Vietnamese enterprises have failed to implement effective corporatesocial responsibility projects in a strategic way to create long-termsocial benefits and improve their reputations, a study revealed onDecember 6.
The study was jointly conducted by the Centrefor Community Support and Development Studies (CECODES), the AsiaFoundation and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).
Ofthe 516 Vietnamese enterprises surveyed in Hanoi, Da Nang and HoChi Minh City last year, more than 390 understood their socialresponsibility and invested 113 billion VND (5.3 million USD) and 19,500man hours.
However, for many, giving is an ad-hoc, short-term activity.
DangHoang Giang of the CECODES said that in western countries, corporateresponsibility is a way to bolster the reputation of enterprises, butthis thinking seems to be absent among Vietnamese firms.
"Givingis not considered a part of business," Giang said. "Many enterprises doit randomly, such as supporting flood victims or distributing NewYear's gifts to the poor."
He cited the HCM City-based HoaSen Group as an example. In May, the group brought Nick Vicijic, anAustralian disabled motivational speaker, to Vietnam. The event waswidely publicised across the country and put the company in the mediaspotlight. However, according to the group's representative, it wastotally unplanned.
Many activities were also half-hearted, he said.
Accordingto the study, only 15 percent of enterprises conducted socialresponsibility projects to enhance their reputation and image, while therest said they had no business agenda.
They also failed toevaluate the results of their contributions, and as a result, few hadsustainable plans in place. One third of the enterprises surveyed didnot have corporate responsibility plans for next year.
Accordingto Giang, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should work withenterprises to plan and implement strategic corporate responsibilityinitiatives. However, only 9 percent of businesses said they hadcooperated with NGOs because they were unsure of their roles ortrustworthiness.
Pham Chi Lan, former vice chairwoman ofthe VCCI, said the practice of giving among enterprises is unpopularbecause some doubt their cash will reach those it was intended for.Others worried about the media and public opinion, wanted theircontributions to remain anonymous.
She said to boost socialresponsibility efforts the State should form a policy to incorporate itinto business activities. Reports on corporate social responsibilityshould also be made available to help connect enterprises and those whoneed help.-VNA
The study was jointly conducted by the Centrefor Community Support and Development Studies (CECODES), the AsiaFoundation and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).
Ofthe 516 Vietnamese enterprises surveyed in Hanoi, Da Nang and HoChi Minh City last year, more than 390 understood their socialresponsibility and invested 113 billion VND (5.3 million USD) and 19,500man hours.
However, for many, giving is an ad-hoc, short-term activity.
DangHoang Giang of the CECODES said that in western countries, corporateresponsibility is a way to bolster the reputation of enterprises, butthis thinking seems to be absent among Vietnamese firms.
"Givingis not considered a part of business," Giang said. "Many enterprises doit randomly, such as supporting flood victims or distributing NewYear's gifts to the poor."
He cited the HCM City-based HoaSen Group as an example. In May, the group brought Nick Vicijic, anAustralian disabled motivational speaker, to Vietnam. The event waswidely publicised across the country and put the company in the mediaspotlight. However, according to the group's representative, it wastotally unplanned.
Many activities were also half-hearted, he said.
Accordingto the study, only 15 percent of enterprises conducted socialresponsibility projects to enhance their reputation and image, while therest said they had no business agenda.
They also failed toevaluate the results of their contributions, and as a result, few hadsustainable plans in place. One third of the enterprises surveyed didnot have corporate responsibility plans for next year.
Accordingto Giang, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) should work withenterprises to plan and implement strategic corporate responsibilityinitiatives. However, only 9 percent of businesses said they hadcooperated with NGOs because they were unsure of their roles ortrustworthiness.
Pham Chi Lan, former vice chairwoman ofthe VCCI, said the practice of giving among enterprises is unpopularbecause some doubt their cash will reach those it was intended for.Others worried about the media and public opinion, wanted theircontributions to remain anonymous.
She said to boost socialresponsibility efforts the State should form a policy to incorporate itinto business activities. Reports on corporate social responsibilityshould also be made available to help connect enterprises and those whoneed help.-VNA
