CSR360

Posted: Thursday 12 March 09, 2.00pm GMT

1. Could you give us a brief overview of your organisation and what are the main CSR focus areas?

We are a Foundation, born in the year 2000. At the moment we have 80 members, mainly big companies, both national and international. Our team is composed of 14 people divided into 4 areas; Communications, Finance, Development of Projects and Innovation and Members.

The main areas of CSR that we work on are Workplace, Marketplace, Environment, Community, plus Ethics.

2. In an international comparison, how would you describe the stage which the CSR movement in Chile is at?

I would say that in the South America context we are in a good position but if we compare ourselves with Europe and UK, we are not at the same level of development, but here is the challenge. For example we have to work more on climate change( environment ), development of skills ( workplace and community) and also in the value chain ( market place ).

3. Has the current financial and economic crisis affected Chile and if yes, what are the visible effects?

Of course, I think that all the countries and companies have been affected by the crisis. Fortunately, as a country, we have had several years with very good prices for commodities that are very important in our exports ( copper and forestry related products) , and we have some good amount of “savings” in our Central Bank, but even that, the principal problem that we are facing is the unemployment.

4. How is Accion RSE responding to the situation?

The first thing and most important one that we are doing, is a big change in terms of the relationship with our members. We started working very close to them, so we can understand much better their needs and restrictions. We are developing new projects and areas of collaborative work that can help them to keep and improve the different areas of CSR they are working on. Our focus is to relate CSR activities with the core business they have, and traduce and help them to put them into the strategic plan, so it can be sustainable in the future.

The principal idea is to do more things with less resources. We have to help the companies with creativity, technology and using all the networks we have to show them best practices without being necessary to re-invent the wheel .

5. How do your companies react and what advice could you give other CSR360 members to better deal with the crisis?

We have seen companies that are cutting all the “expenses” that doesn´t seem to have direct relationship with their bottom line results ( CSR for example). But most of the ones that we have as members, I would say are looking this “crisis” as an opportunity , and here is the big challenge.
Personally, I think this time is a good time to work inside the company with their people on talent , development of skills, volunteer and flexibility for one side, and in the other , I think this is a good time to re-think the way that companies are working with climate change as for example energy and recycling .
New technologies and education of their people and customers can give companies important leverage of the Brand by improving their reputation and also reducing their operational cost, with the consequent better bottom line figures .