The Era of Corporate Social Responsibility is Ending | Rachel Hutchisson | TEDxWilmington

Rachel Hutchisson's talk is about why the end of Corporate Social Responsibility is A GOOD THING. Why is it a good thing? Because it will be replaced, by "Human Social Responsibility."
Hutchisson outlines why the phrase Corporate Social Responsibility is so problematic, before offering her advice to businesses of all sizes in how to identify and operate a successful program. The key? Listening and empowering the workers of the business, and listening to your community. Hutchisson ends her talk with a call to leadership -- Keep the HUMANS central.


Rachel Hutchisson is VP of Corporate Citizenship & Philanthropy at Blackbaud (NASDAQ: BLKB), responsible for global corporate social responsibility, leading the company’s 3,200 associates in efforts to serve and give professionally and personally. Rachel brings experience in marketing, brand communications, corporate culture and strategic relationships to her role. She built Blackbaud’s CSR program from the ground up, leveraging her deep experience working at the intersection of business and nonprofits. Rachel is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Dickinson College and holds a Master’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri. Rachel serves on the Board of Directors of the Giving Institute (Giving USA), the Giving Back Fund, AFP International, Learning to Give and the Coastal Community Foundation.

[supbhang]

CSR is not about how the profits are used (i.e. how/what to give back), but how the profits are generated.

[pierremauboussin]

Just about the most amazing combination of cliches I've ever heard. This is the kind of person who rises to the top of our society because she is great about mouthing all kinds of pieties regarding social responsibility while the corporate world ruthlessly downsizes, outsources, and legally and illegally brings in more immigrants to lower wages. Of course they like to talk about "going green" or "being sustainable" because they want you to feel good about them even as you can't pay your rent. All these pieties are a new sacred host that is supposed to salve your hunger even as your belly rumbles.

[Kiwi-cncg]

Wonderful talk, inspiring! "Good is for everyone. People are at the heart of every organization. We walk in to work as a complete person."

[cossypun]

Five minute mark, I just couldn't handle it. Luckily I was multitasking the entire time.

[tronicdude]

Everything she said was fluff. Literally nothing of substance was said...

[cynthiahawkins]

I am now 71. Retired from the 9-5 world. During my working life - Volunteer commitments for years in ESL, community food programs, adopt-a-school-library, textile recycling, etc...So it goes without saying I continue to hold a particular focus. Now, a small legacy these past two years from my Dad, has sparked a desire to take this one step further, in a way I was unable to do before: begin SRI. You should see the looks I get! As if I am a demented old lady, missing some critical nuts and bolts. Not only tiresome for me. But, erroneous, judgemental. And, such a waste! Oh, I plan to ignore the naysayers, do my homework, and forge ahead.

[kizza]

CSR is all about "giving back"? I feel is should be more about "taking less" in the first place.

[liz_lemon]

I'm not sure if she understood what corporate social responsibility stands for. She's the VP of Corporate Citizenship & Philanthropy. Those two things are very very much outdated to count as CSR.
From someone who has more than a decade of experience in that field it's not a good TED talk.
She talks about one specific element of CSR: corporate volunteering (I think). Shifting a corporate responsibility to the employees is a poor move.

[frankgodeschalk]

Sounds wonderful: human social responsibility... but is it really? Corporations are still at the core of many global issues related to pollution of our environment and exploitation of both natural resources and (vulnerable) workers. These Multi National Corporations can shop for cheap labor and more lenient laws or enforcement. Small and Medium Size Enterprise most often can not shop around like MNC's. So please: be good as a human, do good and be involved in your community. But let's not forget the responsibility of corporations, who have a much lager footprint, maybe outside our communities: in cheap labor countries and weak states who sell commodities for the better of a small elite (and not for the good of the people).

[Ducko_bro]

It is essential to put the point of view from our side, human side. Big thanks to remind us cause that really matters.

[sreembit]

Its a partnership that we have to move to.. Those on the ground have a better idea of what's happening.. People-Planet-Product

[Rob-edzk]

I think business should do both CSR and human social responsiblity.

[VoiceForDogs]

The content of this speech is arguable. CSR is not an ending concept though its moving for corporate social entrepreneurship, social intrapreneurship and corporate social value creation. Corporations also have responsibilities as humans since they have legal personality. Most importantly, it is being legalized and considered as strict compliances in several countries; and standing beyond the philanthropic aspect.

[baribabe]

Anyone else thinking about George Carlin's piece about Soft Language right about now?

[kalabhavanatatter]

Makes so much common good sense. Good idea, worth sharing. 👍

[iamnoone]

About as meaningful as the failed Pespi ad.

[drivenhome]

Her confession was a statement.
I like the way she "plugs" in her Prius.

CSR is being abused and manipulative towards profits.
I need an extra 15.00 a week for cashiers asking for a dollar for this and that fundraiser.
Also puts an unethical pressure on all the cashiers who don't have the time to explain the purpose. It's driven with speed and guilt. That's unethical... that's not good for everyone.

[elisaumoso]

but sometimes, corporations do CSR as a means to avoid taxes..and oh yesCSR is not always giving or sharing profits, , or returning to society/clientele a portion of your profits....Simply following the laws like labor laws and standards is CSR..you start with your employees..respect their rights, give whats due them then together share the responsibility of giving..

[barci]

I am very new to CSR. in fact, i just came here to know what it is.After watching this video i am confuse. I am an Anthropology post graduate and i was thinking of taking up CSR because i care a lot about sustainability. Can someone help me with making some career decisions?

[chickensalad]

maybe define the term CSR first at the beginning??