Proof of Purpose: The Future of CSR

Today's global business environment is a blur of stakeholder demands, increasing expectations and competitive hurdles. No longer a niche initiative, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has gone mainstream. And with the growth of CSR programs comes the rise of stakeholder expectations. According to the newly released 2012 Cone Communications Corporate Social Return Trend Tracker, 84 percent of Americans hold companies accountable for producing and communicating the results of CSR commitments. Purpose cannot stand alone - stakeholders demand proof of impact.

How do stakeholders and companies alike gauge whether CSR programs are proving purpose? As part of our new approach to CSR, Corporate Social Return(SM), Cone Communications developed the Four Rs of Return to not only guide how we work with our CSR clients, but also serve as a litmus test for any CSR campaign in the marketplace.

To read more on Cone's What Do You Stand For? blog, please click here.