Business Times – 3 Nov 2009 – SME Voices

Topic: Embracing CSR

Is it important for SMEs to adopt socially responsible policies and what would motivate them to do so?

Sonya Madeira-Stamp
Managing Partner
Rice Communications

Coming from a public relations perspective, we regard socially responsible policies as the seeds of a positive corporate reputation. From having sound corporate governance to driving CSR programmes that engage employee participation, SMEs would have an edge in a globally competitive business landscape where reputation is a priced asset. In addition, being socially responsible enables SMEs to network more and create better opportunities for themselves. Many SMEs have succeeded in breaking new grounds by first investing their time and energy in addressing social needs. At Rice Communications, social responsibility is ingrained in what we do and the way we do things, and it is practised collectively as much as individually. As a company, we work with clients and partners that share our belief in the value of CSR; for instance companies like GreenPost, which champions eco-friendly billing solutions.

Read the rest of the responses from CEOs and Directors of SMEs, on Business Times Online.