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Case Study Assignment 1
Name -Onayemi Mofiyinfoluwa-
Student No- 301378651
Course - INTL710003.15572.2025W
1/22/2025
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Case Study Assignment 1
Question 1
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is important for businesses because it shows they
care about society and the environment, not just making money. CSR helps companies build a
good reputation and trust with their customers and communities. For example, brands like
Patagonia focus on protecting the environment, while Ben & Jerry’s works to promote social
justice. These efforts make customers more loyal and improve the company’s image (Chandler,
2023). CSR also helps companies avoid risks. For instance, companies that pollute the
environment may face fines or lose customers who care about sustainability. By supporting
global goals like the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), companies can
help solve big problems like poverty and climate change.
In the Religion Case, CSR goes further by respecting religious values. Companies that
operate in areas where religion plays a big role need to be careful not to offend cultural or
religious beliefs. For example, a company working in Muslim-majority countries might need to
provide halal products or allow employees time for daily prayers. This respect for religion is part
of being socially responsible.
Question 2
Being socially responsible with religion means respecting the religious beliefs and
practices of employees, customers and communities. This can include simple actions like
allowing time off for religious holidays or providing prayer spaces at work. It can also mean
designing products or services that match religious values. For example, food companies might
offer halal or kosher options to meet the needs of Muslim or Jewish customers.
Companies can include religion in their strategies by creating inclusive policies. They can
offer flexible work hours during Ramadan, so Muslim employees can fast and pray (Van Laer, &
Essers, 2024). Another example is hosting events that celebrate different religions, helping to
build an inclusive workplace.
Question 3
Indeed, religion is a sensitive topic and many people feel it is private. However,
discussing religion at work can help people understand and respect each other better. When done
carefully, it can make employees feel more included and valued. Canada has strong laws to
protect religious freedoms. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees that
everyone has the right to follow their religion (Government of Canada, 1982). The Canadian
Human Rights Act also makes it illegal to discriminate against someone because of their
religion. For example, an employer cannot fire someone because of their religious beliefs.
Companies in Canada must also provide reasonable accommodations for religion. This
means they should allow employees to follow their beliefs, like wearing religious clothing or
taking time for prayer, as long as it does not cause major problems for the business. Even though
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these laws are good, some workplaces might still need better policies. For example, some
managers may not know how to handle religious requests, like taking time off for holidays. More
education and clear rules can help ensure everyone’s rights are respected.
Question 3
Islamic financial products follow Islamic law, called Sharia. These products are different
because they avoid things that are not allowed in Islam, like charging interest (riba) or gambling
(maysir) (Uddin, 2015). For example, instead of earning interest on a loan, Islamic banks may
share profits and losses with their customers. This is called profit-sharing (Mudarabah).
The case study describes these products as Sharia-compliant. This means they are
approved by Islamic scholars who ensure the products follow Islamic rules (Chandler, 2023). For
example, an Islamic bank might offer halal investment options, avoiding businesses like alcohol
or gambling. These products are popular in Muslim countries and are growing in other parts of
the world too, as they offer ethical alternatives.
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References
Chandler, D. (2023). Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.
Government of Canada. (1982). Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. Retrieved from
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/const/page-15.html
Uddin, M. A. (2015). Principles of Islamic finance: Prohibition of riba, gharar and maysir.
Van Laer, K., & Essers, C. (2024). The regulation of religion by secular work practice:
Exploring Muslim employees’ performance of religious practice. Journal of Management, 50(3),
1002-1028.
