Which kind of measures could be introduced to further improve the ecological and social aspects of

sustainability without jeopardizing economic success at Host Europe but maybe even enhancing it?

If corporate sustainability reporting is not a current law then a company does not have the responsibility
to incorporate disclosures relating to environmental, social, and economic trends of the company
resulting from sustainable actions into its financial statements. However, according to the trend more
and more businesses are reporting on sustainability, and taking initiatives to become sustainable. Host
Europe is one of them. Based on the analysis of the sustainability report by Host Europe, and knowledge
gathered about the organization, one can conclude that there are several reasons for it to produce a
sustainability report. Most importantly, sustainability is fundamental to the question above, requiring
businesses “To have a positive impact on our society, the environment and to be financially successful”
(Welch, 2009) .The question incorporates the three pillars of sustainability, which are economic, socio
cultural and environmental. Therefore, in order to provide insight to its stakeholders about how its
efforts and operations are sustainable, Host Europe has produced a sustainability report to benefit in the
following ways. Attracting and retaining top talent marketing itself as a company with sound
environmental management and

Advancing CSR and Sustainability 4 sustainable activities, strengthening relationships with various
interest groups, clearly conveying the company message to stakeholders both internally and externally,
and promoting operational improvements and innovation within the organization. In contrast to the
report by Host Europe, a smaller firm, a large firm’s report fundamentally differs in a way that one of its
objectives is to improve relations with the investors and consequently acquire investments from them. It
includes information about financial critical success factors such as profitability. On the other hand, we
believe that both private and public companies have similar motives such as the ones mentioned above
for Host Europe. For example, all businesses desire to retain and attract top talent, regardless of whether
they are small or large, public or private. Since Host Europe manages several brands such as Renewable
Energy, it is safe to conclude that different brands within the organization pursue either cost leadership
or differentiation focus strategy. For example, Host Europe “green” initiative provides eco-friendly
products priced very

To understand the concept that lies behind corporate social responsibility, an in-depth analysis of the
concept and its associated terms and instances should be understood thoroughly for any justifications to
be made in the first place. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has benefited enormous recognition in
the contemporary scenario. Nevertheless, arguments regarding CSR appear to have displaced from the
premise that corporations have other obligations aside from the maximization of profits to the notion
that corporations are able to abide by more liberal obligations. A way of meeting the terms that is
progressively being expended is by deliberate initiatives. Modernistic CSR is by and large linked with
voluntary non-binding patterns that businesses hold fast to in an effort to be socially accountable
(Schneper & Guillén, 2005).

There is greater cognizance of the demand for corporations to be accountable equally with their altering
ability. This consciousness is being elicited by corporations themselves; international civil society, which
has greater public examination and exercises force on corporations to behave dependably; and the literal
and possible menace of international legal action considering foreign direct liability. It is heading to
worldwide alterations, driving more liberal corporate social responsibilities, and the growth of CSR
worldwide criteria in the fields of environment, human rights and anti-corruption.

To understand and begin defining the actual and a much more realistic approach towards identifying the
framework of corporate social responsibility, we shall adopt a model that would help us entail the best
and most effective measures and would help us chalk out major portions of creating the best strategies
for delivering wise duties and at the same time make way for contributing towards the ethical and social
responsibility imposed upon human beings.

The first and most basic component that individuals could pave way for understanding and
comprehending is the level upon which the concept and construct of corporate social responsibility (CSR)
shall be implemented. If one could witness and excerpt out of the flowchart mentioned below one could
easily identify three basic levels: one implies CSR at corporate philanthropy, which suggests the diagnosis
phase, the point where the company pertains to adopt and understand that there is an important and
significant need of laying down the foundations of CSR and incorporate them at the basic business and
skill set level so employees, both working at the officer level and the support staff should be aware of
the kind of work and casualties that are supposed to be done for the basic motive of disseminating
relevant information. With basic targets such as polishing skill sets and providing financial aid, it
becomes relatively easier to relate to achieve short-term milestones and minor goals that contribute
towards the fulfillment of major targets and objectives that have been set by the organizations heads,
working at the executive level (Schneper & Guillén, ...
Summary of host Europe
The case deals with issues of corporate social
responsibility (CSR) and sustainability in the
specific setting of a medium-sized enterprise (Host
Europe) in the IT industry. Host Europe is the third
largest web hosting company in German-speaking
Europe. In recent years, the company has put
substantial efforts into living up to its CSR and
improving sustainability. The case presents the IT
sector in Europe and Germany and highlights
several industry-related issues such as "green IT"
(especially in terms of greenhouse gas emissions
and e-waste) and the digital divide. Host Europe
has already implemented a couple of measures,
such as building a new energy-efficient green data
center, switching to renewable energy, promoting
virtualization, introducing several workplace
measures, pursuing efforts to improve family
friendliness, and publishing a sustainability report.
However, there are still some challenges ahead and
students are asked to think about further efforts of
Host Europe to complete its path to becoming a
responsible and sustainable medium-sized IT
company.The case can either be used as an
introductory case for CSR in medium-sized
businesses and sustainability in the IT industry, or
in advanced-level CSR and sustainability courses.
As an introductory case it provides in-depth
insights into a company that has already put
substantial efforts into becoming a responsible and
sustainable IT company. Students learn about
various sustainability and CSR issues and measures
in the specific context of a medium-sized
enterprise. As an advanced case for CSR and
sustainability, it can be used to build upon the
existing knowledge of students and to ask them to
come up with other ideas and a sophisticated
strategy to pursue further CSR and sustainability.
For example, since Host Europe is not certified
according to environmental or social standards yet,
students could come up with a detailed and
customized plan on how to implement such a
management system for the company.