Volume 15, Number 4 Article by Bob Hoekstra December, 2003
CSR and the IT Industry in Bangalore: Observations of a Practitioner :
In developed countries, with a strong government, and some form of social security, the CSR focus is on limiting the negative environmental impact of industrial activities. In India, according to Bob Hoekstra, CEO, Philips Software Centre, the subject of sustainability is most relevant as the opportunities for corporates are quite different from those in developed countries.
The disparity between the wealth of corporates and the rest of society is an important concern of the IT industry in Bangalore. How can and does the IT industry serve the society it is situated in? The industry provides significant employment opportunities and while it is not driving any technology innovations right now, with R&D activities moving from the West to India, Indian engineers should soon be at the cutting edge of technology. The creation of wealth and capability in the workforce spreads beyond the corporate and affects suppliers, partners and the government, a positive reflection of this already being seen in the domain of facilities. The high degree of HR professionalism helps build commitment and engagement on the part of the work force.
Other than the initiatives of community involvement that a company undertakes, how it fares on its triple bottom line reporting and fair product coverage could be factored in the evaluation of the company, and feature in its sustainability report. The government must complement industry efforts by taking an active stand on significant issues. Hoekstra shares the community involvement efforts at Philips Software Centre and details the company`s sustainability policy.
Reprint No 03406b