, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE ONLY
Question 1
1. Read the case study below and answer the question that follows:
1.1. Discuss any two (2) relevant CRS responsibilities that McDonald’s abided by when donating
desks.
1. Philanthropic Responsibility
McDonald’s South Africa abided by the philanthropic responsibility of CSR. This responsibility
refers to the expectation that an organisation will give back to the community through actions such
as donations, sponsorships, and community development (COM2611, Study Guide, p. 114). The
donation of Mi Desks to two primary schools in Cape Town is a clear example of this, as the
company is providing resources to improve learning conditions for young students without expecting
a direct financial return. This act of giving back addresses a critical social need—the lack of proper
school furniture—and aligns with the description of philanthropic responsibility as involving
contributions that enhance the welfare of the community.
2. Ethical Responsibility
McDonald’s South Africa also abided by the ethical responsibility of CSR. This responsibility
comprises activities, standards, and practices that are expected by society, even though they are not
necessarily codified into law, such as acting in a way that is consistent with society’s moral norms
and being a responsible corporate citizen (COM2611, Study Guide, p. 114). By addressing the
undignified situation where Grade 1 learners are forced to write on the floor, McDonald’s acted on
what is morally and ethically expected of a responsible organisation. The case study notes that the
initiative sends “a clear message that these young minds are valued,” which reflects a commitment to
fairness, human dignity, and the ethical treatment of vulnerable members of society, going beyond
mere legal obligations.
Question 1
1. Read the case study below and answer the question that follows:
1.1. Discuss any two (2) relevant CRS responsibilities that McDonald’s abided by when donating
desks.
1. Philanthropic Responsibility
McDonald’s South Africa abided by the philanthropic responsibility of CSR. This responsibility
refers to the expectation that an organisation will give back to the community through actions such
as donations, sponsorships, and community development (COM2611, Study Guide, p. 114). The
donation of Mi Desks to two primary schools in Cape Town is a clear example of this, as the
company is providing resources to improve learning conditions for young students without expecting
a direct financial return. This act of giving back addresses a critical social need—the lack of proper
school furniture—and aligns with the description of philanthropic responsibility as involving
contributions that enhance the welfare of the community.
2. Ethical Responsibility
McDonald’s South Africa also abided by the ethical responsibility of CSR. This responsibility
comprises activities, standards, and practices that are expected by society, even though they are not
necessarily codified into law, such as acting in a way that is consistent with society’s moral norms
and being a responsible corporate citizen (COM2611, Study Guide, p. 114). By addressing the
undignified situation where Grade 1 learners are forced to write on the floor, McDonald’s acted on
what is morally and ethically expected of a responsible organisation. The case study notes that the
initiative sends “a clear message that these young minds are valued,” which reflects a commitment to
fairness, human dignity, and the ethical treatment of vulnerable members of society, going beyond
mere legal obligations.
