Corporate responsibility case studies launched

The Tánaiste, Mary Harney, has launched a series of case studies detailing examples of best practice of corporate responsibility in six of Ireland's largest companies. The participating companies are Tesco, Coillte, IBM, AIB, Coca Cola and National Irish Bank.

Harney said: "The publication of these case studies, the first of their type not only in Ireland but in Europe, gives further evidence that while corporate responsibility may still be considered a new term or concept in Irish business vernacular, responsible business practice is evident in companies in a range of sectors."

The six participating companies documented their own examples of practices in place using guidelines devised by Business in the Community (BITC).

This marks a certain watershed in the reporting and disclosure of detailed information pertaining to corporate responsibility practices in large companies, how it is measured and improved, how stakeholder consultation is managed and how corporate responsibility (in its many manifestations) can be integrated into a broader business strategy.

BITC, through its services of corporate responsibility integration and strategic corporate community involvement, works with member companies to create bespoke integration services.

All six participating companies are availing of the BITC service of corporate responsibility integration and each have appointed an internal CR co-ordinator to champion and drive the CR agenda internally.

Since its foundation in January 2000, membership of the non-profit organisation has grown to 27 companies.

Other member companies include Aer Rianta, Anglo Irish Bank, C&C, Diageo, Dublin Port Company, Eagle Star, eircom, ESB, Green Isle Foods, IBM, Irish Life & Permanent, Johnson & Johnson, KPMG, Marks & Spencer, O2, Penneys, SunChemical, Vodafone and Waterford Crystal.