Global principles – local partnership are integral

Different businesses in different sectors inevitably put emphasis
on different aspects of CSR. For example, a natural resource
business may emphasize community engagement, whereas, a
retailer may focus on supply chain management. As our dialogues
demonstrate, different societies around the world have varying
expectations and cultures. This means that universal codes – the
“one-size-fits-all”– approach, may not provide the answer.
We believe that companies should declare their own values and
talk them through in open and transparent dialogue with those
who have a stake in, or are affected by, their operations – whether
they be central and local governments, IGOs, NGOs or local
communities. External codes, guidelines or principles can provide
a helpful backdrop or alignment, but there is no substitute for
internal judgement as to what constitutes a constructive and
practical partnership. Dialogue and understanding can lead to
useful partnerships, based upon a clear appreciation of each
other’s expectations.
Source:wbcsd