Australia's 1st Survey on the Role of the CSR Manager
7 November 2007 at 1:59 pm
New Australian research suggests that the CSR job market could grow by up to a third in the next 12 months, placing this small but rapidly growing management function firmly on the corporate map.
The research comes from the Australian Centre for Corporate Social Responsibility (ACCSR) in Australia’s first survey on the role of the CSR Manager.
The survey was based on 181 responses of people currently working in or seeking to work in CSR. It is the first survey to examine the key demographics of people working in CSR in Australia; and includes information on the CSR Manager’s work environment, job activities, pathways into CSR, remuneration and benefits, and support structures.
The report shows a rapidly-growing field of highly committed senior managers who use their corporate jobs to help make lasting positive impacts on society and the environment.
ACCSR says the results suggest that at least 60 new CSR jobs will be created in more than 35 organisations in the coming year.
Highlights of the research include:
-At least two-thirds of people working in CSR are in their first CSR role and half of them were internal appointments
– Most CSR employees have senior roles: 80% are employed at manager or above level
– Two-thirds of CSR managers are women
– Approximately one-third has a higher degree and over 90% are university educated
– The median salary for CSR managers is $80-100,000
– Lack of support from other senior managers is the biggest obstacle to success for CSR managers
One question about CSR activities undertaken by organisations was asked in an earlier ACCSR survey of CSR learning needs. Changes to the percentage of organisations undertaking various CSR activities between 2005 and 2007 show the increasingly strategic focus of the CSR function: the proportion of organisations
undertaking employee or external stakeholder engagement activities has increased while the proportion of organisations citing philanthropy as one of their major CSR activities has fallen.
ACCSR Managing Director, Dr Leeora Black says the research findings have implications for human resources managers and recruitment consultants seeking to attract the best candidates for the ever-growing number of new jobs in CSR.
She says the results also have implications for senior managers and heads of functions who need to understand both the contribution of this new profession to the success of business, and how to work with CSR managers.
The full PDF report can be downloaded at http://www.accsr.com.au/pdf/ACCSR_Research_Report_CSR_Managers.pdf
