It's a term that some might consider an oxymoron, but one that is starting to gain more recognition within business circles.  This past week here in Beijing, a large conference dealing with the economic crisis and CSR, or corporate social responsibility was held to discuss ways in which businesses can adopt socially responsible methods to enhance their future prospects.  In some circles there is concern that with the global economic downturn, training and equity programs that were once prevalent during the high periods may be left off to the side in an effort to save time and money.  So is that really the case?  And what tangible benefits can companies gain from adopting corporate social responsibility? 

Ni hao, you're listening to  People In the Know, your window into the world around you, online at crienglish.com here on China Radio International.  In this edition of the show we're talking about corporate social responsibility in the current economic downturn.   So let's get started.

(Music)

First we'll hear from an expert from Europe.  Mr. Jan Noterdaeme is the Senior Director of CSR Europe.

(Dialogue with Noterdaeme)

And after a short break, we'll hear from another participant at last week's forum.

(Promo)

Ni hao, you're listening to  People In the Know, your window into the world around you, online at crienglish.com here on China Radio International.  I'm Paul James in Beijing.  In this edition of the show we're discussing the idea of corporate social responsibility in the current economic downturn.  For more on this we're joined on the line by Dr. Ran Yibo, Chief Representative of the US-based Society for Human Resource Management here in China.

(Dialogue with Ran)

And that closes out this Monday morning edition of  People In the Know, online at crienglish.com here on China Radio International.  The idea of business is to make money.  And if companies can do that while still contributing to people's well-being, the rewards speak for themselves.  Questions or comments for us can be sent to people@cri.com.cn.  For Executive Director Zhao Yang, Producers Chen Mo and Xu Yang and Intern Chen Jianing, I'm Paul James in Beijing.  We'll talk to you tomorrow.