Broadening our Views of Corporate Social Impact

Abstract

The notion of social impact has been the subject of considerable interest in multiple literatures. Researchers studying strategy, organization theory, organizational behavior, human resource management, and social issues have long discussed the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a means by which organizations can have a positive impact on their diverse stakeholders, communities, and societies (Adler, 2019; Jones et al., 2016; Mackey, Mackey & Barney, 2007; Marglis & Walsh, 2003; Waddock & Graves, 1997). IB researchers have also acknowledged the role of multinational companies in promoting CSR and achieving social impact (Surroca & Tribo & Zahra, 2013). Similarly, entrepreneurship, technology and operations management and innovation scholars have discussed ways to enhance organizational social impact and improve social welfare (Short, Moss & Lumpkin, 2009; Zahra & Wright, 2016). Thus, to many, organizations (large and small) can be an important force for good that promotes social wealth by addressing grand societal challenges, thereby having a positive social impact. To this end, scholars have highlighted the importance of collaboration between private and public organizations along with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in promoting social welfare (Klein, Mahoney, McGahan & Pitelis, 2013; Luo & Kaul, 2019; Mahoney, McGahan & Pitelis, 2009). From social responsibility to social impact Presenter: Aseem Kaul; U. of Minnesota Presenter: Jiao Luo; U. of Minnesota Public-Private Partnerships in the Public Interest: A Governance Perspective Presenter: Anita McGahan; U. of Toronto Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire Presenter: Rebecca M. Henderson; Harvard U. Broadening Our Views of Corporate Social Impact to Include Conflict & System Capacity Presenter: Witold Jerzy Henisz; U. of Pennsylvania From social entrepreneurship to social impact Presenter: Shaker A. Zahra; U. of Minnesota