# Systemic CSR Consumers call for ever-more authentic forms of corporate social responsibility. By [Armida Ascano](https://www.trendhunter.com/Armida), Chief Insights Officer | Published Jun 16, 2020 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/systemic-csr ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.0/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Systemic CSR trend? **Systemic CSR:** Corporate social responsibility is integral today. The Internet enables consumers to research whether a company's CSR plans are more marketing-based than action-oriented, and so brands are utilizing their reach to advocate within greater systems of power (as opposed to ways that exist solely within the brand's eco-system). ## The consumer insight behind the Systemic CSR trend Acts of injustice are amplified in the social media age. Thus, this generation is not able or willing to turn away from these issues, making CSR more important than ever. The Internet also enables more education on political issues, heightening their expectations of brands' claims to advocacy. In the example of anti-racism initiatives and the uproar of May 2020, supporters understand the pervasiveness of systemic racism, and how large brands are in a unique position to dismantle it from the top-down. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Apr 16, 2020 to Jan 21, 2022 - Published: Jun 16, 2020 - Patterns: [Divergence](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/divergence), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation), [Authenticity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/authenticity), [Many to Many](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/many-to-many) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Systemic CSR trend ### Systemic CSR With the advent of social media, there has been increasing pressure on brands to practice genuine Corporate Social Responsibility and use their reach to advocate within greater systems of power. ### Donation Matching Inclusive Initiatives Companies have launched a new donation matching program to encourage users to donate to various social causes, ultimately increasing financial support for underprivileged groups. ### Branded Racial Equality Initiatives Companies are developing initiatives to combat systemic racism and create sustainable and scalable movements to support the black community. ## What the Systemic CSR trend means for industry ### For Marketing and Advertising The growing importance of Corporate Social Responsibility necessitates marketing and advertising professionals shift focus from communication to action-based strategies. ### For Technology Arising events demand for responsible technology policies and stimulate the need for more transparency and accountability for the police force. ### For Entertainment Entertainment industries present curated lists of movies and entertainment programs to increase awareness and spotlight crucial issues like Black history, culture, and diversity. ## Workshop question How can your corporate social responsibility initiative go even further beyond marketing? ## Trend signals for Systemic CSR Trend score 3.0 out of 10, from popularity 48%, activity 32%, freshness 11%. - Popularity: 48% - Activity: 32% - Freshness: 11% ## Examples of the Systemic CSR trend 6 featured examples from Apr 16, 2020 to Jan 21, 2022. - [CSR During a Pandemic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rolling-it-forward-initiative): We Chatted to Kruger's CMO to Learn About Its Rolling It Forward Initiative (Category: Business) Implication: Manufacturers can partner with other industries to give back to communities in need. - [Diversity-Focused Writing Communities](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hallmark): Hallmark Launches Writing Community Dedicated to Black Women (Category: Social Good) Implication: The greeting card industry can expand its reach to underrepresented communities by creating more diverse greeting cards that resonate with different cultures and creating writing… - [Congress-Callout CSR Iniatitives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ibm-embrace): IBM Emb(race) Calls on Congress to Ensure Racial Equality (Category: Social Good) Implication: The development of alternative technologies or solutions that promote racial equality presents disruptive innovation opportunities in the software development industry. - [Inclusive Free Streaming Iniatitives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/understanding-black-stories): Cineplex Debuted the 'Understanding Black Stories' Project (Category: Social Good) Implication: The entertainment industry can leverage inclusive initiatives to increase diversity in content and attract a wider audience. - [Donation-Matching Inclusive Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dropbox-black-lives-matter): Dropbox Black Lives Matter to Match Donations Made in June (Category: Social Good) Implication: Technology organizations are investing in Corporate Social Responsibility and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives to improve corporate ethics and impact. - [Branded Racial Equality Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hp-leading-with-values): HP Leading With Values Aims to Combat Systemic Racism (Category: Social Good) Implication: Implementing initiatives to support and promote diversity and inclusion within the industry. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Conversion](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/ai-assisted-checkout) (Business) - [Occasion Commerce](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/occasion-commerce) (Business) - [Autonomous Merchandising](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/autonomous-merchandising) (Business) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Business - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [MIami Pop-Culture Shirts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/miami-pop-culture-shirts) - [Natural Deodorant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-beauty-studios) - [Mini Beauty Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-luxuries-store) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)