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Introduction Corporate social responsibilities should be viewed and regarded as a corporate management itself and aims at pursuing and

creating ' new values' sought by the society in order to be able to meet the stakeholders constant changing expectations. Therefore, companies should view corporate social responsibility in two aspects, making a profit and providing social services. Sustainability is as crucial as being committed to being socially and environmentally responsible, in order to gain the confidence from stakeholders that companies are committed into these measures for long-term period. In the recent years, politicians, environmentalists and even the general public have been putting pressure on multi-national corporations to act responsibly while corporations juggled with the grey area between profits and appeasing the public. The report attempts to display the efforts of companies striving for social responsibility. As such, we have chosen three companies from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), which are Canon Inc, Nike Inc, Walmart Inc, to analyze on their contribution to being a responsible corporate citizen, and also the roles they play in maintaining and preserving the environment through their operations.

Canon Inc. Canon is a world leader in the digital imaging products developed to enrich communications, simplify complex tasks and help consumers to reach to their creative goals. These advanced technologies relating to imaging by Canon are trusted widely by professionals in diverse industries which they utilize in order to improve the quality of peoples lives. They also offer

sophisticated office products and solutions that aims to boost efficiency and to create a business environment that fosters innovations. The multiple awards won by Canon also show their competency in the industry as a major competitor and attracts wide attention from investors into their company. Therefore it is important for Canon to be a responsible corporate citizen so as to be able to satisfy the stakeholders expectation and win them over as potential investors for Canon to grow further. NIKE, Inc. In this 21st century that is resource-constrained, companies ought to make immediate and meaningful social and environmental improvements in order to be in a competitive advantage. In a future of global evident movements such as water shortages, rising energy consumption and the severe impacts of climate change, Nike is using innovation and design to help create an improved world by minimizing global environmental footprint, supporting positive climate change and manufacturing sustainable product innovation. Through its Considered Design, Nike is combining sustainability principles and innovative design to produce performance products for athletes around the world. Their basic principle is about reducing or eliminating toxics and waste, increasing the use of environmentally preferred materials and using Nikes innovation to create a future with more sustainable products.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc WalMart being a large corporation focuses on both profit-making and also perform corporate social responsibility which includes both environmental and social aspects. They aimed at being able to make full use of cleaner energy sources, reduce waste and promote eco-friendly and socially responsible products. The awards WalMart won in the recent years are

testimonies of the recognition for their effort in pursuing a greener and humane world. Being one of biggest chain retailer in the world and a member of the Forbes 400, the pressure on Wal-Mart to spearhead corporate social responsibility awareness efforts is at its recent height. Environmentalists believe that should Walmart push for more such greener activities instead of pursuing profits, in the long run, smaller retailers will be compelled to follow suit in order to satisfy the consumers demand for products with consciences.

Analysis on Corporate Citizenship and Social Responsibilities "Good business practices and corporate social responsibility are intertwined -- you can't have one without the other," (John Ederer, 2011). As highlighted, most companies do not realize is the benefits they will be able to reap from engaging in the society activities and serving their communities as corporate citizenship is deemed to be a capital intensive investment and brings a distracting endeavor to an organization. Ethical behavior is essential and the companys reputation is at stake with public pressure. However, Eemployees can be motivated in such a way that they will try to find ways to engage with the society that does not require heavy monetary cost to the company. Canon is dedicated to being socially responsible as Canon believe in the kyosei philosophy that focuses on "living and working together for the common good". One of the goals achieved by Canon Singapore is winning the bronze Excellent Service Award, which was given in recognition for Canon Singapores voluntary services rendered to the Association for Persons with Special Needs in 2009. This shows clearly on Canons worldwide support in giving back to the society and caring for the community. Canons partnership with Red Cross Society all over the world shows the commitment from Canon that they believe in giving and sharing, where Canons companies all over the world contributed to disaster funds, participating and donating to local community projects. Nikes greatest responsibility as a global company is to play a role in bringing about positive systemic change for workers within their own supply chain, and in the industry. Nike is committed to supply chain transparency by updating public disclosure of the more than 700 contract factories located worldwide producing Nike branded product. Disclosing factory base encourages transparency and collaboration.

In 2006 Nike joined with China Children and Teenagers' Fund, Save the Children U.K. and local schools to establish a migrant kids' sport program in China. Those migrating from China's rural, often remote areas to its rapidly growing cities have a difficult time, facing new urban and work environments, lack of knowledge about their rights, with little or no social support network, in addition to dealing with prejudice. Children of migrants are especially vulnerable. They are often alone as their parents work long hours. And the gap in their education makes them the targets of ridicule and isolation by peers and sometimes teachers as well. Together, the partnership created programs in 255 schools serving 135,000 migrant students in FY07/08. In 2006, Nike partnered with the United Nations High Commissioner of Refugees (UNHCR) and Microsoft, and launched the nine million campaign to give more than 9 million children living in refugee camps better access to education, sport and technology. The goal was to be a partner to help build their capacity to provide refugees with access to meaningful education, increase opportunities for employment and improve the general well-being of refugee youth and children by providing financial and marketing support. Through this campaign, more than 80,000 children and youth from 13 countries have been enrolled in school, graduated from primary education, participated in sports activities, and received employment opportunities from vocational training. WalMart has been an essential helping hand in the efforts of disaster relief programs all over the world. In the United States, WalMart played an integral logistic process in hurricane disaster relief efforts such as Hurricane Katrina, where up to $200 million US dollars in cash were raised, alongside with loads of supplies in supporting the victims in New Orleans, one of the worst hit cities during the disaster. Additionally, international relief efforts include the

Japan Tsunami and Chile Earthquake, both gaining international recognition for their contributions to the international community. These crisis management steps during the Japan Earthquake crisis included providing monetary aid to Red Cross in Japan, turning unaffected stores nearby into relief shelters and providing support in distribution of food and other important items to support the rescue efforts. Within the corporation however, WalMart is faced with issues relating to treatment of employees. The issue is felt across the world as WalMart employees criticized the management as being uncaring and only profit driven. This has led to a staggering number of up to 70% of first year resignation numbers among WalMart employees. Unfair wages and working hours were among the long list of issues. Most of the matters were settled out of court but unfair practices still continue to grow as the company emerges into the globalizing world. Walmart also faces intensive pressure for outcasting smaller local retailers worldwide. In the United States, Walmart have been considered the primary problem of the closure of smaller shops that faded out because of competition. Although consumers enjoy cheaper and larger variety of products, critics argue that in the long term, Walmart basically becomes an integral part of the towns retail system and any decision to close down or relocate their stores may lead to serious implications. It has also contributed to increasing unemployment when stores closes in non-profitable areas and dying towns, further exacerbating the social instability. As for Walmart part, it combats the difficulty of profits and satisfying union members. This has led to anti-union policies within Walmart and union leaders complain that it destroys the legal rights of the workers in the retail giant. In recent Hurricane Irene, WalMart has lent a hand in helping those who are affected by the disaster.

Based on the actions taken by the chosen companies, and the different initiatives that they have implemented, it clearly shows that large companies in general are aware of new trends of how stakeholders view them as a responsible corporate citizen. Therefore these companies do what they can as a corporate citizen in order to uphold the stakeholders expectations and to gain confidence of the stakeholders to ensure that they can survive in the market. By actively participating in community works and donation drives, companies reach out to the community and gives support as part of their corporate citizenship which are beneficial to both the community and the companies itself. Comprehensive and Ethics Risk Management requires knowing the business and is vital to be in a competitive advantage. When a company manages this well, it gives rise to reputation and then to success. For the case of Walmart, it clearly indicates that they have failed with the substantial issues on social responsibilities. A corporate ethics culture needs to be in place to avoid these risks.

Analysis on Environmental Measures Corporate social responsibility concepts do not only embrace social responsibilities, but also a deeper commitment to environmental protections, requiring the demonstration of improvements in areas such as reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. (Sean Milmo, 2011). The view mentioned by Sean Milmo was seen practiced by all three companies whereby the companies take a serious step in showing their concerns in maintaining a good balance between business operations and being environmentally friendly. For Canon, they take part actively in environmental conservation projects through their different entities all over the world, where Canon views it as one of their important role in helping to preserve the environment and in alignment of their view that the Earth is a precious resource. Despite the worldwide economy uncertainty, Canon continues their efforts in being responsible to the society, with the most recent project in Tokyo, Japan (main headquarter) where they implemented "The Daishihashi Mud Flats Protecting Nearby Mud Flats" which provides a valuable opportunity to the society to learn about the importance of natural ecosystems. This shows clearly Canons consistency in line with their vision to conserve and preserve Earths resources. Apart from these, Canon invests huge capitals in machineries and researches in order to significantly reduce the environmental impact from their business. One of the main achievements is the initiation of an extensive cartridge recycling program in 1990, where the used and old cartridges are being used as parts or materials for production of new cartridges. Every Canon product is designed to be eco-friendly throughout its lifecycle while enhancing your lifestyle (Canon Inc, 2011).

Nikes

environmental

responsibility

starts

with

the

impact

of

their

operations, and extends to the impact of their business throughout the value chain, from design and materials to manufacturing and shipping to consumers use of product. The Considered Apparel Index was was used by designers early in the product creation process to help reduce the environmental impacts related to materials, manufacturing waste, and garment treatments. It was developed primarily to enable other companies to understand Nikes approach to evaluating apparel products and to provide a working tool to score their products. Nike designers make smart, sustainable design choices at the start of their creative process, working to achieve breakthroughs to solve the big problems that hinder progress toward a sustainable future. Nikes long term vision of designing products for recycling, products being less reliant on oil and water, low carbon sustainable economy and the use of healthier chemistry to minimize the impact of product ingredients throughout its lifecycle, while allowing them to be recycled into new product or safely returned to nature at the end of their life is in line with their commitment create positive social and environmental impact in the world.

WalMart intends to create an eco-conservation and zero waste policy as the main direction for the companys environmental efforts, by incorporating it into their corporate strategy. One of their recent projects, the Acres for America program aimed at reviving urban environment around metropolitan areas such as Washington D.C, Chicago, Los Angeles and New York City has highlighted the importance of preservation of such urban wildlife habitats. These include maintaining wildlife areas for people to enjoy, conserving

urban wildlife species and help towns to sustain their production reliance on forestry. The extent of the project was widely welcomed by the public. Other environmental efforts include dealing with fuel usages in Walmart fleet of transport trucks, conserving energy usage within their stores worldwide and reducing greenhouse gases by promoting greener products. An estimated amount of up to $500 million have been set aside for this bold green plan. As Lee Scott, the CEO of Walmart explained, the eco projects are not only an effective way of helping the environment as retail corporate giant, it also save cost for the company. All these maintenance and supportive actions on ensuring the

environmentals wellness are clearly something that stakeholders will want to see what companies are doing for a better future for the society. Therefore the implementation of campaigns, policies, all that are beneficial to the environment are being monitored closely by potential investors and also stakeholders to ensure that companies these days are bring responsible instead of just generating profits, and ignoring other external factors. These environmentally friendly measures are also not just bringing negative impacts to a company in terms of monetary values, as being environmentally friendly sometimes and bring in further revenue through recycling processes. Apart from that, business operations will pick up as consumers that are environmentally wary will try to support moves that will help in environmental protection. Taking environmental factors into consideration leads to a sustainable business growth and is an integral part of how companies can use the power of their brand, energy and passion of their people, and the scale of their business to create meaningful change in the environment. Countless opportunities are seen for sustainability principles and practices to deliver remarkable business returns and become a driver of

growth,

building deeper consumer and community relationships and to

create positive social and environmental impact in the world.

Benefits from CSR: (CF: Can this be considered a conclusion? Not sure how to write on conclusion.) Corporate social responsibility has grown up from the once considered a "nice to have" add-on to enhance your company's image (Communications World, 2011). As corporate social responsibilities is now an essential part of how many businesses operate, and also how the public expects them to operate, Canon has ensured that their image to the stakeholders remain positive by being proactive in environmental conservation and fulfilling the duties of a corporate citizen. Therefore, a good image reflects positively to investors as a good potential investment as CSR plays an important role in stakeholders views these days, and being able to satisfy stakeholders expectation means that the company is doing and performing well which will directly increase the attractions of investors to the company. Integrating CSR practices and principles into operations helps to make clear a company's commitment to the values it espouses (Communications World, 2011). By engaging actively in social programs, company employees indirectly are working together in achieving companys visions and goals to being a responsible corporate citizen. At the same time, this affects the employees positively, as they build teamwork and increases productivity during this process to work in order to be able to work as one company and be aligned with the companys goals. "Our CSR activities help bring our employees together"(John Ederer). For companies that are socially responsible, not only is there fulfillment that comes from giving back to the society, but it is also noted that there are enhancements in the skill sets of the volunteers from the companies. They have the opportunity to practice public speaking, hone new business skills such as strategic planning and fund development, develop business relationships, and network--all in a low-risk environment. For the

management team, the growth in the skill sets has been an unexpected benefit to the promotion of the volunteers experiences that will bring the company forward. CSR remains an importing nformation for reporting and being transparent by sharing information about the companys commitments, successes and targets regarding corporate responsibility. As companies prepare information, taking account of business impacts and the desires of stakeholders, it provides an open, clear picture about the companies aims and progresses in incorporating responsible practice into their daily operations.

Web References: http://www.canon.com.sg/personal/web/company/about/environment_policie s Walmart:http://walmartstores.com/sustainability/ http://walmartstores.com/pressroom/news/10553.aspx http://walmartstores.com/pressroom/news/10650.aspx http://walmartstores.com/PressRoom/10671.aspx http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2011-0826/news/29931684_1_hurricane-irene-home-depot-wal-mart-stores Buchholtz Carroll, Business and Society, 7th edition, pg 913.

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