A Research Agenda for International Corporate Social Responsibility

Abstract

This paper builds on a recent article by Elisabet Garriga and Domenec Mele, in which they provided an overview of the main approaches in current CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) research. It applies their general approach to CSR research aimed specifically at the international level, and concludes that the research agenda in this field may usefully divided into four main questions. First, how does the process of establishing absolute (also ‘international’ or ‘universal’) standards for social and environmental issues – supposedly related to the objectives and values of developing societies – affect business behaviour? Second, under which conditions can profit maximisation by Western firms lead to responsible business behaviour in developing countries, and under which conditions does such behaviour contribute to profit maximisation? Third, what is the relevance of societal demands on business behaviour related to developing countries, and what is the legitimacy of these demands? Fourth, under which conditions can Western-based businesses make a positive contribution to local communities in developing countries?