Education, health, business training, the reduction of plastic-bag usage, and waste management are the themes of the "create share value" (CSV) concept of the Tesco Lotus chain in Thailand.

Charkrit Derekwattanachai, head of public affairs at Ek-Chai Distribution System, which operates the nationwide chain of supercentres and smaller stores, said the primary focus of corporate social responsibility (CSR) was on doing something for society, whereas social responsibility should also involve giving something back in terms of a corporate's actual business value.

This means that a large operator like Tesco Lotus has to create benefit for society and share its economic value with society, as a result of which the company is now using the CSV concept rather than purely concentrating on CSR, he explained.

"We will combine both the economic and social benefits together," he said.

For example, for the theme of education, the company has joined with the Office of the Higher Education Commission and the community around each Tesco Lotus branch, of which there are now almost 1,800 of various sizes around the country, to provide scholarships for local children.

Boosting self-sufficiency

The group also provides health education and other health-related services in all of the communities around its branches, so that locals have a better understanding of what they can do to take care of their health.

Each branch also runs a free aerobics dance session every evening that anyone in the community can take part in.

Another major CSV theme for the company is to reduce the use of non-biodegradable plastic shopping bags, a matter that relates directly to the business and the environment, said Charkrit.

Under the campaign, which kicked off in 2011, shoppers are encouraged to use cotton bags instead of plastic ones.

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Tesco Lotus shifts focus to 'create share value' concept