1. Topic : CORPOATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILTIES: STUDY OF INFOSYS
Ashok Sengupta & Shruti Sharma
Asst. Professor , Braj Institute Of management & Technology, Aligarh
Abstract :- CSR is not new to India, it is dynamic change in the present global corporate
scenario. Now days, companies are not willing to maximize their profit, they focus on wealth
maximization. Companies like TATA, BIRLA, INFOSYS have been imbibing the case for
social good in their operations for decades long before CSR become a popular cause. Inspite of
having such life size successful examples, CSR in India is in a very nascent stage. It is still one
of the least understood initiatives in the Indian development sector. It is followed by a handful of
public companies as dictated by the very basis of their existence, and by a few private
companies, with international shareholding as this is the practice followed by them in their
respective foreign country. Thus the situation is far from perfect as the emphasis is not on social
good but rather on a policy that needs to be implemented.
Corporate Social Responsibility in reference of Infosys :
Infosys employees actively participate in the welfare of the local community. Our Development
Centers (DCs) in India make a difference through several Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
initiatives.
Infosys’s employees organize and contribute to welfare programs, especially for underprivileged
children. It support the activities of institutes and Non-Government Organizations (NGOs)
dedicated to healthcare and education, and campaigns for skills development and community
welfare .
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2. In this paper the author’s want to explore the social responsibilities of Infosys in different cities
in India . They also try to inlighting the rural upliftment –
• Health campaign.
• Social Educational Program
• Technical Educational Program.
Introduction :
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is becoming an increasingly important activity to
businesses nationally and internationally. As globalisation accelerates and large corporations
serve as global providers, these corporations have progressively recognised the benefits of
providing CSR programs in their various locations. CSR activities are now being undertaken
throughout the globe.
What is corporate social responsibility?
The term is often used interchangeably for other terms such as Corporate Citizenship and is also
linked to the concept of Triple Bottom Line Reporting (TBL), which is used as a framework for
measuring an organisation’s performance against economic, social and environmental
parameters.
The rationale for CSR has been articulated in a number of ways. In essence it is about building
sustainable businesses, which need healthy economies, markets and communities.
The key drivers for CSR are:
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3. • Enlightened self-interest - creating a synergy of ethics, a cohesive society and a
sustainable global economy where markets, labour and communities are able to function
well together.
• Social investment - contributing to physical infrastructure and social capital is
increasingly seen as a necessary part of doing business.
• Transparency and trust - business has low ratings of trust in public perception. There is
increasing expectation that companies will be more open, more accountable and be
prepared to report publicly on their performance in social and environmental arenas.
• Increased public expectations of business - globally companies are expected to do
more than merely provide jobs and contribute to the economy through taxes and
employment.”
Corporate Social Responsibility: Unlocking the value
According to the results of a global survey by Ernst & Young, 94 per cent of companies believe
the development of a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy can deliver real business
benefits, however only 11 per cent have made significant progress in implementing the strategy
in their organisation. Senior executives from 147 companies in a range of industry sectors across
Europe, North America and Australasia were interviewed for the survey.
The survey concluded that CEOs are failing to recognise the benefits of implementing corporate
social responsibility strategies, despite increased pressure to include ethical, social and
environmental issues into their decision-making processes.
Research found that company CSR programs influence 70 per cent of all consumer purchasing
decisions, with many investors and employees also being swayed in their choice of companies.
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4. "While companies recognise the value of an integrated CSR strategy, the majority are failing
to maximise the associated business opportunities," said Andrew Grant, Ernst & Young
Environment and Sustainability Services Principal. "Corporate Social Responsibility is now a
determining factor in consumer and client choice which companies cannot afford to ignore.
Companies who fail to maximise their adoption of a CSR strategy will be left behind."
Model Of Corporate Social Reponsibility
CSR devices from a broader emerging aspect of our culture where huge societal issues of
sustainability or the health of our planet but also such nagging problems as education , the aging
workforce, healthcare and related wellness issues and an underlying loss of community.
Disney recently announced it would no longer contribute to children’s obesity by gracing high
fat/sugar content food with its colorful characters.
Philips is focused not only on environment sustainability- reducing the level of energy in their
lighting products and services- but also on changing the way people interact with their products
in order to reduce harmful side effects.
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5. Corporate Social Responsibility
The Traditional
Model
Philanthropy in response
to appeals for help from
society and social
Social investment in projects of
long-term importance to
Responsibility
the company.
The benefits of business
This is the core activity
1. Investment
of the company
2. Jobs Created
3. Taxes paid providing the goods and
4. Goods and services services society wants
5. Technology transfer
Business 6. Import substitution
7. Export earnings.
8. Development and
supplier
9. Human Resource
Development.
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6. Corporate social responsibility Perspective of Asia :
Corporate social responsibility is represented by the contributions undertaken by companies
to society through its core business activities, its social investment and philanthropy programmes
and its engagement in public policy. In recent years CSR has become a fundamental business
practice and has gained much attention from chief executives, chairmen, boards of directors and
executive management teams of larger international companies. They understand that a strong
CSR program is an essential element in achieving good business practices and effective
leadership. Companies have determined that their impact on the economic, social and
environmental landscape directly affects their relationships with stakeholders, in particular
investors, employees, customers, business partners, governments and communities.
The Asia Pacific context is distinct. On the one hand, there are long-standing traditions of respect
for family and social networks, and high value placed on relationships, social stability and
education. Diverse religions and cultures also bring distinct attitudes towards community social
behaviour and engagement as well as support and philanthropic contributions.
Governments in the region also play distinct roles – often stronger in terms of influence on
economic and social priorities, yet not as advanced in terms of social safety nets. This has
resulted in the drivers for corporate citizenship being very different from those in other regions.
Many of the large corporations in Asia Pacific are private, and many do not have the same public
pressures on corporate behaviour that public companies in Europe and North America have for
progress on corporate social responsibility, although this is changing. Yet many of the larger
companies in Asia Pacific have strong localized philanthropic programmes. Also, regional
companies that are engaged in supply chains of major global corporations, and local affiliates of
global corporations from Europe and America have significant pressures and a strong business
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7. case to develop corporate citizenship policies and practices within the region, not least on the
environment, human rights and labour standards.
Corporate social responsibility in India:
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been on the agenda in India for a considerable
period. Most big Indian corporations are engaged in some CSR activities. As is the case in many
countries, the private sector is generally more active in this area than the governmental/public
sector.
Several major CSR initiatives have been launched in India since the mid-1990s. Among these is
the first voluntary code of corporate governance, “Desirable Corporate Governance: A Code”,
established in April 1998. This was an initiative by the Confederation of Indian Industry
(CII),India’s largest industry and business association.
A National Foundation for Corporate Governance (NFCG) has been established by the
Ministry of Corporate Affairs. This is a partnership with the Confederation of Indian Industry
(CII), the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and the Institute of Chartered
Accountants of India (ICAI). The purpose of the National Foundation for Corporate
Governance is to promote better corporate governance practices and raise the standard of
corporate governance inIndia towards achieving stability and growth.
Legislation authority in India is shared between the Central Government and the State
Governments. Some laws, such as those regulating minimum wages, differ from state to state.
Likewise, the implementation and supervision mechanisms may vary between states.
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8. Study Of Corporate Social Responsibilities In Infosys :
About Company :
Infosys Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: INFY) was started in 1981 by seven people with US$250.
Today, we are a global leader in the "next generation" of IT and consulting with revenues of US$
5.7 billion (LTM Dec-10).
Infosys defines, designs and delivers technology-enabled business solutions that help Global
2000 companies win in a Flat World. Infosys also provides a complete range of services by
leveraging our domain and business expertise and strategic alliances with leading technology
providers.
About Infosys Foundation
Since its inception in 1996, the Infosys Foundation has worked to support the underprivileged in
society and enrich their lives.
Promoted by Infosys Technologies Limited, the Foundation began its work in Karnataka, India,
gradually extending its activities to the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra,
Orissa and Punjab.
It has successfully implemented projects in four key focus areas:
Healthcare
Rural development and social rehabilitation
Learning and education
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9. Key Areas of Corporate Social Responsibilities
Healthcare
Making high-quality healthcare the norm is an ongoing challenge. Since its inception, the
Foundation has initiated several activities that benefit the rural and urban poor. Apart from
constructing hospital wards, donating hi-tech equipment and organizing health camps, the
Foundation also distributes medicines to economically-weaker sections in remote areas.
The Foundation constructed the Infosys Super-specialty Hospital on the Sassoon Hospital
premises in Pune. This hospital caters to poor patients
It has spread its donations for medicines to aged and poor patients suffering from cancer,
leprosy, defects of the heart/kidney, mental illnesses and other major disorders. It helps this
section meet substantial medical expenses and assures them of a steady source of income for
their treatment
The Foundation installed office management software at the KEM Hospital in Mumbai. This
enables the hospital to manage store requirements, keep accounts as well as publish hospital
papers and other information on the Web.
• Additional blocks have been built at the Swami Sivananda Centenary Charitable Hospital
at Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu.
• Additional blocks have also been built at the Bangalore Diabetic Hospital.
• A dharmashala was constructed at the Kidwai Cancer Institute in Bangalore.
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10. • The Foundation constructed a pediatric hospital at the Capitol Hospital in Bhubaneswar,
which caters to poor patients. A CT-scan machine was also donated to the hospital
• Additional wards were built at the Swami Shivananda Memorial Charitable Hospital in
Pattumadai, Tamil Nadu
• The annex to a cancer hospital in Kancheepuram, Tamil Nadu was added
• A hospital was built for tribals at H.D. Kote, Mysore.
• In Bellary, a hospital was constructed to treat patients with brain fever
• The Foundation air-conditioned the burns ward of the Victoria Hospital, Bangalore
Social Rehabilitation And Rural Upliftment.
Whether it is organizing an annual mela that empowers destitute women or building orphanages
that give children a better life, the Foundation's activities address the needs of society's most
neglected. The Foundation has organized unique annual melas in different parts of the country,
including Bangalore and Sedam in Karnataka, and Chennai in Tamil Nadu, to distribute sewing
machines to destitute women and help them earn a livelihood. Prior to the mela, the Foundation
even holds tailoring classes and provides materials for the same at some centers. The Foundation
has conducted relief work after natural disasters. Apart from monetary contributions, it believes
in assessing the real needs of those affected and contributing accordingly. It has worked in the
tsunami-affected areas of Tamil Nadu and the Andaman Islands, earthquake-affected areas of
Kutch, cyclone-devastated areas of Orissa, tribal areas of Kalahandi in Orissa and drought-hit
areas of Andhra Pradesh The Foundation made a donation towards the mid-day meal program of
the Akshaya Patra Foundation, Bangalore, for poor children in North Karnataka. It established
counseling centers to rehabilitate marginalized devadasis in North Karnataka The Foundation has
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11. offered compensation to families whose bread-winners have served in our Defence Forces and
died fighting for the country. The Foundation worked with the Red Cross Society to supply aid
equipment to the physically challenged in rural areas and economically weaker sections of
Karnataka The Foundation offers monetary aid to the Divine Life Society, which is based in the
Himalayas. The Society helps senior citizens and destitutes, often picking them up from the
street and looking after them with the help of volunteers, some of whom are foreign tourists in
the region The Foundation improved a rehabilitation center in Chennai for mentally retarded
women The Foundation has improved the lives of children with leprosy and those living on the
streets, and in slums The Foundation has constructed: Hostel buildings for under-privileged
students at Ramakrishna Mission centers in Tamil Nadu, Orissa, Maharashtra and Andhra
Pradesh Orphanages in rural areas of these states, to provide shelter to children of local
communities. A free girls' hostel at Maharshi Karve Sthree Shikshana Samsthe, Hingne, Pune A
girls' hostel for the blind in Banapur, Orissa, Jagruthi Blind School in Pune, Sri Ramana
Maharshi Academy for the Blind in Bangalore and Sri Sharada Andhara Vikasa Kendra in
Shimoga, Karnataka Relief shelters in several parts of Orissa The Sri Ramakrishna Students'
Home in Chennai, Tamil Nadu The Shakthidhama Destitute Center for Women in Mysore,
Karnataka A hall for people with physical disabilities in Belgaum, Karnataka
Learning and education
Basic education links the children, whether of the cities or villages, to all that is best and lasting
in India," said Mahatma Gandhi. At no time have his words been more prophetic, than now. In a
world where education has become the biggest differentiating factor, the Foundation offers an
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12. edge to deprived and rural students, through its activities In what is one of the largest rural
education programs in the country, the foundation has donated 10,200 sets of books in Karnataka
alone, and in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Orissa and Kerala, under its Library for Every Rural
School project. Through this program, the Foundation has set up more than 10,150 libraries in
rural government schools. A minimum of 200 books, depending on the strength of the school, is
provided. Each set has around 200 to 250 books. The cost of each set ranges between Rs. 2,000
and Rs. 3,000. Books on various subjects, including science, history, mathematics, general
knowledge, grammar, literature, geography, vocational training and fiction have been donated to
cater to the interests of students in all age groups To simplify the standard of computer
education for students in rural areas, a separate book has been written and is being distributed
under the library project. This book has also been translated into Hindi, Tamil and Telugu In
another innovative project that facilitates higher learning, the Foundation has set up libraries in
Hubli and Bangalore, that can be accessed by under-privileged students. These well-equipped
libraries have the latest books prescribed in hi-tech streams like medicine and engineering. All a
student has to do is pay a deposit of Rs 800 for unlimited use of the library through his or her
education To identify and help students in dire need, the Foundation works with Prerna, an NGO
in Raichur and Bangalore, and Vidya Poshak in Dharwad, to distribute scholarships to poor
students. With the help of these organizations, the Foundation reaches out to deserving students
across Karnataka The Foundation has also made donations towards the reconstruction of old
school buildings. For instance, 14 government schools in slum areas of Hyderabad were
reconstructed The Foundation has also renovated the Gandhinagar, Kottara St. Peter's School and
Kapikad Zilla Panchayat schools in Mangalore, Karnataka It also contributes towards the
construction of additional classrooms, school funds/corpus funds, school furniture, equipment
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13. and so on, especially in backward areas The Foundation recently purchased an index Braille
printer for the Sharada Devi Andhara Vikasa Kendra in Shimoga, Karnataka The Foundation
donated study material, including science kits, to 20 schools in rural Karnataka Donations have
also been made towards computer centers in rural areas of Karnataka The Foundation works with
various organizations in Maharastra, Tamil Nadu and Orissa, to facilitate the education of slum
children in in these states The Foundation collaborated with the Center for Environment
Education (CEE), Bangalore, for the orientation of teachers specializing in science and the
environment. The Center developed training material on water. During the program, it linked the
Science and Social Studies curriculum with the environmental perspective. Around 15 camps
were held in various parts of Karnataka over the last 3 years. Totally, around 1,000 teachers were
trained It helps the Bangalore Association for Science towards the development and maintenance
of the planetarium in Bangalore, including funding of the sky-theater program at the planetarium
The Foundation constructed a science center at a rural school in the Kolar District of Karnataka,
a one-of-its-kind center in the entire district. It caters to the students of the school, as well as
schools in the neighboring villages It made a contribution to fund new self-employment courses
at post graduation and post matriculation levels at the Nrupathunga Educational Institute in
Hyderabad
CSR Activities In Different Cities At Infosys :
Bangalore
Rakum School for the visually challenged: Mitr, our local CSR team, visited the Rakum
School for the visually challenged. Mobility, an exercise in which team members walked
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14. blindfolded using canes, helped them empathize with the children. The team organized games
and distributed chocolates and stationery.
Notebook distribution: The Infynite Smiles CSR team has been distributing books and
stationery to underprivileged children across Karnataka since 2001. In 2009, the team touched
more than 45,000 lives, including the tribal community. We collected donations amounting to
Rs. 10,00,000. Our drive has been actively supported by the Dream School Foundation, Ramana
Clinic, Sri Vivekananda Youth Movement, Chrysalis and other NGOs.
Bhubaneswar
Project Genesis: This initiative of the Infosys Affirmative Action Program (IAAP) prepares
students for a career in the Business Process Outsourcing industry. The project was launched in
Orissa in 2007 along with the state government to enhance the skills of academicians. Till date,
515 professors have been trained to make learning more focused by combining traditional
teaching methods with modern education. In 2009, 70 professors underwent a 12-day training
program.
Chandigarh
Behavior and social skills development: Prayaas, our local CSR team, organized a program
where 60 children from the Panchkula slum showcased their creativity in group activities. The
children were imparted training in social etiquette.
Medical camp and cleanliness drive: Prayaas has adopted Tanda village to drive social
transformation in the region. Our volunteers engaged residents in a cleanliness drive to prevent
malaria. A free camp for eye and general medical check up was organized. Medicines and
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15. spectacles prescribed by doctors at the camp were distributed free of cost. The team collected
data on health and sanitation related issues to address them.
Chennai
Educare: Sneham, our local CSR team, manages a dedicated intranet portal to help employees
support education of the children of our housekeeping and security staff. In 2009, 1,500
members contributed approximately Rs. 14,00,000 to support more than 370 students.
Meritorious students were awarded for their performance. A special award was presented to a
girl child with exceptional recitation skills.
Helping the visually challenged: Infoscions partner with Nethrodaya, an NGO that works with
visually challenged children. Our volunteers regularly conduct weekend reading sessions. In
2009, we organized a South India inter-state sports festival with modified versions of cricket,
volleyball and chess.
Facilities for rural schools: Volunteers constructed a water tank to supply drinking water to
1,000 students of the Avanippoor Government Higher Secondary School. We have been
donating notebooks to the Anoor School since 2005. In 2009, we donated a water tank to the
school. We also distributed notebooks to the children of Infosys’ support staff.
Hyderabad
PC donation drive: Mamata, our local CSR team, donated more than 105 PCs to institutions
that undertake non-commercial and public activities. We have already invited requests for the
next list of beneficiaries.
Day of Change: Every Wednesday, drop boxes are placed at the campus entrance and exit
points, food courts and parking area to collect coins from Infoscions for social welfare activities.
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16. Mysore
Notebook distribution: Soften, our local CSR team, distributed 57,000 books, 36,000 pencils
and 3,600 erasers in the Notebook Distribution Drive 2009. Underprivileged students from
various schools have been benefiting from this drive since 2002.
Language and computer education: Basic computer education was imparted to the security
and housekeeping staff of the DC. Our team also helped 10 guards improve their English
language skills.
Summer camp: A month-long workshop was conducted in May 2009 at Karunya Mane, a child
rehabilitation center. 30 children were taught art and craft, dance, Math, English, environment
awareness, traffic rules, health and fitness, and social etiquette. Quiz contests helped the children
assess their general knowledge.
Blood donation: More than 80 Infoscions donated blood in a special camp conducted in
collaboration with the Mysore Rotary and Chandrakala Hospital.
School for dropouts: Our team works with Kaliyuva Mane, an informal school for dropouts run
by the Divya Deepa Trust. We interact with children in open classrooms through painting
competitions and games.
Pune
Eye donation camp: More than 330 Infoscions pledged to donate their eyes in a special camp
organized with the Ruby Hall Clinic and Eye Bank Association of India.
Play and Live (PAL): We use sports to boost the confidence of underprivileged children, teach
them various skills and change their outlook. We donated sports equipment including carom and
chess boards, and prizes such as watches, perfumes and chocolates.
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17. Blood donation camp: 700 volunteers donated blood during a two-day camp in June 2009.
Three blood banks - ISIS Blood Bank, KEM and Janakalyan - participated. Doctors highlighted
the need for safe blood donation at the camp.
Thiruvananthapuram
Notebook distribution: Infosys CEO and Managing Director Kris Gopalakrishnan inaugurated a
notebook distribution drive, which benefited 4,000 students in 2009.
Conclusion Remark
CSR efforts by The IT industry are supported in mature and emerging markets, at the local,
national and international levels, and in partnership with a variety of stakeholders from the
public and private sectors. By investing in CSR, companies are investing in sustainability and
broader economic, social, and environmental goals. CSR remains a beaming light of success
for improving the role of business in society—but is also an ongoing challenge to which
companies must remain vigilant, especially in emerging markets.
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