How to choose a consultant in Corporate Social Responsibility (C.S.R.)?
Demands create markets and vice versa.
Nowadays, not least due to public demand there is significant incentive for companies to become more socially responsible (or, at the very least, to be perceived as such).
Numerous companies and individuals offer Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) services and choosing the right one can be tricky.
Forbes has published a list hints to look out for.[1]
The article may be seven years old already but has lost none of its pertinence.
1. Depth and breadth of experience
The question you should ask a potential CSR consultant is not only “Have you done this before?” but also
“Have you done this in different contexts?”
This will tell you whether the consultant in question will be intellectually flexible enough to adapt to the particularities of your situation.
2. Passion and inspiration
Being passionate and inspiring about what you do is the golden cow to dance around and while a passionate attitude can lead to extraordinary results it is by no way a guarantee.
A healthy mixture of attitude and track record is what to look out for.
3. Diversity
Whether your decision to implement CSR in your organisation stems from conviction or just a grudging acceptance of realities — seek a consulting company that is diverse in itself.
A broad range of perspectives is the best basis for informed decisions.
4. Other expertise
Look out for companies who have got practical and technical expertise in other fields as well.
If you are looking into CSR for your company look for a consultant who has got expertise in closely related fields such as green technology or environmental legislation as well.
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[1] https://www.forbes.com/sites/csr/2013/02/19/6-criteria-for-selecting-a-csr-consultant/
