Corporate Social Responsibility and Its Role in Achieving Sustainable Development in Iraq

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<br />Introduction<br />Non-formal institutions vary into several types, and these institutions differ from one country to another, especially since the process of public policy-making is an essential and necessary process for policy analysis that plays a significant role in politics. It includes all stages of public policy-making, from defining the problem to implementing the proposed solution. It encompasses the stages of policy creation, implementation, evaluation, and the changes and amendments that occur in policies during their various stages.<br /><br />First: Political Parties<br />Political parties are channels of expression; they are, first and foremost, instruments of representation. They act as a tool or body that complies with public representation, expressing specific social demands. Political parties have long been a major factor in the stability of governments or their overthrow. They can also create chaos and foster division. Therefore, politicians and legal experts are divided into two groups, one opposing the existence of political parties and the other supporting them. The role of political parties includes political recruitment, participation in political life, political socialization, raising political awareness, representing and expressing different opinions, monitoring and accountability, granting legitimacy, aggregating interests, and contributing to national liberation processes.<br /><br />A political party is one of the most prominent political institutions that contribute to public policy-making. The role of the political party in the decision-making process depends on the nature of the political system in which the party exists. In political systems that allow for party pluralism, political parties play a significant role in decision-making, whether these parties participate in governance or stand in opposition, with varying degrees of influence in both cases. The more influential a party is in the parliament or executive authority, the greater its impact on foreign policy. The level of influence of political parties on public policies depends on the type of party system and the institutional capabilities of the state.<br /><br />The mechanism for political parties' involvement in public policy works through several factors, including involving as many individuals as possible who are distanced from political logic, giving them the opportunity to participate in the political process, holding government and political positions, and working to implement policies through the electoral programs they have established.<br /><br />Second: Media<br />The media is one of the most prominent institutions that affect public policy-making, especially due to its influential role and increasing importance. The term media refers to the dissemination of information to the public and is closely linked to the development of communication tools, which, in turn, are largely influenced by technological advancements. The attitudes individuals form in their minds through the information they receive about the world around them contribute, to some extent, to shaping their individual and collective awareness of their current reality, its dimensions, their past and future, and even their dreams. Television programs focusing on issues related to democracy play a significant role in forming positive or negative attitudes toward what is presented. The relationship between television and the formation of public attitudes is crucial, as effective communication would not be possible without the involvement of the audience, which is one of the key elements in the communication process.<br /><br />Media involvement in public policy operates through a monitoring role, as media institutions are closely tied to democratic societies. In democratic societies, traditional media contribute to shaping public awareness, discussing political, cultural, and social issues, and activating the role of monitoring governmental bodies, thereby rallying the public around governmental mechanisms and evaluating the work of the government.<br /><br />Third: Public Opinion<br />Public opinion is a dynamic and ever-changing mixture of thoughts, feelings, and occasional behaviors, influenced by experiences from childhood to the latest conversations. The most significant influence is the constant flow of messages we receive from daily news.<br /><br />The relationship between public opinion and public policy is reciprocal and dynamic. Public opinion not only affects public policy, but public policy also impacts public opinion. Once a political decision is made, public opinion tends to accept it. As public policies become more specific and their effects more apparent, public opinion often shifts. Public opinion influences public policy and vice versa, but this reciprocal relationship varies depending on the political system, as well as factors like the nature of the issues discussed, the level of public cohesion, and the presence of constitutional institutions that allow for the effective flow of public opinion into policy.<br /><br />Public opinion has succeeded, to some extent, in pressuring decision-makers to adopt policies that are of great importance to citizens and provide significant benefits.<br /><br />Conclusion<br />Non-formal institutions play a role in public policy-making, though this role varies among them. Political parties represent ideological and partisan visions aimed at serving partisan interests, while the roles of public opinion and the media are intertwined. Public opinion focuses on highlighting societal issues and expressing them in various ways, such as protests and sit-ins. Media outlets, on the other hand, often serve as partisan tools, aimed at serving political parties.<br />Sustainable Development Goal<br /><br />The sustainable development goals aim to ensure inclusive participation in political and social decision-making processes and enhance the ability to shape public policies in ways that promote justice and equality within society. This text contributes to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions, by strengthening the role of political parties, media, and public opinion in improving the public policy-making process.