The Effectiveness of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programmes in Attaining Sustainable Development Unilever’s Documented CSR Initiatives vs. Reality

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate whether organisational CSR practices have a positive impact on the achievement of sustainable development goals and establish whether companies’ documented CSR achievements tally with reality through a case study analysis of Unilever Company. The was based on qualitative secondary data collected from Unilever’s CSR and sustainability reports, academic literature, third-party evaluations and assessments reports, and media publications. The data collected was analysed thematically to identify patterns and themes. The study found that CSR initiatives conform with SDGs in intent; however, there effects and execution are not uniform across regions. CSR initiatives have made significant strides in attaining sustainable development, but their successes are limited by a lack of uniform implementation and the consequent weak and inconsistent disclosure of actual sustainability outcomes. The study also noted discrepancies between the CSR accomplishments documented by companies and the real outcomes on the ground particularly in the developing nations where there is comparatively low regulatory oversight. It was concluded that although CSR initiatives help in attaining sustainable development, there is a need a fair, realistic and useful policies to tackle the expectations of the stakeholders globally.