CSR-Partnership between NPO & Business
It has often been sid that in order to create progress, one must first look back at past mistakes and learn from them.
As we near the end of 2009, a look back at President Barak Obama’s CSR initiatives during his first year in office may seem disappointing; especially with the failed Copenhagen Accord still fresh in mind. The divide between what was promised during his campaign and what has been delivered since his taking office, has created a “success/failure dichotomy” that leaves an open invitation for criticism.
However, putting all loft aspirations aside, Obama has made several steps in the right direction, perhaps most importantly the Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which unites the country’s economic id program with green energy, paving the way toward a low carbon economy. From this perspective, Obama is making slow progress in economic, environmental, and social reform. What remains to be seen is whether these minor shifts can create the sustainability needed to ultimately fulfill Obama’s campaign promises of change.
The partnership between the NGO and big business is a trend that is quickly gaining popularity in the CSR world. Despite past differences, both parties are recognizing that there is an opportunity for a win-win relationship if nurtured correctly.Businesses gain credibility in their CSR initiatives, and NGOs gain publicity that is necessary for their survival. With this in mind, it is only a matter of time before this partnership becomes standard procedure; and in the big picture, it’s a win-win for the economy and the environment.
-Jessica Li
Related news:
Assessing Obama’s First Year Through the CSR Lens: Beyond the Success/Failure Dichotomy
