Image of “Corporate Social Responsibility” Considered by Students

Abstract

Recently, the word, “Corporate Social Responsibility” (henceforth referred to as “CSR”), has become a common phrase in newspapers and on TV. Therefore, the author has surveyed the image of CSR considered by students.

Consequently, only 6.6% of university students could explain the word, “CSR”. When asked abut what their image of CSR was, examples such as “not doing injustice”, “giving support during times of disaster,” or “protecting the environment” etc. were often given.

The following results were obtained: 5.0% of the students had both heard and knew the contents of the word; 12.5% had heard the word and knew the meaning but did not know the contents; 33.0% had heard the word but did not know the meaning; 49.5% had not heard the word before. In addition, it was found that university students, particularly in regards to the medical and cosmetic industries, desire products of value or service offers and social action; however, according to the results there were few desires in regards to trading companies. In the future, CSR needs to be taught at educational institutions. On top of understanding the meaning of CSR, we must aim to increase the number of youth who can propose what to do about it.

As the results of these surveys, we must teach CSR to students in educational facilities. Also, they should leam many concrete examples from companies in order to practice CSR in their immediate circle. The young need to consider CSR because they are consumers and they will be members of companies.