CSR “Spring” to Action: Linking the Arab Uprising and CSR
November 26th, 2011
CSR practices extend far beyond corporate borders and are a direct reflection of current global conditions. Although it might seem abstract, we can in fact find direct ties between the Arab Spring and corporate responsibility. For those of you that are not too familiar, the Arab spring was (and continues to be for that matter) a series of civil uprisings in nations across the Arab world; spanning from Tunisia to Bahrain. This wave of demonstrations spread ideals of equality, ethics and the basic building blocks of a free society- and to date has materialized through revolutions in Tunisia, Egypt and most recently, Libya.
The relationship between the Arab uprising and CSR is two-tier: on one hand we have the values that have spread throughout the world. On the other, we have the implications on businesses and FDI in these nations.
CSR: A Mindset, A Way of Life
What is CSR? I’m sure you all have a greater understanding after browsing through our earlier blog posts. Quite simply it’s about taking the effect that corporations have on their local communities into account. Apply this concept to greater society; it’s about treating others the way you would expect to be treated while advancing ideals that support collective wellbeing. Interestingly enough, those thousands, millions of protestors were fighting for this very philosophy that is so central to CSR- Food for thought?
Foreign Direct investment and the economy
Moving past the philosophy and into its practical application, we can discuss the issue of FDI in many of these Arab nations- why does it even exist?
To date the business environment has been hostile, to say the least. Widespread corruption and oppressive governments are not exactly enticing. However, the Arab spring protests shed light on new opportunities for Western corporations to- in a large way- help shape and stabilize the new Middle East. Industries that were once monopolized and centrally supported will no longer be able to survive. Innovation is the name of the game- may the best player win!
“Businesses in most of these countries [Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, etc.] were tools of the government—mostly corrupt. If operating in these countries … you have a moral responsibility to show yourself as a model for corporate engagement.” —Joel Brinkley, Stanford University
Organizations now have the opportunity to revamp the way they conduct business. No longer will the people accept any less than those values we outlined that are so central to CSR.
I challenge you to use your imagination to bring CSR “outside the box” and apply it to current events that are shaping society at large and its businesses- like the Arab Spring. Share your ideas with us- we always want to hear what you think!
Written by: Shereen Aly
