Purpose vs. Function: Why CSRs should know the difference

OABPO Blog Team Published on August 4, 2014

male-call-center-agent-working-diligently-with-purpose-philippine-call-center-Open-Access-BPO

Every Philippine call center (or perhaps every company there is) orients its newly hired customer service representatives (CSRs) about their function. It’s a part of the process of transitioning the recent hires into fully functional assets of the company. Even during the interview or recruitment stage, CSR hopefuls are given an overview about the duties they will carry out once hired. Technically, an employee’s functions—the specific tasks and expectations given to him—are what his official job description contains, so it’s of the essence to put those duties in mind. However, there is something more than his functions that a CSR must know by heart. It is his purpose.

The difference between function and purpose

It s easy to spot a CSR who knows and accomplishes his functions: he’s productive and able to meet the quotas given to him while passing the set metrics. His every transaction with a caller starts and ends according to the ideal call you envisioned your customer service unit to conduct.

female-call-center-agent-working-diligently-with-purpose--Open-Access-BPO

Like him, CSRs who know their purpose do the same: they meet quotas and metrics while making every call pleasant for the customers at the other end of the line. But what makes them different from those who work only to fulfill their function is that they’re able to drive customer satisfaction outside the usual ways stipulated with the role of a CSR.

In a manner of speaking, function-driven CSRs simply do what is told and expected of them: answer product-related questions and process requests. If they understand their purpose, however, they empathize with the customer and listen for cues in order to determine what could appease the customer’s issue.

When you’re upset because of a late delivery and say that the product you’re waiting for is for your daughter’s graduation, the CSR who knows that his purpose is to give satisfaction will apologize, explain the problem, tell the time when the delivery will arrive, and then make up for the inconvenience by adding a free gift on your family’s next big occasion, perhaps even on your daughter’s upcoming birthday.

The gist

Making people under your customer service unit understand their function enables them to carry out their roles according to your standards, which benefits your internal operations. But if they understand their purpose of making people happy with your products and services, your CSRs will do more than what is necessary to provide that happiness and satisfaction. And in turn, they simultaneously impress the customers while giving the customers a positive impression of your brand.

How can you reinforce purpose in your CSRs? Tune in for the second part of where we’ll share leadership tips for purpose-driven customer service.

Join us on facebook
Open Access BPO Yesterday
How can we build stronger, more resilient teams together?
The answer starts with empowering employees to prioritize their well-being.

Self-care isn't a perk, it's a foundation for success for any brand, but only if you're sincere in your employee care.

Here are helpful ways to ensure employee self-care: https://buff.ly/pwwtsoR

——————————
We empower our teams to create #CustomerExperiences for your customers.

Our workplaces are built to prioritize self-care for our employees and drive success for our partners.
Outsource with us: https://buff.ly/3yaDcXW

#WeSpeakYourLanguage
#MentalHealthMonth #MHM2025
#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
#OABPOforMentalHealth
Open Access BPO 2 days ago
𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗕𝗣𝗢 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝘀𝗹𝗲𝗲𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗲𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙞𝙩 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙, 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗲-𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗹𝗼𝗮𝗻, 𝗟𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗻𝗮 𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝘆 𝟭𝟬, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱.

Held in partnership with non-profit Fostering Education & Environment for Development, Inc., volunteers from the call center's Makati office planted 200 indigenous forest trees in the UP Laguna-Quezon Land Grant–part of the Sierra Madre's 9,000+ hectare protected forest.

The initiative focused on targeted reforestation and biodiversity conservation within this crucial ecosystem.

𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘪𝘵 𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘥 underscores Open Access BPO's commitment to corporate social responsibility. By actively engaging in green initiatives, the company demonstrates a tangible dedication to creating a positive impact on the environment and the local community.

#WeSpeakYourLanguage
#OABPOPlantItForward
#OABPOcares #IdeaHubOABPO
Open Access BPO 2 days ago
This May, the conversation around #MentalHealth awareness rightly shifts towards action.

At Open Access BPO, we're dedicated to fostering a culture where our employees' mental well-being is a priority, through our employee engagement activities, employee-centric policies, and healthcare initiatives: https://buff.ly/kBYj9xI

This commitment empowers our team and reinforces our belief in the importance of advocating for better support for all.

#WeSpeakYourLanguage
#OneForHealth #MentalHealthMonth
#MentalHealthAwarenessMonth
Open Access BPO 2 days ago
#𝗖𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮 𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗮 𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱.
It offers multiple opportunities to make a great impression and build lasting loyalty.

But even a single customer service blunder can quickly turn a positive #CustomerExperience sour.

There are more support failures that can may customers abandon your brand and check out your competition.

What you do to prevent them from happening is critical.
Start with a powerful #CustomerSupport strategy: https://buff.ly/xr3yMqT

----------
Let's give your consumers the #CustomerExperience they'll be talking about for years: https://buff.ly/3yaDcXW

#WeSpeakYourLanguage
Open Access BPO 3 days ago
Expanding your #startup internationally can unlock a world of opportunities.
From market research to talent acquisition, #outsourcing can be a powerful tool to streamline your global expansion.

But how can you tell if your startup is truly ready to take on the world?
Before you take the leap, check out these essential signs of international expansion readiness: https://buff.ly/aEtrOFi

——————————
Ready to take the leap and expand your startup internationally?

Let Open Access BPO help you navigate the complexities of global expansion through our #BPO solutions: https://buff.ly/3yaDcXW

#WeSpeakYourLanguage
#OutsourcingCX #CustomerSupport
Open Access BPO 6 days ago
Staying competitive often means finding smarter ways to operate and deliver great results.

For many global brands, that involves partnering with #outsourcing experts, and the Philippines is a go-to destination.

What's makes these outsourcing collaborations so impactful for a company's growth?

Learn why so many companies trust Philippine outsourcing companies to help them flourish and expand: https://buff.ly/UKynqaI

——————————
Just like many of the world's top brands, you can count on Open Access BPO to deliver excellent #CustomerExperience through our outsourcing services.

Ready to see how we can help your customer service shine? Get in touch: https://buff.ly/3yaDcXW

#WeSpeakYourLanguage
#CustomerSupport #CSat
#OutsourcingCustomerService #CX
#CallCenterOutsourcing #CustomerExperience