Case Study 1: Corporate Citizenship and Social Responsibility Policies in America

Abstract

This case study sheds light on the broad categorisation of social responsibility and environmental sustainability policies in the USA. At the same time, it outlines a non-exhaustive, disciplined research on corporate citizenship. Previous theoretical underpinnings and empirical studies have often indicated that social responsibility and environmentally sound behaviours are being embedded into core business functions and corporate strategic decisions. Notwithstanding, this research shows how major US institutional frameworks and principles have been purposely developed to foster a climate for social and environmental responsibility engagement. Policies and voluntary instruments include formal accreditation systems and soft laws that stimulate businesses and large organisations to implement and report their CSR-related activities. Several agencies of the US Government are currently employing CSR programmes that are intended to provide guidance on corporate citizenship and human rights; labour and supply chains ; anticorruption; energy and the environment; as well as health and social welfare among other issues.