Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Practice Test

What does CSR greenwashing refer to?

1. Accurate public reporting on business practices

2. A genuine commitment to social responsibility

3. Conveying a false image of social responsibility

4. Behavior that promotes employee welfare

The correct answer is: Conveying a false image of social responsibility

CSR greenwashing refers to the practice of conveying a false image of social responsibility. This occurs when a company makes misleading claims about its environmental practices or social contributions, intending to improve its public image without making substantive changes to its actual business operations. Greenwashing can manifest through various means like exaggerated marketing statements, superficial sustainability initiatives, or marketing campaigns that emphasize positive environmental impacts while downplaying or ignoring negative ones. This strategy can mislead consumers and stakeholders into believing that a company is more environmentally friendly or socially responsible than it truly is. In contrast, accurate public reporting on business practices and a genuine commitment to social responsibility involve transparency and authentic actions that align with the values being promoted. Additionally, behavior that promotes employee welfare may be part of a company's CSR efforts, but it does not encompass the broader context of identifying misleading claims made under the guise of corporate social responsibility.