How is a business's social responsibility measured?

Since this is not my area of expertise, I searched Google under the key words "'social responsibility' business measure" to get these possible sources:

http://www.mhcinternational.com/measurement.htm
http://www.business-ethics.com/100best.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_social_responsibility
http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:yebWIt3X-8UJ:www.corporate-citizenship.co.uk/publications/download2.doc+%22social+responsibility%22+business+measure&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=8&client=safari
(Broken Link Removed)

I hope this helps. Thanks for asking.

A business's social responsibility can be measured using various indicators and metrics. Here are a few common approaches:

1. Stakeholder Engagement: Measure the level of involvement and satisfaction of key stakeholders such as customers, employees, suppliers, and local communities. This can be done through surveys, interviews, or focus groups.

2. Environmental Impact: Assess the company's impact on the environment, such as greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, waste generation, and resource depletion. This can be measured using industry standards, environmental management systems, or third-party certifications.

3. Philanthropy and Community Investment: Evaluate the company's contributions to social causes, charities, and community development projects. This can be measured by the amount of financial donations, employee volunteer hours, or partnerships with non-profit organizations.

4. Ethical Business Practices: Assess the company's adherence to ethical standards, such as fair trade, anti-corruption, human rights, and labor rights. This can be evaluated through audits, certifications, or adherence to international guidelines.

5. Transparency and Reporting: Evaluate the company's transparency in communicating its social and environmental impacts. This includes publishing regular sustainability reports, disclosing key performance indicators, and engaging in external verification processes.

It's important to note that there is no standardized measurement tool for social responsibility, as it can vary based on the industry, company size, and specific goals. Additionally, businesses can choose to focus on different aspects of social responsibility based on their values and priorities.