What the Beijing Olympic sponsors say about CSR

Clare 8 May 2008, 03:59PM

Here’s a rundown what some of the corporate sponsors of the Beijing Olympics have said about human rights and the Olympics. There are also extracts and links to their corporate social responsibility policies.

Coca Cola’s corporate social responsibility polices say:

“Our business depends on the health of the communities we serve. Our communities thrive on the sustainability of our business. It’s not just corporate responsibility. It’s doing the right thing. We aim to be integrally and functionally part of every community in which we operate.”

Publicly the company has said:

“We believe dropping out of the torch relay or using the event to put political pressure on China would erode the ability of the Olympic Games to make a contribution to lasting change in China and its relationship to the rest of the world.”

Johnson and Johnson’s corporate social responsibility policies say:

“Our corporate giving is inspired by Our Credo responsibility to the communities in which we live and work, and to the world community as well. Our primary focus is on making life-changing, long-term differences in human health by targeting the world's major health-related issues. We will fulfill this, and other philanthropic efforts, through community-based partnerships.”

Publicly the company has said:

“Johnson & Johnson is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people around the world. We do that best by developing products that help people live healthier lives.”

Lenovo’s corporate social responsibility policies say:

“Lenovo is committed to the highest standards of integrity and responsibility when working with all stakeholders. Just as Lenovo is dedicated to providing innovative technologies, the company is equally devoted to ensuring that its products, employees, sites and suppliers are following the commitments it has made to socially responsible business practices.”

Publicly the company has said:

“The situation involves a longstanding dispute and political forces beyond the control of Olympic sponsors, and it would exist even in the absence of the Olympic Games. It is not the role of Olympic sponsors to advise any government on political policy.”

McDonalds’ corporate social responsibility policies say:

“We believe in openness, in operating our business with honesty and integrity, and in holding ourselves to high ethical standards… So not only do we have a responsibility to our customers and our communities and our own business model, we have some accountability and responsibility to the rest of the industry.”

Publicly the company has said:

“Regarding Tibet, our focus continues to remain on the Games and the athletes, and we hope that a peaceful resolution can be reached for all parties concerned.”

Samsung’s (South Korea) corporate social responsibility policies say:

“Our management philosophy represents our strong determination to contribute directly to the prosperity of people all over the world. We believe that the success of our contributions to society and to the mutual prosperity of people across national boundaries truly depends on how we manage our company.”

Publicly the company has said:

“We believe the Olympic Games are not the place for demonstrations and we hope that all people attending the Games recognize the importance of this.”

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