Memo to the Ceo

Memo to the CEO: CSR in Morocco

To: The CEO of Procter & Gamble.

From: M’Barek Jamal - Morocco country director.

Subject: Corporate social responsibility in Morocco.

During our last month’s Visio conference, you affirmed that our organization and business units must be much more in harmony with CSR practices in every country we operate in. In this memo, I’d like to provide a brief insight into the state of CSR in Morocco.

Mapping the CSR:

First, and as it is very known, Moroccans generally pay little attention to CSR. As a result, only few firms are socially involved in the kingdom of Morocco, that is in the midpoint in scale of its development (HDI ranked: 130 out of 187 in 2013).

Many of those companies involved, engage in CSR projects that can be described as pet projects, as they benefit the business interests, with low benefit to the society, which is the case of the majority of multinational organizations such as Coca-Cola. Whereas in scenario 2, providing low benefit to business and medium benefit to society, as a result of taking part of an Islamic society, where Islamic companies view CSR as philanthropy.

Exhibit 1: CSR encompasses dual objectives

The Moroccan society provides a range of opportunities for corporate social projects. So far, business training has been a specific target. Company such us ours recognize that there is a lack of training needed for our new employees, since the Moroccan education system is not generating sufficient skilled workers. We also exploit our know-how in such areas as renewable sources of energy, environmental technology and water treatment.

The Moroccan government is encouraging the adoption of European regulations and environmental standards, since this is indispensable if Moroccan exports – such as food and textiles– are to keep there competitiveness. Managing social and environmental issues is henceforth unavoidable to sustain and access markets throughout the global supply chain. The Moroccan...