Impact of Applying ISO 26000 (Corporate Social Responsibility) on Competitive advantage from the customers’ perspective

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of applying ISO 26000: 2010 (Corporate Social Responsibility) on competitive advantage from the customers’ perspective of Faisal Islamic Bank- Sudan, where researcher used a descriptive approach to its appropriateness for the purposes of the study. The study tried to answer the following questions: 1. Is there any impact of corporate social responsibility on competitive advantage? 2. To what extent the Bank's committed to the concept of social responsibility? 3. Do the implemented social responsibility programs consistent with the community needs? 4. I s the community aware of the social responsibility activities? This study was conducted on a sample of (70) customers of Faisal Islamic Bank’s customers. Questionnaire designed as a tool to collect data. (SPSS) software program for statistical treatments appropriate to put the study for it according to the following changes: (category, gender, educational level). Results from the analysis of customer feedback showed high positive trends about the impact of corporate social responsibility on competitive advantage of Faisal Islamic Bank- Sudan. The study found that Faisal Islamic Bank of Sudan is committed to adopting and applying the principle of social responsibility, which is reflected in the customers’ feedback results towards the Bank, which explained that the adoption of ISO 26000 standard gives a high competitive advantage for corporate. The study recommended a series of recommendations including: 1. Creating a social responsibility policy approved by General Manager. 2. Leadership should be participating in the various programs of social activities. 3. Documenting the events and occasions sponsored. 4. Deploying social programs and activities via the media; because it improves the bank's image. 5. Taking into account the seven basic aspects of the specification guidance ISO: 26000, when formulating the objectives of social responsibility.