Introduction

The PBN Company | Corporate Social Responsiblity

The idea of corporate social responsibility (CSR) had just gained a foothold in Russian and CIS business circles when the global economic downturn dealt a blow to CSR programs around the world. Until that point, increasingly globalized perspectives and cooperation with Western businesses had helped to shape CSR development in Russia, spurring Russian enterprises to adopt international standards and practices, as well as to provide the transparency demanded by their international investors and customers. Many Russian companies came to acknowledge the importance of sustainable and environmentally friendly business practices.

In the wake of the global recession, the main hindrance to CSR development in Russia and the CIS is the cost of such programs. Even so, the ongoing need to upgrade Soviet-era infrastructure and modernize a resource-dependent economy in environmentally safe and efficient ways ensures that CSR remains a topic of interest in the region. The understanding and execution of CSR initiatives, however, varies geographically. In Ukraine, CSR is generally understood as the development of social programs, community charity initiatives and staff development, as well as the development of ethical relationships with clients. In Kazakhstan, the concept of CSR has yet to take hold, particularly among smaller domestic companies.

As the world make strides toward economic recovery, more and more companies in Russia and the CIS are focusing on the future and considering the importance of CSR in creating a positive public image and building customer loyalty.

The PBN Company is an acknowledged expert in designing, implementing and supporting CSR programs in Russia and the CIS. We have created strategic plans to assist corporations in achieving and measuring their CSR goals; provided pro bono media relations support to nonprofit organizations in pursuit of their CSR objectives; and helped to build relationships between key stakeholders at nonprofit organizations, for-profit corporations and government entities.