Friday, April 3, 2009

Plexus Consulting Group Drives CSR Programs in Jordan Through USAID to Achieve Sustainable Development

Plexus Consulting Group (Plexus) through the USAID Jordan Economic Development Program (SABEQ) ran a three-day training course to build the capacity of Excellence Inc (EXI) staff, a non-profit consultancy company in Jordan, in the field of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). This training course was designed to help EXI promote the CSR consultancy concept in the market and support companies to develop sound CSR programs and quantify measurable benefits including: enhanced operational efficiencies and cost savings; improved competitiveness and market positioning; increased sales and customer loyalty; enhanced ability to attract, develop and retain employees; better anticipation and management of an ever-expanding spectrum of risk; enhanced brand and image reputation; and improved stakeholder relationships. This training course was part of a comprehensive capacity building program that aims at providing guidance and mentorship to EXI staff in the field of CSR in addition to off-shore support from Plexus in the coming months.

With the emerging priority of companies and donor organizations for CSR activities, the need to respond and develop CSR programs becomes crucial. Deriving upon the knowledge and the know-how of international expertise ensure the much needed CSR activities in Jordan that are strategically designed and implemented.

As one of its long-term goals, CSR programs should be designed to drive social, economic, and environmental development for society members. This links well with USAID Jordan Economic Development Program (SABEQ) strategic objectives and goals of empowering the private sector to lead economic growth with innovative solutions. EXI has taken an important step in the right direction to exploit a missing link in economic growth.

The training course was facilitated by a Plexus consultant and attended by EXI staff in addition to senior members representing a number of organizations who are interested in CSR and have started working on developing their own CSR programs.

The USAID Jordan Economic Development Program (SABEQ) is a five-year broad economic development initiative implemented by BearingPoint, Inc. Plexus is part of a sizeable team of international and Jordanian partner and subcontracting firms. By both supporting improvements in the business environment and providing assistance to expand innovation and productivity in Jordanian businesses, it supports the main objective of building the private sector as a powerful engine of economic growth.

For more information on Plexus, visit www.plexusconsulting.com.

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