Report on the Corporate Social Responsibilities & Sustainability and Issues in Supply Chain Management

Table of Contents

Task 1 3

Essay on Corporate Social Responsibility 3

Task 2 6

Ethical and environmental issues in supply chain: 6

Task 3 9

Various enabling conditions for sustainable business under CSR 9

References 13

Task 1 

Essay on Corporate Social Responsibility

The term Corporate Social Responsibility CSR actually refers to the legal, economic, mandatory and ethical expectations of people of that society in which an organization may serve with its services or products. This particular concept means that the corporate has some ethical, moral and humanitarian responsibility towards its clients and investors. The Corporate Social Responsibility recommends the organization to develop fair and transparent Rules, Regulations and constitutions for the sake to give more benefits and satisfaction to the suppliers, Employees, Customers, local community, local state, Environmental groups, Federal governments, and other groups which directly or indirectly involve in organizational working (Gheraia, et al., 2019). The Roots of this concept traced in the Eighteenth-century when a great philosopher and economist Adam Smith introduced the Classical and traditional model of Business. It was a great revelation in the business industry. The importance and role of Business ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is essentially contributing to a positive Reputation for business development. By following the rules and regulations of Corporate Social Responsibility a company may attract the customers with their goodwill. They can boost up their business, reduce their manpower, increase their productivity, can hire professional and skillful staff for running the company in a better way, they can also attract the investors to invest in their corporation. In a very general view, we can say that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) help to enhance profit and take over the business in a very successful way (Archie, 2009).   

Bank Muscat provides financial services in the Sultanate of Oman. The main services of this bank are to serve the population with retail banking investment banking, corporate banking, private banking, asset management, and treasury. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) pursued by the bank Muscat is to deliver the long term benefits to their nation, community and stakeholders. It throws a positive effect on youth, education, sports, health, and alternative energy. The bank Muscat leads the way of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiated with the most responsible and dedicated banking sector team in Oman. They devoted to doing better and more their customers, economy, environment, and community.  The Bank Muscat was signed the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) principles in 2007. It is the first bank of the Middle East that initiated the new benchmarks in the banking sector, started the responsible banking system, and took some serious and necessary steps to maintain the social standards and international environment. The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy of Bank Muscat mainly focuses on the long term benefits to their community and it also attains the most effective outstanding outcomes with their business. The reflection of this Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is to provide different opportunities and resources to their customers. They introduce positive changes in their lives by accommodating them in the fields of education, sports, economy, environment and much more. The ethical consideration of Bank Muscat is very strong as compared to different banks in Oman. With the help of strategic partnerships with private business organizations and government, the bank positively touched the lives of many individuals. It also serves the whole society and community with its unbreakable services.  The main pillars of CSR programming of bank Muscat are the Education (Jesr al Mustaqbal), sports and youth (Green Sports), SMEs (Al Wathbah Academy) as well as the social welfare (Tadhamun) (Muscat Daily, 2018). 

The Green sport is a very successful model to engage the local communities and society as a whole. It helps to introduce modern technology and modern infrastructures of sports in Oman. The involvement of the government in this program is much appreciated because it helps to combine and connect the whole nation in one platform of sport. The main aim of the Green sports program is to introduce the nation towards the world as a sports lover nation or community. This project has the responsibility to look after and develop the football fields in Oman. The program supported almost 93 football teams from the past seven years. The Corporate Social Responsibility recommends the Bank to develop fair and transparent Rules and constitutions for the sake to give more benefits and satisfaction to the suppliers, Employees, Customers, local community, local state, Environmental groups, Federal governments, and other groups which directly or indirectly involve in organizational working 

The education program with the name of Jesus al Mustaqbal was launched in 2012under the supervision and direction of Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. The main purpose of this program is to provide the initial training and education to their nation. The targeted population of these benefits is youngsters of Oman Community and society. The program serves both males as well as females equally. These skills and pieces of training can be provided after schooling. Almost 219 students of Oman take benefit from the vocational education, scholarship covering diploma and different bachelor degree programs. The social welfare named Tadhmun is a very strong example of public and private partnerships. It was launched in the association with the ministry of social welfare to support needy families. The project supports these families with necessary households and home appliances such as air-conditioners, refrigerators, and other electric appliances. The annual serving rate of Tadhmun is the 1081 families. The fourth program is Al Wathbah SME Academy developed in 2014. The academy serves almost 70 entrepreneurs across the sultanate. It helps these companies to train and expand their business. 

These programs indicate the visionary leadership and strategic competency and commitment for their clients and communities. These authentic values throw a positive impact o society and also involve people and communities in different innovative programs. These are not only beneficial for the people and community but also provide the boot to the banks’ business. The bank may enjoy the new opportunities, potential investments, innovating and creative programs, engagement of staff in different programs. The bank progresses in the sustainable path of success and partnerships explore new opportunities for success, benefits the employees and corporate ethos. These opportunities directly help to maintain productivity, progress, and innovation in the fields of environment, economy, and society.           

Task 2

Ethical and environmental issues in supply chain:

The supply chain is wide-ranging f actives which required to control, plan, and execute different products. It helps in production and distribution in a very economical and reasonable way. There are many different benefits of supply chain management such as higher profits, innovation and efficiencies, collaboration and communication and better management. These benefits may be attained by choosing the best strategic plans, manage growth complexity and using appropriate software. The effective and sustainable supply chain includes the strong relationship between manufacturer, suppliers, and customers by connecting them in a very strong network. The managers of supply chains are responsible for the main operational decision. They play a very vital role in operationalizing and maintain the reputation and sustainability of corporations to increase the positive impact on society and the environment. These supply chain management activities have very potential to play an important role in responsibility and sustainability strategies (Zhang, 2017). The effect of Corporate Social Responsibility on Supply Chain takes place at the operational level. It helps to reduce damages in productivity by different strategies. It also provides social benefits by taking the necessary decisions to overcome the social problem of business. The shorter production, outsourcing of different activities and the product life cycles may become the interesting strategies in Supply Chain Management. These strategies are part of this process which allows different companies to focus on the comparative advantages and distinctive competencies incorporate process. With the help of this process, Corporate Social Responsibility recognized the firms and new strategies may introduce for the competitive advantages for business (Sangeetha, 2011). To develop Corporate Social Responsibility in Supply Chain Management the companies should develop trust and strong relations between their Supply Chain partners. Better Collaboration, Coordination, and Communication help to create new relationships between the stakeholders. A corporate should develop new relationships between its buyers and suppliers. These strategies may help to create the long-term benefits of Corporate Social Responsibility. 

The Supply Chain Management described by the Council of SCM as it is an integrating function whose primary responsibility is to link the business process with the major business functions. A typical Supply Chain is the information, network f materials, transformation, and the services which link to supply and demand.

 The main purpose of supply chain management is to supply the goods. To follow the ethical codes are the main and very effective and par of any business. The ethical issues are the most common one in supply chain perspectives. Professional ethics are quite different from personal ethics. It helps to maintain the prestige and reputation of any organization and corporation. Professional ethics designed to fulfill moral standards. These ethics developed by the law, common morality and market. Like many other organizations bank Muscat also has some ethics but they may face some ethical issue which is like to consider the most important and most perspective. During decision making the facts, some time may be neglected and ethical issues may harm by the authorities. Safety, health, and welfare of common people should be the topmost priorities of any organization but if we talk about the bank Muscat it affects business innovation and perception. Some time any organization has t take some necessary and effective actions which harm the trust of stakeholders. Another issue is the good care of your customers that may help to increase the goodw8ill of any organization. The positive attitude of employees and staff with their clients is another very serious and remarkable issue. Coordination and Communication help to create new relationships between the stakeholders. A corporate should develop new relationships between its buyers and suppliers. These are some of the many ethical issues which may affect directly the supply chain. Like ethical issues, every firm has also some environmental issues. Bank Muscat also has some environmental issues which may be faced in supply chain productivity. The first issue is energy and resource crises. These crises may take place due to some relevant aesthetics and competencies. The second issue is competencies or lack of skillful staff or employees. The bank Muscat faces many hurdles for this but the main and purposive effect of the corporate social responsibility program provides pieces of training and education to those who are less competent and ineffective. The next environmental issue is the human resource. This issue is very worst and it always effects on the corporative transparency. The human resource may consider the backbone of any organization but lack of inefficient or less educated human resources may lead to a great issue. The technological issue is supply chain management is also a very ineffective and negative feature. Through this, we cannot overcome the problem that helps to maintain it productively. Environmental issues throw a negative impact on supply chain management. For example, an organization faces any technical issue in the production area, it directly effects on the supply chain of goods. So good strategies and sharp steps may be taken before time to face these problems. Good supply chain management always ready to face these types of problems in their professional lives. These ethical and environmental issues are both very serious to maintain and understand but if we talk about the organizational strategies, there should be some effective strategies that help to maintain and reduce these issues.  Better Collaboration, Coordination, and Communication help to create new relationships between the stakeholders. A corporate should develop new relationships between its buyers and suppliers. The effective and sustainable supply chain includes the strong relationship between manufacturer, suppliers, and customers by connecting them in a very strong network (Golinska, 2012). Innovative and creative ideas help to maintain the balance between supply and demand. The necessary thing is that to do business without harming anyone ethically or environmentally. The creativity and active participation of employees help to increase productivity and it also lessens the chances of ethical, economic and environmental issues.

Task 3

Various enabling conditions for sustainable business under CSR                      

Sustainability is the term to protect the environment or to save the environment for future generations without harming the present generation. The term sustainable development become more popular these days. It has become more common in business practices nowadays.  Many corporate adopting green business strategies to protect natural resources. To protect the environment and resources for the well being of the future generation is the latest agenda all over the world. The sustainability maintains and creates those conditions which protect the nature for social harmony and to fulfill the environmental, social and moral needs of the present and future generation. The United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development presented a slogan of the Green Economy. The main purpose of this slogan was to protect the environment in every field of life. In the present world, the main priority of every country is to protect its natural resources by using different strategies and activities.

Like any other profession corporates also look forward to sustainable development and take some serious steps to run a sustainable business. The Bank Muscat also adopting some strategies which help to attain sustained business for the present and future. The organization train their employees and aware them about those steps which organization can take in for sustained future. For example number of employees get trained about sustained business. Energy and water are the most precious natural factors and without them, the survival of human beings may not be possible. Bank Muscat does many different steps to use less for more productivity. For example, energy faucets conversion, toilets, and lights are a great way to save water and energy. The customer prefers to work with those company which may protect the environment and less harm the ecology. To maintain the eco-friendly products and venders may help to increase the supply and demand in business. A company should introduce the recycling program to protect the environment. There are many different things in a corporation that can be recycled. These are ecteronic wires, papers, light bulbs, and other supplies. For example, Bank Muscat introduces the project of recycling and recycle their waste paper. For a better and sustained future, a company should do the proper disposal of projects. A company can use their venders to train its employees on the complete and proper use of chemical wastage.   

The Bank Muscat is a leading organization in Oman so, it holds a very perspective position to shape the socio-economic as well as the environmental condition of its sector. The Bank Muscat do many strategies for the sake of environmental and economic conditions of the customers. The Bank has its Sustainable Framework to lead a sustainable business for the future as well as the present needs. The factor or indicator is to support the humanitarian and social activities, charitable and events cause for serving the local communities. CSR is the main example of this factor. The Bank supports the continuous effort of sustainable development by indirectly or directly serve the economy, society, and environment. The Bank aims to develop such policies that serve humanity and also help to indicate the effectiveness of resources. The third indicator or factor of sustainability is recognition in the framework of the Bank. They encourage and motivate their employees and appreciate their voluntary efforts for the corporate. They promote the activities which directly involve in benefitting the environment, society, and economy. the development is another factor that helps to contribute to the fulfillment of communities and the society of Oman. To protect the environment and resources for the well being of the future generation is the latest agenda all over the world. The sustainability maintains and creates those conditions which protect the nature for social harmony and to fulfill the environmental, social and moral needs of the present and future generation. The bank introduced many implementing programs that serve the customers and all stakeholders. Bank Muscat developed a sustainability committee that over the sustainable development in the present and future programs. There are many senior members in the committee which develops the policies and rules for sustainability. The bank is run this program with the help of Corporate Social Responsibility CSR and sustainable committee or department and collaboration of their employees. This committee is working for the betterment of employees, investors, clients, and all the other stakeholders. The customer prefers to work with those company which may protect the environment and less harm the ecology. To maintain the eco-friendly products and venders may help t increase the supply and demand in business. A company should introduce the recycling program to protect the environment. The sustainability is avered integral and important part of any corporate culture nowadays. Through sustainability, we can also effectively use our human resources and also polish their skills. Literature indicates that if we provide anyone motivated and satisfied the atmosphere we can boost up their energy level for working. Proper and effective use of resources is also another part of sustainable development. We can meet our set sustainable goals and perspective if we use our resources wisely. Human and social resources are the main factor and backbone of any organization which helps to maintain the corporative task beneficially (Fagerstrom & Cunningham, 2017).        

The Bank Muscat initiated very serious steps to merge the Corporate Social Responsibility CSR to maintain sustainability in this process. The sports green movement of the bank promotes the environment and ecology of the region. It helps to maintain and develop the parks and fields for the betterment of sports as well as greenery. Social welfare is also a part to sustain the welfare of manpower. The bank helps to manage the corporative repetencies as well as the different conspiracies to manage the environment. Without sustainability no one wants to collaborate the bank so, this may protect and enhance the welfare of humanity.

References of the Corporate Social Responsibilities & Sustainability and Issues in Supply Chain Management

Archie, C., 2009. A History of Corporate Social Responsibility: Concepts and Practices. London: Oxford University Press.

Daily, M., 2018. Bank Muscat Makes Headway With Sustainable CSR Programmes. [Online].

Fagerstrom, A. & Cunningham, G., 2017. Sustainable enterprise theory: A good life for all. Research Gate, 4(12), pp. 50-62.

Gheraia, Z., Saadaoui, S. & Abdelli, H. A., 2019. Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility: Bridging the Concepts. Scientific Research, pp. 2020-2029.

Golinski, P., 2012. environmental issues in supply chain management: new trends and applications. Poland: s.n.

Sangeetha, 2011. Factors Influencing CSR Initiatives of the Banks in Oman: A Study Based on Stakeholders’ Perspective. Journal of Management Research.

Zhang, M., 2017. Improving supply chain social responsibility through supplier development. Journal of Production Planning & Control.