Friday 29 July 2011

Doing the Right Thing

‘Doing the right thing’ isn’t always easy in business, even if you can see the commercial opportunity.

John Lewis is celebrating the release of its latest CSR report, which says that doing the right thing isn’t just good economics, it’s also part of their purpose as a partnership.

The colourful report highlights some steady achievements in its summary - in areas like reducing environmental impacts, keeping employees happy and supporting local communities. But why is the really meaty stuff – about products and customers – not put in the spotlight?

M&S is shouting very clearly about what it stands for: it plans to be “the most sustainable retailer in the world” by 2015. What does John Lewis stand for? A partnership, yes; one that focuses on quality in every sense of the word, one might think. With such huge potential to show what this means for the business, its world, our world and the future, a more innovative and relevant CSR strategy and stronger communications are needed. Their latest CSR report feels like it’s missed a trick.

Friday 1 July 2011

The warm glow of the supply chain

The private sector should be accepted as a positive driving force behind global poverty reduction - and the international development community needs to stop being so scared of the profit motive. So argues Peter Davis of the Overseas Development Institute this week.

But why does suspicion and concern still surround the role of companies overseas?


Perhaps it’s the continued controversy around the heroes and horrors of supply chain ethics in sectors as broad as electronics and fashion. Some have felt
the bite of getting it wrong or, Primark might argue, appearing to get it wrong.

Consumer-facing brands like Apple and Levi Strauss are now leading the charge towards reassuring their customers that there’s a warm glow and no murky shadow behind their products.
Some are scared of the risks, others have seen the opportunities.

The flurry of activity so far this year to push up standards in supply chains is refreshing. Those companies that do it with real commitment will reassure the international development community. And those that communicate it right will be rewarded by consumers.