LANGUAGE OF PUBLIC AUTHORITIES
2.2

The CSR Vaderegio network addresses issues of CSR from a public sector perspective, specifically considering the roles and activities of elected public authorities and public agencies. A wide range of terms relating to CSR are used by public authorities reflecting their varied interests and motivations for addressing this aspect of business performance. For some the main driver is competitiveness, economic development or innovation, for others social inclusion, or environmental protection. We do not find CSR as the only term in common usage.

Alternatives include corporate citizenship, ethical business and sustainable development. In many instances the public authorities focus on specific elements of CSR rather than the integrated concept of CSR. There are important related activities such as those tackling for example workplace practices, environmental management or community investment. They may not be labelled CSR but still contribute to it.

Public authorities in many regions increasingly recognise the importance of smaller and indigenous companies which do not readily identify with the label of CSR. However, small as well as large organisations can gain similar CSR benefits even though the language used and the level of expectations may differ.