At the heart of any strategy is a unique value proposition: a set of needs a company can meet for its chosen customers that other cannot. The most the strategic CSR occur company adds a social dimension to its value position, making social impact integral to the overall strategy.
Consider whole foods market, whose value proposition is to sell organic, natural, and healthy food products to customers who are passionate about food and the environment. Social issues are fundamental to what makes Whole Foods unique in food retailing and to its ability to command premium prices. The company sourcing emphasizes purchases from local farmers though each store’s procurement process. Buyers screen out foods containing any of nearly 100 common