Employee integration in CSR in the cement industry: inclusivity andits limits

Abstract

Within the Australian cement industry, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a critical concern due to the need for environmental sustainability and the emphasis on economic survival. As a component of corporate governance, CSR involves multiple stakeholders and layers of decision-making. Employees are integral to this process but are often omitted from research and debate on this contemporary topic. This article explores the perceptions and experiences of employees in the context of CSR in an Australian cement manufacturing plant. It focuses on the broader application of CSR in this corporate context and the perceptions of employees as to their understanding of CSR and how it impacts their experiences of work. This exploration can provide insight into the role of employees in CSR decision-making and the limits to their inclusivity in this important process.

Keywords:

• corporate social responsibility
• employees
• perceptions and experiences
• cement industry

Notes

1. Interview with HR Manager; BuildingCo Purpose and Values.

2. BuildingCo Purpose and Values; BuildingCo in the News, Issue 1, 2011.

3. BuildingCo (2010a).

4. BuildingCo participates in Carbon Disclosure Project, Corporate Responsibility Index, FTSE4Good and DJSI.

5. Interview with Employee 1; Interview with Employee 3; Interview with Employee 4.

6. Interview with Employee 3.

7. Interview with HR Manager.

8. Interview with HR Manager.

9. BuildingCo Health and Safety Best Practice Guide; BuildingCo (2010a).

10. AS4801–Occupational Health and Safety management systems-Specification with guidance for use; AS4804–Occupational Health and Safety Management systems-General guidelines on principles, systems and supporting techniques.

11. Interview with HR Manager.

12. BuildingCo Wellbeing and Assistance Policy.

13. BuildingCo Drugs and Alcohol Policy; BuildingCo (2010a).

14. BuildingCo (2010a).

15. Interview with HR Manager; Interview with Line Manager 2; Interview with Employee 2; Interview with Employee 3.

16. Interview with Line Manager 3.

17. Interview with Employee 4.

18. Interview with Employee 3.

19. Interview with Line Manager 3.

20. BuildingCo (2010b).

21. BuildingCo Environmental Policy; BuildingCo (2010a).

22. BuildingCo Environmental Policy.

23. BuildingCo (2010a).

24. See www.cdproject.net

25. BuildingCo (2010a).

26. See www.ecobuy.org.au

27. Interview with Employee 1.

28. Interview with Employee 3.

29. Interview with Employee 3.

30. Interview with Employee 3.

31. Interview with Employee 4.

32. Interview with HR Manager.

33. BuildingCo (2010a).

34. Interview with Line Manager 1.

35. Interview with Employee 5.

36. Interview with Employee 1.

37. Interview with Employee 2.

38. Interview with Employee 1.

39. Interview with Employee 1.

40. Interview with Employee 3.

41. Interview with Employee 1.

42. Interview with Employee 2.

43. Interview with Union Delegate.