CSR Case Study - Co-operative Group

Julie Gallimore

The Co-operative Group

Greg, Project officer Graduate Development Scheme
Marketing BA, Ashcroft International Business School, Cambridge

How did you decide that the Co-operative Group matched your own personal values?

The Co-operative Group's Values and Principles (VnP) are clearly stated in numerous public mediums and they are the same as those of the International Co-operative Movement. The reputation of The Co-operative Group as a leader in socially responsible business and the organisation's actions reflect that these values and principles are being used effectively. There is a great deal of information available on the meaning of the co-operative values and principles and after reading this I approached employees and had a chat about whether these were actually enforced. The response was that values and principles impact every project and initiative, to the extent that a senior committee (called values and principles) oversees all large projects and initiatives.

Were these values assessed or talked about at application and interview stage?

At the interview stage I was asked what my values and principles were and if I knew those of the Co-operative Group. The importance of the values and principles were also explained in terms of day-to-day business and we were shown around a brand stand explaining the values and principles and how they are put into action. It's important to ask questions during the recruitment process. The Groups selection centre stood out from other recruitment events as it felt very relaxed and more of a two way process.

Did you explore other career areas/organisations prior to securing this job?

I worked in a Book store and did volunteer work. Both experiences gave me useful skills and helped me appreciate why it was important to work for an organisation that reflected my own values. Here I learnt to be self managing and to motivate myself. I discovered an Ethical Jobs Fair at Cambridge and it was really useful to talk to people there face to face.

What kinds of values are important to you and how do you feel you developed this set of values?

Being brought up in Nigeria I feel the following set of values became embedded:

  • Social responsibility - a duty to make a positive impact in areas such as community, human rights, environmental protection and employee rights nationally and internationally.
  • Self-responsibility - I take responsibility for my own actions
  • Openness and honesty - never lying and acknowledging that we all have faults
  • Living within my own means

How have your values come into play on a day to day basis?

With twelve different businesses within The Group there are an enormous amount of opportunities available for individuals within the Graduate Development Scheme. My current role is working on business critical projects within The Group and internationally. Projects can be as diverse as new product development, to spearheading an initiative involving over 600 diverse organisations and Institutions worldwide. With such variety in the workplace and only working on projects for 3-6 months it would be easy to change values with each project. Almost all of my projects have had a strong element of social responsibility to them. Aligning personal values with a project can help develop enthusiasm and passion for what you are doing and for the team.

Do you think there is a particular skill set that goes with applying values in the workplace?

  1. Creating awareness of values and principles (understanding your values and principles and letting others know too).
  2. Include VnP in the scoping/early design stages of any project.
  3. Include a VnP committee in senior management who ensure that all activity is ethical and linked to the organisation's VnP as well as individuals.

Do you have ideas about how your career might develop in the future?

I am specialising in Corporate/co-operative social responsibility (CSR) at the moment with the aim of working in national and international CSR initiatives for the foreseeable future.

How do you think your job choice/application of values to the workplace is different from the career choices of your peers?

Many of my peers put money above values, although a lot of them hope to move into more ethical roles in the future.

What advice would you offer to prospective students hoping to go into work that in some way matched their values?

It would depend upon their values, however I would generally say it is the most productive and motivating features of any role/career. All jobs will make a difference and impact in some way, so why not do something you want to do and feel happy doing.


Created on: February 24th 2009

Updated on: February 24th 2009