Social Entrepreneurship and Corporate Social Responsibilities

Catalina (Mitra) Crisan,Anca Borza

doi:10.5539/ibr.v5n2p106

Abstract

This article emphasizes the meaning of social entrepreneurship and that of corporate social responsibility and the role held in social value creating process. There are several opinions regarding the distinctions between social entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility considering the implications, the impact and the stimulus. This article will point out our approach regarding Social Entrepreneurship and Corporate Social Responsibility based on our research made in Cluj County from northwestern part of Romania, by highlighting their characteristics and the way that both processes influence the social environment. The research was made using two types of questionnaires which were applied to commercial enterprises and NGO’s with social purpose.

Highlights

This article emphasizes the meaning of social entrepreneurship and that of corporate social responsibility and the role held in social value creating process
This article will point out our approach regarding Social Entrepreneurship and Corporate Social Responsibility based on our research made in Cluj County from northwestern part of Romania, by highlighting their characteristics and the way that both processes influence the social environment
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) brings many benefits being considered an important lever in supporting social entrepreneurship (Austin 2007, Austin et all, 2006, Austin, et al, 2004, Austin and Reavis 2002, Austin, 2000)

Summary

Introduction

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) brings many benefits being considered an important lever in supporting social entrepreneurship (Austin 2007, Austin et all, 2006, Austin, et al, 2004, Austin and Reavis 2002, Austin, 2000). CSR policies can be considered as being companies’ commitment to improve society through business practices (Kotler and Lee, 2005) It refers to sustainable economic development working with employees and their families, local community and society as a whole, in order to improve their standard of living (World Business Council for Sustainable Development, 2004). CSR initiatives are major activities undertaken by a firm in order to sustain social causes and to fulfill its commitment to corporate social responsibility. It covers areas like: health (AIDS, cancer), safety (crime prevention), education (education for those in need), job creation (training practice) environment (recycling) economic and social development (low interest loans for purchase of apartments), and it meets other basic human needs and desires (combating hunger, poverty, discrimination) (Wills, 2009). We can say that two main directions can be highlighted, that CSR policies can be developed as standalone project or networking with other companies and social organizations targeting groups such employees, customers, nonprofit organizations, public authorities, the media

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Conclusion