EUROPE
EuroCharity interviews Ms. Alexia Charamis, CEO, Sponsor-it
18.01.2012
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What does Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mean for your company and what are its CSR priorities?
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) concerns a business model which appears relatively "new" in Greece, it is however a core business activity for numerous companies based abroad. CSR is moving parallel to the global trend of sustainability, which has evolved significantly over the last 6 years. Sponsor-it understands that the adoption of CSR practices by a company generates value for both the company and the society in which it operates. Οur company focuses in particular on one of the facets of this value, the communicative.
What do you think about the development of CSR within Greek enterprises and SMEs in particular?
Undoubtedly the economic conditions prevailing in the country do not encourage the full integration of CSR in the Greek business reality (especially the SME reality). There are obstacles in the initial stage of creating a CSR strategy, all the way through to the implementation phase. However, I think there is room for optimism and that CSR penetration will reach satisfactory levels in the coming years. Ther do exist larger companies that currently integrate systematically and implement effectively CSR programs, in sectors such as consumer products, banking, insurance, manufacturing, telecommunications and public sectors. Companies in these sectors invest both in the environment, which results in immediate and measurable benefits (e.g. environmentally friendly processes which generate energy-saving) but also in philantrhopy related work, with long term benefits. I would say that in general, investing in the environment is more intense, as it is facilitated by government and European initiatives and programs that support it. It is important to mention that in 2011, CSR reports showed a general upgrade, and at the same time Greek companies have shown an intention to adopt existing international standards (in the absence of national) for the consistent presentation of data. Given that these foundations exist, I believe that what Greek enterprises need at the moment, is the necessary "toolbox", containing tools such as specialized knowledge for CSR strategy implementation.
With regard to SMEs, it can be said that more and more begin to appreciate the benefits of investing in CSR, as they look for alternative ways to promote their brand and engage with society and the consumer. The obstacles in this case are resource-related.
How do you evaluate the progress of CSR in Greece?
In general I would say that CSR in Greece is growing slowly and that there is room for development. Already in the last few years we have experienced major initiatives taking place, both at the national and the European level. For example, grant programs for green transportation, community programs, energy upgrades, installation of photovoltaic and other high-budget important business projects promoting sustainable development have been implemented. Furthermore, what i I believe will play an important role, is the fact that the European Union supports the responsible business model, more strongly than ever before, adopting a new strategy since October 2011, which aims to enhance the role of business in the prosperity of society.
What lags behind however, in my view, is development in the area of synergies between the private and public sector. This is a reality which has made roots abroad and it remains to be seen whether such initiatives will flourish in our country.
Do you share the view that CSR could be more functional if it was developed through a regulatory framework at a national, European and/or international level?
Undoubtedly, an international regulatory framework will have benefits for the smooth functioning of CSR in a country like Greece, which generally lacks the initiatives seen in other countries, but such an approach would have significant disadvantages. We must not forget that there is wide regional variation in environmental priorities around the world. In addition, local business practices differ significantly, making it even harder to create and implement a uniform international or even European framework. Therefore, I see more "fitting" the creation of a national "package" containing measures such as transparency that can be nationally applied.
What is your opinion on the two popular, daily updated CSR and Green Economy portals that EuroCharity owns and operates (www.eurocharity.gr & www.eurocharity.eu)?
I find that both EuroCharity portals produce important information which is generally missing in the field. The portals are well organized and allow interested members to inform as well as be informed, on specific topics, achieving targeted communication and response.
Why did your company decide to participate in EuroCharity's growing network of members?
Sponsor-it decided to join the particular members network to come to know other members in the market and potentially establish collaborations with them, as well as to communicate its services and achievements.
What is your company's main CSR action?
Sponsor-it provides innovative ideas for investment in Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) with which it collaborates, adapted to each unique company profile. Our company provides the tools (information, research and promotion) to communicate the sponsorships optimally. The brand of the company-sponsor therefore reaches the general public. Our advisory service brings Greek businesses closer to the NGOs and the consumer closer to Greek businesses.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) concerns a business model which appears relatively "new" in Greece, it is however a core business activity for numerous companies based abroad. CSR is moving parallel to the global trend of sustainability, which has evolved significantly over the last 6 years. Sponsor-it understands that the adoption of CSR practices by a company generates value for both the company and the society in which it operates. Οur company focuses in particular on one of the facets of this value, the communicative.
What do you think about the development of CSR within Greek enterprises and SMEs in particular?
Undoubtedly the economic conditions prevailing in the country do not encourage the full integration of CSR in the Greek business reality (especially the SME reality). There are obstacles in the initial stage of creating a CSR strategy, all the way through to the implementation phase. However, I think there is room for optimism and that CSR penetration will reach satisfactory levels in the coming years. Ther do exist larger companies that currently integrate systematically and implement effectively CSR programs, in sectors such as consumer products, banking, insurance, manufacturing, telecommunications and public sectors. Companies in these sectors invest both in the environment, which results in immediate and measurable benefits (e.g. environmentally friendly processes which generate energy-saving) but also in philantrhopy related work, with long term benefits. I would say that in general, investing in the environment is more intense, as it is facilitated by government and European initiatives and programs that support it. It is important to mention that in 2011, CSR reports showed a general upgrade, and at the same time Greek companies have shown an intention to adopt existing international standards (in the absence of national) for the consistent presentation of data. Given that these foundations exist, I believe that what Greek enterprises need at the moment, is the necessary "toolbox", containing tools such as specialized knowledge for CSR strategy implementation.
With regard to SMEs, it can be said that more and more begin to appreciate the benefits of investing in CSR, as they look for alternative ways to promote their brand and engage with society and the consumer. The obstacles in this case are resource-related.
How do you evaluate the progress of CSR in Greece?
In general I would say that CSR in Greece is growing slowly and that there is room for development. Already in the last few years we have experienced major initiatives taking place, both at the national and the European level. For example, grant programs for green transportation, community programs, energy upgrades, installation of photovoltaic and other high-budget important business projects promoting sustainable development have been implemented. Furthermore, what i I believe will play an important role, is the fact that the European Union supports the responsible business model, more strongly than ever before, adopting a new strategy since October 2011, which aims to enhance the role of business in the prosperity of society.
What lags behind however, in my view, is development in the area of synergies between the private and public sector. This is a reality which has made roots abroad and it remains to be seen whether such initiatives will flourish in our country.
Do you share the view that CSR could be more functional if it was developed through a regulatory framework at a national, European and/or international level?
Undoubtedly, an international regulatory framework will have benefits for the smooth functioning of CSR in a country like Greece, which generally lacks the initiatives seen in other countries, but such an approach would have significant disadvantages. We must not forget that there is wide regional variation in environmental priorities around the world. In addition, local business practices differ significantly, making it even harder to create and implement a uniform international or even European framework. Therefore, I see more "fitting" the creation of a national "package" containing measures such as transparency that can be nationally applied.
What is your opinion on the two popular, daily updated CSR and Green Economy portals that EuroCharity owns and operates (www.eurocharity.gr & www.eurocharity.eu)?
I find that both EuroCharity portals produce important information which is generally missing in the field. The portals are well organized and allow interested members to inform as well as be informed, on specific topics, achieving targeted communication and response.
Why did your company decide to participate in EuroCharity's growing network of members?
Sponsor-it decided to join the particular members network to come to know other members in the market and potentially establish collaborations with them, as well as to communicate its services and achievements.
What is your company's main CSR action?
Sponsor-it provides innovative ideas for investment in Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) with which it collaborates, adapted to each unique company profile. Our company provides the tools (information, research and promotion) to communicate the sponsorships optimally. The brand of the company-sponsor therefore reaches the general public. Our advisory service brings Greek businesses closer to the NGOs and the consumer closer to Greek businesses.
