Sustainable Corporate Social Responsibility : Case study on Tikau OY

Abstract

Consumers around the globe are demanding businesses to be more environmentally and socially responsible, especially textile industry which is stated to have large ecological foot-print on the Earth. This means businesses in this industry can no longer overlook, but making efforts to adapt CSR (corporate social responsibility) strategy/practice to their business operation. However, many businesses are still reluctant to do so. The assumptions such as detriment of financial performance, lack of knowledge of CSR concept and its practices to benefit to the environment and society could be the reasons preventing those business from adapting CSR. The purpose of this paper is to study a company case study – Tikau as an interior design business practicing CSR. First, the paper is going to explore theories related to CSR regarding 3 main aspects namely environment, economics and society. Then, Tikau’s CSR practices will be pointed out based on interview findings from Tikau’s owner. Finally, thesis will compare those theories and practices to see whether Tikau is a sustainable CSR business. With the supports of researched theories on CSR concept, examples of multinational corporations’ CSR strategies and findings from Tikau’s owner interview, it is concluded that though Tikau is not completely a sustainable CSR business model, its model can still be improved by implementing proper CSR marketing strategy and waste management practices.