Final answer:
A CSR strategy must be goal-driven, achievable, and authentic, adhering to the SMART criteria of being Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound to ensure success and maintain stakeholder trust.
Step-by-step explanation:
The assertion that a corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy needs to be goal-driven, achievable, and authentic is true. To formulate a successful CSR strategy, goals must be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART). Being specific involves clearly defining the purpose and expectations of your goals, such as considering the 5 W's: Who is involved, What you want to accomplish, Where it will take place, When it needs to be done, and Why you're doing it.
Goals must also be measurable, with concrete criteria to track progress and success. Achievability is crucial; the goals must be realistic and practical, taking into consideration potential barriers that could be overcome. Relevance ensures that the goals support other objectives and are worth pursuing, while being time-bound provides a specific deadline for completion, increasing focus and urgency.
An authentic CSR strategy resonates with the values and mission of the company, and is therefore more likely to garner support from stakeholders. It is also important that the CSR efforts are communicated transparently to maintain trust and credibility.