A Fortune 500 Company Establishes Community Relations Model for
Global Operations
ISSUE
In the world of corporate America, corporate social responsibility is business sustainability. For one of HDA's Fortune 500 company clients, the measure of success in this area is being listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Index, a mechanism created to track the performance of the world's largest companies in terms of corporate sustainability. The company was not even listed on the index when HDA was engaged. The client had manufacturing and sales operations across the globe and many had advanced community relations programs; however, there was no mechanism in place for sites to capture and report activities completed.
APPROACH
Poll site leadership across the country on best practice community relations activities. Based on these discussions and HDA's experience, a base level of engagement activities was established for sites globally. These activities were required but additional activities were developed on a site-by-site basis based on their respective resources and community needs. Three select nonprofit organizations, with missions aligned to company values, were designated and matching funds were provided for sites to dedicate in their local communities.
RESULTS
The company's new community relations program was implemented globally and in addition to the employee retention and community goodwill benefits, the investment resulted in the company being listed on both the Dow Jones Sustainability World Index and North America Index the following year.