regardless of their size and industry.
These relations can take place on various levels with federal, municipal, or local
agencies. By engaging with governments as stakeholders, companies not only
learn about the governments CSR policies, they can enhance the sustainability
and impact of their CSR program. For example, a company whose CSR activities
focus on improving employee safety and thus reducing defect rates could partner
with a local government agency that is delivering safety training in the region. By
doing this, the company could increase its productivity while contributing to a
government-led effort and improving its image in the community.

2. ALIGN CSR EFFORTS WITH NATIONAL STRATEGIES AND LOCAL

PRIORITIES
Many governments have detailed national development strategies, which are
updated regularly and are often aligned with broader initiatives, such as the

BSR | Public Policy and the Promotion of Corporate Social Responsibility 6

United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals. Once companies research and
understand government efforts, aligning their own CSR initiatives with those of
the government can buttress both parties’ efforts.

By supporting existing government programs, companies can leverage their

investments and potentially increase the impact and sustainability of their efforts.
Many governments already have incentive programs in place, and those that do
not may be open to dialogue if the initiatives would lead to increased investment
or productivity in the country.

When carefully planned, strategic endorsement of and support for government

initiatives can create amicable relations between companies and various
stakeholders, thus leading to a more favorable business environment.

3. ADVOCATE FOR PUBLIC POLICY THAT PROMOTES CSR

Because many government guidelines and voluntary principles arise from
discussions between the government and companies, the private sector is
uniquely positioned to influence the government’s CSR strategies. For example,
multinational firms can share experiences and examples of effective CSR
policies in other countries in which they operate.

By advocating for policies that promote CSR, companies can help a country or
region develop a comparative advantage as a socially and environmentally
responsible country. This advantage can help ensure the long-term success of
an industry’s operations within the country—which would benefit both sectors.

Companies can also advocate for stronger CSR policies by engaging with other
important stakeholders such as academic institutions, think tanks, trade
promotion agencies, and CSR associations. By doing this, companies can
position themselves as leaders in the field and simultaneously increase their
internal knowledge of CSR. Collaboration with research and academic
institutions also allows companies to advocate for improved measurement of
CSR’s benefits—both for the firm and for society—thereby increasing the scale of
implementation of CSR practices. By building partnerships with trusted
organizations within the country, firms can also improve their image and the
credibility of their CSR efforts.

BSR | Public Policy and the Promotion of Corporate Social Responsibility 7

 Summary Table of Public Policies Promoting CSR
Type of Policy Country Agency Instrument Description

Brazil Ministry of Labor Combating child labor National programs and the creation of a database of child labor focal points

Publishing materials and national

Brazil Ministry of Labor Promoting sustainable economic activities and SMEs
campaigns

The National Economic

Brazil Ethical code of conduct Projects funded by bank must comply with code of conduct
Development Bank

China Chinese Communist Party Labor Contract Law The law requires companies to provide new protections for workers

Mexico Federal government Public ceremony Recognition of companies that employ people with disabilities

Mexican Council for

Seminars, workshops, and National initiative based on the promotion, technical assistance, the interchange of
Mexico Economic and Social
partnerships good practices, and transfer of technology
Development

Mexican Institute for

Mexico Publication of guidelines Non-legally binding CSR directives for private sector
Certifications and Norms

Certificate for companies and organizations that implement the gender equity
Mexico National Women’s Institute Government certificate
initiative

Intervention from government agencies, reform of legislation, and capacity-building

Binding Standards Mexico National Women’s Institute Promoting gender equality
inside the government and in the society

Companies commit to complying Government promotes CSR through Swedish Partnership for Global Responsibility
Sweden Ministry of Foreign Affairs with OECD and Global Compact and provides members with workshops, seminars, and other engagement
guidelines platforms

Promoting CSR through state-

Sweden National government Government mandates reporting and audits state companies
owned companies

Promoting consumer CSR Promotes awareness among consumers on CSR through training materials and the
Sweden Swedish Consumer Agency
awareness organization of round tables with stakeholders

United Kingdom British Standards Certification Development of consensus-based standards for stakeholders

Departments and agencies are required to include environmental and social costs
United Kingdom National government Impact assessment
and benefits in regulatory impact assessments

Disclosure regulation for reporting on ethical, social, and environmental issues of

United Kingdom National government Legislation
occupational pension funds

CSR Guidelines for Foreign-Owned The guidelines provide useful blueprint for how to embed CSR into a company
China Chinese Communist Party
Enterprises operating in China

CSR Guidelines for State-Owned

China Chinese Communist Party The guidelines urge SOEs to embed CSR policies into their business strategy
Voluntary Enterprises
Guidelines Community relations guide and
Peru Ministry of Mining and Energy Guidelines for companies to use in design and implementation of CSR
rules for citizen participation

Programa Minero de Solidaridad Companies contribute 3 to 4 percent of pre-tax profit to community development
Peru Ministry of Mining and Energy
con el Pueblo fund

BSR | Public Policy and the Promotion of Corporate Social Responsibility 8

 Summary Table of Public Policies Promoting CSR
Type of Policy Country Agency Instrument Description

Publishing materials and engaging

Brazil Sebrae Agency publishes CSR manuals and indicators and performs workshops
with SMEs

Foreign Affairs and

Canada CSR events Canadian embassies hold CSR events in various countries
International Trade Canada
CSR Awareness
Training for business on benefits of
Raising
Canada Industry Canada CSR; resources available on Workshops, online resources, and toolkits
website

China Chinese Communist Party CSR events CCP holds policy dialogues with international organizations on CSR topics

China Government of Shenzhen Public Hearing on CSR Education of local businesses on the importance of CSR

Fiscal Incentives United Kingdom British government Tax incentives Tax regime for corporate community involvement and giving

The National Economic

Brazil Funds for CSR projects Bank has funds especially allocated to CSR projects
Development Bank

Funds to improve competitiveness

Mexico Ministry of Economics Part of the allocated funds go to CSR programs
of SMEs

Funds for CSR Swedish Business Promoting CSR in SMEs through the creation of business development tools, case
Sweden Funds for CSR projects
Implementation Development Agency studies, and regional incubators

Department for Environment, Funds projects in the nine English regions that contribute to one of the four U.K.
United Kingdom Funds for CSR projects
Food, and Rural Affairs Sustainable Development Strategy priorities

Department For International

United Kingdom Funds for CSR organizations Agency funds the Ethical Trading Initiative
Development

Brazil Ministry of Labor Combating slave labor Creation of special enforcement unit
Labor Law
Enforcement Harmonious Labor Relations
China Government of Shenzhen Regional adaptation of national law
promotion regulations

Holding public officials accountable Elected mayors in São Paulo must publish list of goals for their terms, which
Mandating Policies Brazil State of São Paulo
to CSR address sustainable development

Brazil National government Government CSR label Recognizing companies that have good CSR practices

Public Recognition Shenzhen Enter-Exit

China Inspection and Quarantine Credit blacklist Companies that break labor laws are exposed on public list
Bureau

Responsible National pension funds are required to draw up an annual business plan describing
Sweden National government Legislation
Investment environmental and ethical considerations in investment activities

BSR | Public Policy and the Promotion of Corporate Social Responsibility 9