Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book proposes that the human resources (HR) function has a responsibility to be proactive in leading the way in establishing a Corporate social responsibility (CSR)-enabled culture within any business. CSR, a voluntary business approach that goes beyond the letter of the law and accepts accountability and transparency with regard to a business organisation's impacts on people, society and the environment, has now become one of the main preoccupations of corporate leaders. In adopting a CSR strategy, businesses can contribute not only to the sustainability of the planet, but also to their own sustainability as businesses. The book describes that power by telling the story of the metamorphosis of an 'HR manager' into a 'corporate social human resources (CSHR) manager', whose HR practices are driven by a responsiveness to the needs of all HR stakeholders, which include society and environment.