At the RW Institute, we are pioneering a revolutionary approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR) that seamlessly combines cutting-edge theory with practical application. Our methodology is grounded in three interconnected frameworks: our Theory of Change, Core Design Principles, and the Prosocial Framework. Together, these create a powerful engine for transforming how businesses engage with their employees and communities to drive positive social impact.
Our Approach
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Our Theory of Change is rooted in multilevel selection theory, a cornerstone of evolutionary science. We recognize that businesses, like any complex system, evolve through processes of variation, selection, and replication at multiple levels—from individual employees to teams, departments, and the organization as a whole.
This perspective allows us to:
Understand how prosocial behaviors evolve within organizations
Design interventions that align individual, group, and organizational interests
Create sustainable CSR strategies that adapt to changing societal needs
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Inspired by Nobel laureate Elinor Ostrom's work, our Core Design Principles provide a blueprint for creating effective, collaborative groups at any scale. These principles guide our approach to designing and implementing CSR initiatives:
Shared Identity and Purpose
Equitable Distribution of Costs and Benefits
Fair and Inclusive Decision-Making
Monitoring Agreed-Upon Behaviors
Graduated Responses to Behavior
Fast and Fair Conflict Resolution
Authority to Self-Govern
Collaborative Relations with Other Groups
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What truly sets us apart is our integration of insights from multiple disciplines:
Neuroscience: We apply findings on neural plasticity to design experiences that create lasting cognitive and emotional change.
Behavioral Science: We use nudges and other behavioral interventions to encourage prosocial behavior and sustained engagement.
Social Psychology: We leverage understanding of group dynamics and social identity to create powerful collective experiences.