James Drogan

In the fall of last year I added a CSR module to my logistics class and did the same thing this term.  In the fall of this year I expect to have a CSR module in all my classes.

The discussion assigment for CSR in logistics reads:

"The goals of corporate social responsibility adopted by a GIFT company intersect the forces of the various cultures in which the company operates. In some cases the forces of culture and the goals are complementary; in other cases theyare in opposition.

One of my students, Wesley Yarnall, addressed this assignment as follows:

"Responding to the push and pull of CSR goals and an eclectic culture base within a GIFT can be difficult. Aligning an appropriate CSR and culture characteristic make transition and acceptance smoother and ultimately more cohesive. For GIFT company, developing a CSR goal that can make multiple impacts, and mesh with a variety of cultural characteristics reflects well not only the organizations societal contributions, but also their appreciation for different values. Developing and integrating CSR into the core business strategy yields greater returns and reaches to other organizations. Showing that it is possible to create a positive impact on society through economic, environmental and social actions while still achieving business goals is attractive to every culture.

The overlapping benefits of a truly effective CSR, one that helps society through economic, environmental and social actions, should be recognized and applauded regardless of culture. If a GIFT CSR was to retro-fit unused shipping containers into transportable homes for impoverished locations around the world, it would cover the span of; improving living conditions of a society, create a low cost living space and recycle unused containers taking up space in ports. Assertive cultures such as Austria, and the U.S. would praise the efforts and human approach to providing aid. Future oriented cultures such as Singapore, Switzerland and The Netherlands would be appeased by the foresight and ingenuity of recycling unused goods to benefit others. Cultures who value performance, Taiwan, New Zealand and Hong Kong can appreciate the efficiency gained by decreasing storage cost of empty containers and increase in available space. Every culture shares common core values that are part of their culture. Acts of kindness that benefit multiple parties should be recognized by the world as a success. Effective CSR goals that are reached through rethinking and working everyday business can align with every culture.

GIFT has the difficulty of attempting to satisfying a global array of cultures when developing a CSR goal. However, the span of a GIFT provides itself with a greater range of opportunity and areas with which to with, allowing for more creative possibilities. Even if physical transport of goods cannot be improved (which is unlikely) , shore side operations can work on improving sustainability, consumption of resources and recycling efforts. The larger the operating network , the greater the potential for long-term gains and improved efficiency."

An innovative, considerate, and wide-ranging answer.