Research Proposal: CSR Impact on Apple's Sustainable Development Case Study

Introduction: Apple's CSR Initiatives: Driving Sustainable Development

Background to the research

Corporate social responsibility is a model which assists the firm to be socially responsible for its brand reputation, stakeholders as well as public. Apple is a one of the largest technology company which includes Smartphone, tablets watches and many more products. Apple sources all of its capabilities globally with 100% renewable energy (Zaman, et al, 2022). The company has strong reputation for its environmental record which reduces the total power consumption and has been awarded with a clean energy manifestation. These initiatives align with the business culture and goals. This is very important for the firms to have social consciousness image. Various stakeholders prioritize corporate social responsibility when selecting a brand as they embrace companies responsible for social change with their practices as well as profits.

Research Aim and objectives

The aim of the study is to evaluate the impact of corporate social responsibility on Apple's sustainable development.

• To investigate the concept of corporate social responsibility and its significance
• To examine the impact of CSR in sustainable developments within Apple
• To identify challenges encountered by technology industry in adopting CSR programs

Research Questions

• What is the concept of CSR and its significance?
• What are the impact of CSR in sustainable developments within Apple?
• Which challenges encountered by technology industry in adopting CSR programs?

Rationale Of The Study

The reason of the study lies within CSR programs assist in forge a stronger bond among organization as well as employees by maintaining social responsibility within business and society. CSR helps the firm to attract customers by adopting management practices as well as consideration of project (Grover et al., 2019). These programs can also raise ethics and morale within the place of work. Firms that implement corporate social responsibility programs can boost their firm for the society.

Significance of The Study

Corporate social responsibility plays an important role in brands perceived by clients and investors to prioritize the goals of CSR a company has evaluated. Corporate social responsibility has evolved from the voluntary choices of firms to compulsory regulations at national as well as global levels. On the other hand many firms choose to go beyond the authority needs and embed the concept of improving their business with CSR programs. To make sure CRS realism the company can look at its business mission, values and major challenges to determine the best outcome.

Literature Review

According to the views of Tsalis et al, (2020) corporate social responsibility is a business idea or concept which describes a firm's commitment to its business in ethical manner. The company manages its business process by taking into consideration economic, social and environmental impacts. By engaging in social responsibility firm operates in such a manner that improves the society and environment rather than contributing unconstructiveness to them. This is a broad concept that can differ from company to company and industry. Customers are now becoming more aware of firms implementing CSR practices within business operations (Barauskaite and Streimikiene, 2021). As a firm engages within CSR initiatives are more favourable towards brand recognition. For firms looking to get an edge as well as do better than the markets, endorse corporate social responsibility strategies tends to enhance the approach investors feel concerning company as well as improve worth of the firm.

According to Giannetti et al., (2020) employees are more likely to stick around a firm that they trust in, this reduces staff turnover, disgruntled employees as well as total cost of new workers. On the other hand Latapí Agudelo et al., (2019) said that the firm regulating to corporate social responsibility practices can mitigate the risk by reducing trouble circumstances. This involves preventing adverse actions such as disregard of resources, discrimination among employees and unethical utilization of company funds. Corporate social responsibility strives to have optimistic impact on the globe through direct advantages to nature, society and economy in which a company operate. Firm might experience internal advantages through the programs. Along with this, members of the society might be likely to select to deal with firms that are implementing to make more positive impact through CSR in its business.

Grover et al, (2019) examined that corporate social responsibility plays a significant role within attaining sustainable growth. The firm has a social and ethical responsibility towards safeguarding the environment. In the recent times, ethical and social responsibility is been backed by regulations as well as rules. Many firms is concentrating in environment challenges for their corporate social responsibility actions. Corporate social responsibility initiatives achieve to voluntarily enhance the sustainability of a firm. These initiatives include both external and internal stakeholders on the foundation of industry tools and government policies. This also includes a range of clarity and effectiveness in minimizing carbon emissions. On the contradictory note Abbas (2020) said that factors of corporate legitimacy as well as the stress exerted by stakeholders, some firms use their CSR disclosure to account to show positive and good image that is known as greenwashing.

Barauskaite and Streimikiene, (2021) said that major challenge companies face when implementing CSR is the lack of transparency for measuring CSR initiatives. Such as various other business activities including marketing or finance there is no clear structure for CSR companies can follow. Companies often have to put into practice their own CSR programs and metrics which will be costly and time consuming. On the other hand, Bacinello et al., (2020) argued that it can be very challenging to evaluate thee successfulness of CSR programs as the effect of such programs is regularly tough and long term to enumerate.

Tien et al., (2020) mentioned in their study that one major challenge with corporate social responsibility is the lack of accountability as well as transparency. For the companies to be effective, it is essential for them to be honest and open about the business activities efforts. This means transparently disclosing data about their social, economic and environmental impacts as well as steps they are taking to handle any negative impacts. On the other hand, Amorelli et al. (2021) stated that many firms are not transparent regarding their corporate social responsibility efforts that can undermine faith and lead to scepticism regarding their responsibility to environmental and social accountability. To handle this challenge, firms can adopt robust CSR systems that offer detailed data about its CSR impacts and activities. They can also engage with various stakeholders to importune reviews and feedbacks on their efforts regarding to CSR programs.

Research Methodology

Research Type

Research type is a careful consideration o research related to particular topic using methods. There are generally two types of research methods which is qualitative and quantitative (Grover et al, 2019). Qualitative research type seeks to considerate a concept within the real world scenario by collecting first hand information through survey. On the other hand, quantitative research involves understand the casual relation among variable through statistical data and testing theories. In the present study on impact of corporate social responsibility on Apple's performance qualitative research methods has been used to gain in-depth examination by analyzing questions from survey participants.

Research Approach

A research approach is a process chosen by the investigator to analyse, evaluate, collect and interpret data (Okafor et al., 2021). There are of mainly two type of research approach which includes inductive and inductive approach. Deductive research begins with testing theories and hypothesis. On the contradictory note, inductive research is used for particular themes and patterns to conclude with new hypothesis. For the study on impact of CSR on apple's performance inductive research has been selected. This approach allows to identify trends with information and to reach logical solution regarding the research problem.

Research Philosophy

Research philosophy is a concept which guides the researcher in conducting the research based on thoughts regarding reality as well as nature of the study. There are generally two type of research philosophy that is positivism and interpretivism. Positivism philosophy tends to use large samples to provide objective, precise and quantitative data using testing hypothesis and statistical proof (Dhar et al., 2022). On the other hand, interpretivism philosophy aligns with the research design to gain deep knowledge about the context of the study and analyze behaviour of the problem. For the current study interpretvism, research philosophy has been selected to produce data in high validity by gathering data from survey.

Data Collection

Data collection is the procedure of analysing as well as collection of data on appropriate variables in a methodological manner to respond with test theories, research questions and outcomes (ElAlfy et al., 2020). Two types of data collection techniques include primary and secondary. For the current study on the impact of CSR practices on Apple's sustainable performance both primary as well as secondary data collection has been chosen. Primary data has been collected through survey technique to gain first hand information from the participants of the study. Secondary data has been collected from books, journals, articles as well as various other published sources.

Sampling

Sampling involves the selection of particular group of participants to gather data. In this study simple random sampling has been used by selecting 15 managers of Apple for analyzing the impact of CSR on sustainable developments and challenges they faced for implementing CSR in their business operations.

Data Analysis

Data analysis is the procedure used by the investigator to reduce data and analyze it to derive deep insight. This helps to reduce large amount of data into small fragments. Data analysis can be done through SPSS and thematic analysis (Zaman et al, 2022). For the study on CSR impact on Apple's performance thematic analysis has been chosen. Thematic analysis is a method to identify, analyze and interpret data in form of themes or patterns. This approach helps to researcher to determine accuracy and reliability o the data. This is used to identify themes with the patterns to analyze the data to accomplish the objectives.

Research Limitations

The major limitation of qualitative research methodology is that it is a time consuming process. Another issue is that it interpret personal data and experience with might take several months (Orazalin and Baydauletov, 2020). As it is a conducted through surveys, results cannot be verified. As the data collected is qualitative that is based on opinions and judgments rather than actual outcomes. Evaluation can be prepared as well as this can direct on the way to repetition, but for the most elements, quantitative data is necessary for situation which require numerical depiction that is not component of the qualitative research procedure.

Reliability and Validity

Validity and reliability in the study are two different concepts. Validity refers to calculate accuracy of the research. Reliability refers to the degree which provides result of a present study. Reliability is significant as it helps the researcher to measure the quality of the study. As an evaluation of a study tool, validity is the amount to which it essentially procedures what it is thought to determine.

Ethical Considerations

Ethical research involves a series of considerations and guidelines to make sure that all the data gathered is accurate (Abbas, 2020). To maintain the validity of the research all biases has been mitigated. Individuals or participants are not harmed throughout the research. Data protection and anonymity of the participants has been protected. To minimize the risk of data breach on secondary research, special consideration has given to reduce risk of anonymity.

Questionnaire

1. Does your staff have clarity on your firm's CSR mission?

1. Yes ()
2. No ()

2. What are the top challenges preventing your firm from implementing CSR objectives?

Cost

1. Legal challenges ()
2. Green-washing ()
3. Transparency ()
4. Others ()

3. How sure are you that your firm will accomplish its CSR objectives in upcoming years?

1. Extremely sure ()
2. Sure ()
3. Neutral ()
4. Not sure ()
5. Not confident at all ()

4. What are the major elements of your organization's CSR programs?

1. Data privacy ()
2. Carbon footprint mitigation ()
3. Workforce diversity ()
4. Artificial intelligence ()

5. What's your firm's motivation for CSR?

1. Company's value ()
2. Customer preference ()
3. Cost saving ()
4. Regulation ()

6. Do you believe you company's CSR programs positively impact well being of staff?

1. Very positive ()
2. Positive ()
3. Neutral ()
4. Negative ()
5. Very negative ()

7. Rate the company's CSR programs in engaging with stakeholders?

1. Extremely good ()
2. Good ()
3. Neutral ()
4. Fair ()
5. Poor ()

8. How much do you believe company's social responsibility links with overall mission and goals?

1. Agree ()
2. Strongly agree ()
3. Neutral ()
4. Strongly disagree ()
5. Disagree ()

9. How CSR programs help the company in enhancing brand reputation in the minds of customers?

1. Positive ()
2. Very positive ()
3. Neutral ()
4. Very negative ()
5. Negative ()

10. For greater clarity to the information which of the following practices Apple has set up?

1. Transparent information about goods ()
2. Supply chain control ()
3. Awareness of customers ()
4. Suppliers code of conduct ()

Anticipated Outcome

The research will expected to offer a deep insight into the impact of Apple's corporate social responsibility in development sustainability within the organization. The finding provides an overview of challenge faced by Apple in maintaining CSR practices within its business operations. Apple is extremely sure to implement CSR initiatives within upcoming years to grow at rapid pace. Apple major motivation is to increase its business value within market to gain competitive advantage. The findings evaluate Apple's corporate social responsibility having a positive impact of staff performance and help to attract talent personnel within organization. The study's outcome highlights company's overall mission and visions links with CSR practices. This also helps the company to maintain strong brand image and reputation in the mind of the both old as well as customers.

Reflect On The Effectiveness Of The Research Methods Used For This Research

Qualitative methods provides an in depth views and understanding to an evaluation on impact of CSR on company's performance. On the other hand, I have also realized that it is very useful to use qualitative data collection methods. Primary data has been gathered using survey from 15 managers of Apple which has provided useful information of impact of CSR on company's performance and sustainable management within information technology sector. The research questions are also designed to provide a deep insight on objectives of the study. As an outcome of comprehensive analysis the most faithful source of secondary data has been collected through books, annual reports of Apple, business analysis and financial statements (Singh and Misra, 2021). The selection of methods for conducting the survey has been guided through the reliability of the data analysis and its importance to the research problems. I have also demonstrated by personal as well as communication skills at a range of stages for completing the research report.

Research methodology is considered as a nerve of the research project. Me without preparing a proper plan could not able to complete the methodology and could not reach conclusion. The research was based on the survey by collecting appropriate data for finding the actual results and findings (Giannetti et al., 2020). Data analysis has been conducted through thematic analysis by making themes and pattern to provide an in depth information of the objective prepared. The type of cross sectional study is conducted through survey which has been taken out by me. The detail has been gathered through taking sample of managers of Apple regarding impact of CSR practices for maintaining sustainable development by engaging various stakeholders to contribute within the welfare of the company. Research methods has been carried out to investigate the idea of corporate social responsibility plays a significant role in society and impact on business decisions. Qualitative data has been gathered on operational changes an transformation within entire business strategy.

Recommend Alternative Research Methods

There are various methods that can be implemented within future research to improve the outcomes and findings.

• In depth interviews: This is a qualitative data collection method that provides an opportunity to provide rich image of people's perception of interviewee. Throughout this method researcher have the freedom to investigate and explore extra change and points of procedure when require. This will be helpful for the researcher to gain more data on impact of CSR on Apple's sustainable development by including managers and customers.
• Case studies: this involves the detailed analysis of particular subject which include place, event, person and group. Case studies are research design which involves qualitative methods for comparing, describing, evaluating as well as understanding the various aspects of research objective and problems. The researcher by investigating and analyzing various case studies of Apple and its competitors within information technology sector can carry out the research efficiently to gain more data and in depth information about the company's CSR practices.
• Focus group: these are type of qualitative research which provides more natural and nuanced feedbacks that individual survey. These are easier to implement than large scale surveys and observations. These provide researcher unfiltered responses on the impact of CSR on company's performance and sustainable developments by discussing with managers. For the directional information that will assist researcher to uncover new objectives and questions for future research thoughts.

Timeframe

Conclusion

In summing up, CSR can have an important impact on economic, social and environmental advantages of the company. The company by attracting investment, enhancing the environment, mitigating risks as well as creating a more sustainable atmosphere can assist in promoting growth of the company. The company implementing CSR can gain positive brand image, enhance customer loyalty and attract talent employees. These elements are among key factors in accomplishing improved long term as well as productivity for financial achievement. Apple as one of the global enterprise is focusing on achieving net zero carbon impacts on corporate emissions and also improving the longevity and durability of its goods. The company is also focusing on the supply chain to maintain strong brand image for long term success.

CSR assists the company to adopt sustainable practices that have enormous impact on the atmosphere and society. This also promote ethical and moral practices within business operation by adhering to social standards, responsible marketing, fair labour practices ass well as mitigating unethical programs such as corruption. Corporate social responsibility also assists to enhance the brand reputation of the company. The Apple by being socially accountable can distinguish themselves from various competitors and build up a strong brand image. This can outcome in enhanced customers faith and financial performance.

References

Books and Journals

• Abbas, J., 2020. Impact of total quality management on corporate green performance through the mediating role of corporate social responsibility. Journal of Cleaner Production, 242, p.118458.
• Amorelli, M.F. and García?Sánchez, I.M., 2021. Trends in the dynamic evolution of board gender diversity and corporate social responsibility. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 28(2), pp.537-554.
• Bacinello, E., Tontini, G. and Alberton, A., 2020. Influence of maturity on corporate social responsibility and sustainable innovation in business performance. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 27(2), pp.749-759.
• Barauskaite, G. and Streimikiene, D., 2021. Corporate social responsibility and financial performance of companies: The puzzle of concepts, definitions and assessment methods. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 28(1), pp.278-287.
• Barauskaite, G. and Streimikiene, D., 2021. Corporate social responsibility and financial performance of companies: The puzzle of concepts, definitions and assessment methods. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 28(1), pp.278-287.
• Dhar, B.K., Sarkar, S.M. and Ayittey, F.K., 2022. Impact of social responsibility disclosure between implementation of green accounting and sustainable development: A study on heavily polluting companies in Bangladesh. Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, 29(1), pp.71-78.
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• Latapí Agudelo, M.A., Jóhannsdóttir, L. and Davídsdóttir, B., 2019. A literature review of the history and evolution of corporate social responsibility. International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility, 4(1), pp.1-23.
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• Zaman, R., Jain, T., Samara, G. and Jamali, D., 2022. Corporate governance meets corporate social responsibility: Mapping the interface. Business & Society, 61(3), pp.690-752.