A broadened agenda
At the outset, the Danish debate about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) primarily evolved around the environmental impact of companies and the aspiration to engage companies in the solution of problems related to the labour market.
Hand in hand with increasing globalisation, the CSR debate has increased also to include breach of human rights and international recognition of labour standards as well as corruption. These are widespread phenomena in many of the countries where Danish companies are doing business.
A business-driven approach to CSR
CSR should be driven by business as CSR activities focus on how corporations can take responsibility for contributing concurrent with not becoming a barrier to sustainable social, environmental and economic development.
DI believes that companies should have the freedom of methodology as well as a choice among the vast array of activities that can meet some of the most pertinent social needs. CSR strategies are more efficient when they build on the competences of the particular company, and they add more value, if they are developed in accordance with international frameworks and other business activities.
The priority for future policy development of CSR should be on how it can help to improve business performance through initiatives such as best practice sharing and capacity building. That is the best way to ensure that companies continue to proactively respond to the needs of their stakeholders, to innovate in the area of CSR, and to encourage more companies to integrate CSR in their strategies and processes.
Call for transparency
Making CSR activities known to customers, investors, employees and other stakeholders is becoming an increasingly important aspect of international trade.
As a result of a statutory requirement adopted in 2009, large businesses in Denmark are required to account for their work on corporate social responsibility according to the principle of “comply-or-explain”. DI does not support mandatory reporting requirements – the Danish requirement offers however a flexible framework with clear international references which allow companies to adapt the reporting to their specific needs and business environment.
DI’s work with CSR
The primary emphasis of DI’s engagement is on developing practical and useful tools and facilitating networks which can support the business driven efforts taking place in companies. These efforts are complemented with DI representation in various national and international councils and forums driving the CSR agenda. Finally DI of course also offers assistance to our members when dealing with the challenges that arise from working in a global world. It is hence a natural thing for DI to also play a strong role in supporting the Global Compact where DI is Focal Point of the Nordic network.