Socially Responsible HR in Action: Learning from Corporations Listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index World 2018/2019

Pyounggu Baek,Taesung Kim

doi:10.3390/su13063237

Abstract

As ethical management, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and corporate sustainability (CS) are increasingly permeating business discourse, contemplating the role of human resources (HR) in helping organizations with socially responsible management is a proactive acceptance of stakeholders’ expectations while reinforcing the field’s identity and contribution. In response, the we examined the HR policies and practices of 46 multinational enterprises (MNEs) listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) World 2018/2019 to add new insights to the literature and inform the HR field on how to move forward with socially responsible HR. Content analysis and inductive conceptualization of the MNEs’ HR activities produced a triangular pyramid for socially responsible HR, constructed with eight major themes at the individual, organizational, and institutional levels. Building on the findings, we suggest implications for practice and research, and conclude with urging the HR community to demonstrate leadership in setting the agendas and facilitating change toward socially responsible management.

Highlights

Theoretical and practical developments continue in the areas of socially responsible management, socially responsible investing, and socially responsible human resources (HR).2.1
The clustering and thematization were conducted across the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) numbers, yet within each level in a sequential and iterative way [85] in which initial themes were derived from items in common, item–theme mappings were confirmed or revised, and the themes were fine-tuned to result in the final products, as reported
We found that safety- and health-related policies were embedded well in management principles with detailed goals and action plans

Summary

Introduction

Theoretical and practical developments continue in the areas of socially responsible management, socially responsible investing, and socially responsible HR.2.1. CSR is a popular term that refers to the effort to fundamentally cover two areas: a commitment to furthering social good beyond merely obeying the law [26] and concern for various stakeholders including internal, value chain, and external stakeholders [27]. With these two foci, CSR embodies ethics of justice and care [28], helps employees find meaningfulness through work [29], and guides organizations to concrete actions as a responsible corporate citizen [30]. Some take a step toward CSR by making donations and engaging in philanthropic activities; others work on embedding the spirit in their culture; some even endeavor to link business strategies with CSR, and vice versa, as a method to pursue both their competitive advantage and community contributions [31]

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