Evaluate recent trends in the ethical considerations and social responsibilities of multinational companies. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a concept whereby organizations consider the well-being of the public by taking responsibility for the effects of their actions on all stakeholders; customers, employees, shareholders, communities and the environment in every aspect of their operations. This responsibility is believed to extend beyond the statutory obligation to comply with legislation and sees organizations voluntarily taking further steps to improve the quality of life of employees and their families, as well as the local community and wider society. The role of CSR has become has increased dramatically over several years due to an influx of social awareness from the general public and also the government. The demand for more ethical business processes and actions, known as ethics, is increasing. At the same time, pressure is being put on the industry to improve corporate ethics through new public initiatives and legislation. The recent trend has seen an increase in the number of CSR reports submitted from 2002 to 2005. In 2005, 52% of G250 companies and 22% of N100 companies published reports.[1] The practice of CSR is an area of ​​much discussion and criticism. Some argue that there is strong business interest in CSR, as companies benefit in multiple ways by operating with a broader perspective than simply making an immediate, short-term profit. However, critics argue that CSR can distract from the basic economic function of businesses, while others argue that it is nothing more than superficial window dressing. One of the latest and most important trends in CSR is the move towards fair trade. The Fairtrade Four...... half of the document ...... International Business Report (2008). Corporate Social Responsibility: A Necessity, Not a Choice, Grant Thornton. http://www.internationalbusinessreport.com/Reports/Focus-reports/Corporate-Social-Responsibility.aspThilmany, J. 2007. “Supporting Ethical Employees.” HR Magazine, Vol. 52, n.2, September 2007, pp.105-110.[pic] ] [photo] [photo] [photo] [photo] [photo] [photo] [photo] [photo] ------- ---------------- -[1] Http://www.edis.org/go/display/?id=19513&type=documnet[2] http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/what_is_fairtrade/facts_and_figures.aspx[3] http:// /www.thecostafoundation.org/[4] http://www.hsbc.com/1/2/corporate- responsibility[5] http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4071503. stm[6] http://www.hsbc.co.uk/1/2/personal/green;jsessionid=0000-qUBdkGB4XMrfsR0hffGgua:12ntf0lqs[7] http://ihscslnews.org/view_article.php?id=32