Case Studies : Infosys Technologies Ltd

This case study is one of ten that were chosen as part of the Enhancing Business-Community Relations project in India implemented in collaboration with The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI). These cases document examples of engagement between businesses and communities and can be used as learning tools for the promotion of responsible business practice and sustainable development. The Enhancing Business-Community Relations project is a joint international initiative between United Nations Volunteers (UNV) and the New Academy of Business. Implemented in seven developing countries, the purpose of the initiative was to collect and document information on business-community practices as perceived by all stakeholders, build partnerships with them and promote corporate social responsibility practices. It is also intended to enhance international understanding of business-community relations through information sharing and networking with other countries especially those participating in the project - Brazil, Ghana, India, Nigeria, Philippines, South Africa and Lebanon. The findings and recommendations reflected in the case study are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of UNV, TERI or the New Academy of Business. It is important to note that these cases were written as examples of business-community initiatives. They do not constitute a comprehensive assessment of the company's social responsibility

This case study is about the social initiatives of India s leading IT company Infosys Technologies Ltd. Infosys Ltd. established the Infosys Foundation in 1996, exclusively to oversee developmental activities and look into welfare issues of society at large. The communities that benefit from the activities of the foundation are not limited to the vicinity of the company location, but are located across various states. People in these communities are economically marginalized and disadvantaged. The case study gives a holistic account of the specific efforts that have been made by the company and the Foundation. It identifies the philanthropic nature of Infosys social initiatives and examines them from a wider perspective. In so doing, it reveals ways in which an IT company can contribute to society beyond charitable works and donations, through research and educational programmes, software development, contributing to civic amenities, encouraging employees and sustaining developmental efforts through an overall mission and vision. The final section, Key Issues, discusses the potential that partnerships with business hold as a mechanism for development and improved CSR practice.

Infosys Technologies Ltd. provides consulting and IT services to clients worldwide. Founded in 1981, the corporate headquarters are based in Bangalore, India. However, Infosys offices span the globe. Since incorporation, annual revenue has rapidly increased and it reached $500 billion in 2002. Unlike many other Indian IT companies, Infosys has concentrated on building applications and this has contributed to its global success. Infosys Technologies employs nearly 17,000 people worldwide, almost 10,000 of whom are software professionals. 116 new clients in the financial year (FY) 2002 added to the already prestigious list that includes Airbus, Cisco, Nordstrom and Boeing. Retail banking services account for around 4% of total revenue. The company vision is to be the best globally, commercially and ethically. As such, Infosys has developed a C-Life principle of core values that it aims to honour in all aspects of its business conduct.

C-LIFE: The Core Values of Infosys

Customer Delight
Lead By Example
Integrity and Transparency
Fairness
Excellence
Source: www.infosys.com Infosys has also developed the PSPD Model (predictability, sustainability, profitability and de- risking) that ensures for high standards for all stakeholders. This has included the development of strong management systems to guarantee accountability at all times with procedures in place for grievances and such like.6 One example is the case of a much publicised sexual harassment claim, settled out of court, but that has resulted in the reviewing and improvement of staff training and awareness of this problem, and the introduction of a code of conduct for employees on acceptable behaviour.

The Infosys Foundation came into being with the objective of supporting the underprivileged in Indian society. The Foundation began its activities in Karnataka in 1996. Today, the activities have been extended to Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Orissa and Punjab. It is funded primarily by Infosys Technologies Ltd. Before 2001 the cumulative amount of the grant has been nearly INR 9.82 crores.