Discuss how and why a multinational food manufacturer might have corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a business objective.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Feb/Mar 2016). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [Level 5] Effective evaluation of the why and how of CSR in context (17-20 marks)
2. [Level 4] Limited evaluation and good analysis of the why and how of CSR in context (13-16 marks)
3. [Level 3] Analysis of the why and how of CSR in context (11-12 marks)
4. [Level 2] Limited analysis with application of the why and/or how of CSR in context (5-10 marks)
5. [Level 1] Understanding of CSR (1-4 marks)
6. Why: Company leadership may be committed to CSR – recognises need for accountability, not just to shareholders.
7. Why: Recognises opportunity to make an environmental and social impact.
8. Why: May be a defensive attitude – to preserve market position.
9. Why: May make good business sense – reduce costs and waste.
10. Why: It is in company mission statement.
11. How: Company structures – such as a Chief Sustainability Officer a Board of Directors' Social Responsibility Committee.
12. How: Company policies and protocols – guidelines for sourcing ingredients/suppliers.
13. How: Goals for reducing emissions, water use, energy use.
14. How: Supporting locations and farmers where grains grow.
15. How: Reviewing transport options to reduce carbon footprint.
16. How: Ensuring that CSR is in the company bloodstream/culture.
17. Level of evaluation will be influenced by the examples given of potential activities/organisation arrangements and the quality of the discussion of reasons for adopting a CSR approach.