Portuguese Corporate Social Responsibility: Features and Stakeholder Views

Abstract

Social responsibility has become a key factor in business success, as it can lead to competitive advantages, positive stakeholder relations, and employee satisfaction. This study explores the characteristics of companies that adopt social practices, evaluates innovative social responsibility initiatives in Portuguese companies, and examines the motivations, benefits, and challenges associated with these practices. The study found that most respondents recognize the relevance of social responsibility to company growth, particularly in terms of human capital development. The primary motivations for adopting social practices are to improve employee well-being and satisfaction. The main benefits include proactive positioning in the market, strategic integration of social concerns, and decision-making that aligns with social values. However, challenges such as the absence of direct financial returns, resistance from older workers, resource limitations, and a lack of participation can hinder the implementation of social responsibility initiatives. The article concludes by discussing the study’s limitations and suggesting directions for future research on social responsibility in business.