The general feeling among the media, environmental activists and the public, however, is that corporates undertake CSR (corporate social responsibility) or CSER activities purely as a public relations exercise. The consensus is that companies must be held accountable for any acts of omission and commission that affect the environment. Consequently, the media and green activists constantly train their guns on virtually every aspect of a company's operations, including manufacturing, marketing, labour and environmental practices.

In this combative environment, run-of-the-mill CSER activities are viewed with intense scepticism. Imprimis understands the importance of ensuring companies conduct activities with all interests in mind - the people, the planet and the profit motive. Imprimis therefore analyses a client's past CSER activities to determine whether these are compatible with current goals and do not detract from the company's reputation, but enhance it immensely.

• Launch specific events and initiatives in sync with the corporate culture and image
• Establish public-private partnerships with government and NGOs
• Build productive relationships with activists to correct misperceptions
• Formulate management training modules to align CSR activities with business practices
• Integrate CSR communications and programs into traditional public affairs activities