Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an increasingly important part of the business landscape, requiring businesses to act as 'good citizens' that contribute to the betterment of society. Amid talk about 'corporate citizenship', 'triple bottom lines', 'sustainability' and 'value creation', few are aware of what good corporate social responsibility truly entails. Does it vary by region and industry, and does the size of the firm matter?

Dr Diana C. Robertson, Professor of Organisation and Management at Emory University, discussed this phenomenon and presented examples of enlightened corporations which successfully meet both their corporate social responsibility and bottom line goals. She explained how firms can successfully integrate CSR into their corporate strategies, with initiatives that meet their financial needs while responding to societal needs.