The power of the fish is in the water

Abstract

Every organisation (‘the fish’) is embedded in a certain setting (‘the water’). These metaphors imply a highly reciprocal, interdependent relationship between the organisation and its setting. The purpose of my article is to explore the utility of the conceptual distinction drawn by Aguinis and Glavas (2013) between Embedded and Peripheral Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), as applied from an emerging countries (ECs) perspective. Firstly, I elucidate unique EC organisational/people features. Secondly, I highlight the implications of these features for CSR. Finally, I address ‘contextually fit’ CSR, arguing that Embedded CSR is the sole imperative for organisations in ECs, but as an active, societal transformation partner.Every organisation (‘the fish’) is embedded in a certain setting (‘the water’). These metaphors imply a highly reciprocal, interdependent relationship between the organisation and its setting. The purpose of my article is to explore the utility of the conceptual distinction drawn by Aguinis and Glavas (2013) between Embedded and Peripheral Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), as applied from an emerging countries (ECs) perspective. Firstly, I elucidate unique EC organisational/people features. Secondly, I highlight the implications of these features for CSR. Finally, I address ‘contextually fit’ CSR, arguing that Embedded CSR is the sole imperative for organisations in ECs, but as an active, societal transformation partner.