A BT discussion paper has accused the UK government of exhibiting ‘disturbing fatalism’ when it comes to intervening on corporate social responsibility.
The paper says that while the UK CSR minister Stephen Timms is right to argue that ministers cannot force companies to become virtuous, they can ‘compel them to meet higher standards’, and ‘do more to influence the overall macroeconomic context in which companies are operating’. It argues there is ‘a disturbing fatalism in ministers’ protestations of impotence which sits ill with their enthusiasm for CSR’.
Although the paper says government intervention is only one way of increasing CSR activity, it argues that ‘well designed incentives’ for companies on CSR ‘should work in most cases’.
The document, written by BT’s head of sustainable development Chris Tuppen and Forum for the Future’s programme director Jonathan Porritt, is one outcome from the telecoms company’s recent ‘Just Values’ consultation, in which it spoke to 900 people from 23 countries about CSR issues through online debates and face-to-face events.
The paper also argues that while the business case has been helpful in promoting CSR, its proponents must recognize ‘it is likely that more fundamental shifts in business behaviour will cost money, at least in the short to medium term.’
BT stresses the paper does not constitute company policy.
