A strategic integral approach (SIA) to institutionalizing CSR

Abstract

AbstractThis paper is based on a survey of CSR completed by members of the Philippines Chamber of Commerce and Industry and a focus group discussion of CSR experts. As 166 business executives say that businesses should institutionalize CSR, which means going beyond compliance with laws and regulations, the paper proposes steps in this direction. To accomplish this the approach must be strategic and integral (SIA). Because it is good for business and the right thing to do, the first step is to practise CSR, and then to institutionalize and sustain it. The same respondents opine that it is more meaningful if CSR is made voluntary: that value based leadership or VBL (empowerment from within) can complement the regulatory approach (empowerment from without). Using both quantitative and qualitative methods, the paper examines how a strategic integral approach (SIA), particularly the setting up of a strong CSR framework and a VBL, can ensure the sustainability of CSR. The study reveals that VBL is the most important component in the integration of CSR into core business and personal values of managers appear to be significantly related to managerial decisions. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.