Corporate Social Responsibility means different things to different companies. For some, it means donations of time, resources and talent without the expectation of gain, like TOMS initiative in donating a pair of shoes for every pair they sell. For others, it means taking responsibility for economic, social and environmental development, like Johnson & Johnson’s initiative harnessing the wind to provide safe water to communities worldwide.

For a long time in Nigeria, the spotlight of Corporate Social Responsibility was placed on oil companies due to the adverse effects of its operations on the populace. However, as the years have gone by, the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility across board has become evident.

CSR – when done correctly, is of tremendous benefit. Like Coca-cola, companies who perform corporate social responsibility have shown that it caused an improvement in their financial performances. This is because many people, especially millennials and GenZs, feel they are contributing their quota to the development of society when they use a product or service that is socially responsible. The other angle to this is that companies who adopt sustainable approaches, like FedEx, have shown that in the long run, they save cost.

Added to the benefit of increased financial performance is an improvement in brand image. Studies have shown that Consumers purchase intention is 60% influenced by their perception of the company. This means that effective CSR can have a significant impact on sales.

However, launching and managing an effective CSR campaign – especially in Nigeria requires insight, creativity and experience, which is where a CSR Consulting Agency comes in.

Engaging a CSR Consulting Agency in Nigeria helps your organization explore the wide range of CSR initiatives, choose what resonates best with your organization and still stay within the ambit of the legislations that guide Corporate Social Responsibility in Nigeria.

Going the agency route also saves you time and energy. It also helps you fulfil all obligations required by law while still portraying your brand or business in a positive light.

So, whether you’re just starting on your CSR journey or implementing a successful and existing programme, employing the services of a CSR Consulting Agency is undoubtedly a step in the right direction.