Assessment

Word Limits: 1,500 words

Task

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been identified as an integral part of company operations, although media reports show that many firms are struggling with practical application. You have been asked to conduct a CSR audit for a company that has had negative publicity in recent years. In your capacity as a communications auditor, report to the firm's management in 1,500 words.

1. Provide details of your 'scope of engagement' (i.e. what exactly were you instructed to do).

2. Critically analyse the current understanding of CSR, referring to academic literature and industry standards.

3. Examine your client's CSR commitment through carrying out the following investigation:

• Identify the CSR claims embedded in the firm's vision and strategic documents.

• Are these claims measurable (i.e. are the actions arising from them fully integrated into the firm's governance and performance documents)?

• Can the firm demonstrate the positive impact of its CSR policy?

4. Clearly identify discrepancies between communicated intention and corporate practice.

5. Make recommendations.

6. Acknowledge sources and provide a reference list.

Rationale

This assessment brings together learning from modules 1-4 and allows you to clarify your understanding of complexity of communication.

Criteria

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) A superior analysis of CSR, and how it may challenge firms through internal and external pressures. An insightful analysis of CSR with reference to challenges faced by firms. CSR has been analysed in some depth. CSR has been satisfactorily discussed. Minimal discussion; or evidence of confusion.

Audit A thorough and detailed audit has been carried out; options have been offered for identified challenges, taking into account internal and external environmental pressures.

A thorough and detailed audit has been carried out; options have been offered for identified challenges. A detailed audit has been carried out; a range of challenges have been highlighted and analysed; recommendations reflect the complex nature of CSR. A satisfactory audit has been carried out; a range of appropriate recommendations have been made and sufficiently justified. Insufficient number of statements are covered, or task has been misunderstood. Minimal or no recommendations have been made.

Report format Format and executive summary are appropriate. Format and executive summary are appropriate. Format and executive summary are appropriate. Format and executive summary are appropriate. Format is inappropriate; there is no executive summary.

Grammar and Syntax Errors are rare - paper reflects a high degree of language skills. Occasional errors only - overall paper is of high quality. Some errors - no significant effect on communication. Errors are frequent but only occasionally hinder communication. Error density hinders communication.

Citing and referencing Citing and referencing is appropriate. Citing and referencing is appropriate. Citing and referencing is appropriate. Citing and referencing is adequate, with some errors. Citing and referencing is inappropriate or missing.

Presentation

Present this paper in full report format. Include an Executive Summary and a Table of Contents. Length (without executive summary, table of contents and reference list) 1,500 words.