An Investigation of Inter-Organizational Collaboration in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to understand the motivations for inter-organizational collaboration with respect to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activities. Evidence suggests that joining hands for CSR with other corporations, non-governmental organizations and stakeholders can amplify the impact for the communities they serve and provide business value. While there is evidence of inter-organizational interactions and partnerships among NGOs, businesses and citizen groups there is limited collaboration between businesses themselves. Also there is little study done in this specific area. With businesses having access to resources, expertise and funds there is merit in collaboration. Limited engagement can reduce the cumulative effect of collaboration and therefore CSR’s impact. Drawing on inter-organizational collaboration theory and literature this study attempts to understand the motivations, challenges and opportunities by engaging CSR practitioners who direct activities and have access to these resources and funds. This paper suggests propositions to test in inter-organizational collaboration that can enhance the value and impact of CSR. Literature review on the current state of inter-organization collaboration identifies key approaches, purposes and outcomes in the context of NGO and business and business-business partnerships. The aim of CSR is to improve and enhance impact on stakeholders. With growing demand and interest to do more for societal needs and an increase in CSR fund globally, enhanced governance, government guidelines on CSR spend and specific reporting there is a need for improved collaboration among stakeholders. Prudently spending on CSR through collaborative effort can lead to effective actions for the communities organizations are meant to serve. Understanding the barriers to collaboration can improve the value organizational derives from such associations. This paper is unique since it attempts to fill a gap in inter-organizational collaboration and contribute to current practices in CSR.