Political CSR as déjà vu: A case of the sedimented nature of CSR in Colombia

Abstract

Recent research argues that corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become political partly because companies are assuming state-like roles to influence global governance. By describing the historical evolution of CSR in Colombia, this paper argues that such political activity by firms is not new. Instead, we highlight the sedimentation of the political dimensions of business’ involvement in society by exploring the historical political roles businesses have taken in providing public goods. Drawing on a longitudinal perspective and the national business systems approach, we provide an overview of the historical, geo-political and economic elements that characterize the Colombian business context. Our paper seeks to make three contributions. First, it draws a longitudinal analysis showing how business’ involvement has shifted from the provision public goods in the form of the welfare company to a mix of political CSRs in which international and local demands are mixed. Second, it enriches research on political CSR by refocusing on the perspective on national business systems. Third, it provides scholars and practitioners doing business in/with Colombia with a general overview of the present state and stakes of CSR in Colombia.