Is CSR on the radar for private companies?

Results from the latest PwC Pulse Survey found that social responsibility and sustainability are low priorities for Canadian private companies.

• 21% of respondents currently have a corporate social responsibility (CSR) plan aligned to their business goals
• 53% of respondents view a CSR plan as a “nice-to-have”
• None of the private companies that have CSR plans are communicating them through recruitment initiatives


Insights into corporate social responsibility and sustainability provides a summary of the key findings from the latest PwC Pulse Survey and offers advice from Mel Wilson on what private company owners can do to stay ahead of the curve and position themselves for future success.

Also check out our Let’s Talk article, A business case for sustainability, as well as an As I see it piece, Responsible for success, that dive deeper into the issues discussed in the Pulse Survey report and demonstrate how CSR and sustainability can be integrated into your business plan. 

A business case for sustainability
Regardless of your company size or industry, corporate social responsibility and sustainability are issues that will have an impact on the future of your business. Mel Wilson, former associate partner, Sustainable Business Solutions, PwC, discusses the benefits of being proactive, as well as steps companies can take to create a sustainability strategy in the Let’s Talk article, A business case for sustainability.

Responsible for success
John Kelleher, president and CEO of Canadian school uniform retailer, R.J. McCarthy, discusses the company's aggressive CSR strategy in the As I see it article, Responsible for success and explains why he feels their proactive approach is creating a competitive advantage in an industry where many of his competitors remain late-adpoters.

If you’d like to talk about how corporate social responsibility and sustainability may impact you or your business, we encourage you to contact the business advisors listed below, your local PwC Private Company Services contact, or send us an email at privatecompanyservices@ca.pwc.com.

Tahir Ayub
Canadian Private Company Services Leader

Mike Harris
National Leader, Sustainable Business Solutions

Of further interest:

CSR TRENDS
This report is designed to provide insight into the burgeoning field of corporate social responsibility reporting. It is a practical working tool that companies can use to meet the expanding expectations of their stakeholders for more information — and proof — that they are not only building a sustainable business, but also contributing to building a more sustainable world.
Read more...

Going Green Tables: Select Federal and Provincial Incentives
Strike a balance between generating profits and reducing your environmental impact with assistance from PwC’s Going Green listing of environmental incentives. Download the annual guide and use it as a reference tool to help your company embrace sustainability.

Learn about PwC's dedication to responsible business and community
Read more...