The key roles of corporate responsibility coalitions

Abstract

This chapter discusses seven key roles of corporate responsibility coalitions: raising awareness and making the case; identifying and disseminating good practices; advising and building the capacity of companies; brokering partnerships; delivering on-the-ground program; setting standards and spreading norms; and promoting a public agenda. Business leadership coalitions have often played a vital role in raising awareness among the wider business community of the case for addressing environmental, economic and social issues in a more strategic manner. Coalitions are providing neutral safe space where business executives are come together to honestly discuss their sustainability challenges and experiment with possible solutions. Corporate members have used corporate responsibility coalitions as an implementing agency – in essence outsourcing certain corporate responsibility and community investment activities to a suitably trained team within the coalition. The coalition is playing a core role in conceiving, creating and managing corporate responsibility and community programs on behalf of member companies.