Corporate Social Responsibility Philosophy Research Articles

Quadruple Helix Model Philosophy to Enhance Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Creativity

This study explains and analyzes how the Quadruple Helix model improves Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) creativity. Government, industry, academia, and society collaborate on innovation and development under the Quadruple Helix paradigm. This strategy lets stakeholders collaborate to boost CSR's beneficial impact. The Quadruple Helix model in CSR is examined using ontological, epistemological, and axiological methods. This study analyzes CSR, the Quadruple Helix model, and scientific philosophy literature. This study found that the ontological approach examines CSR stakeholders' reality and interactions. The epistemological method examines how entities collaborate to learn about CSR. The axiological method evaluates CSR initiatives for fairness, sustainability, and social relevance. The Quadruple Helix CSR methodology can boost innovation and effect. Government, industry, academia, and society may collaborate and innovate to create more holistic and sustainable CSR solutions. Understanding the Quadruple Helix model's CSR philosophy. This study shows that collaborative and multidisciplinary approaches improve CSR creativity and effectiveness. More research is needed to confirm these findings.

Modelo de negocio inclusivo para Pymes en base a objetivos de RSE y la Agenda 2030, para el desarrollo sostenible

The demands of the world economy and the health contingency caused by the COVID-19 virus have led to the creation of more innovative business models to meet the needs of society and the demands of a more competitive market, where companies they have been forced to seek their continuity. The study analyzes the philosophy of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) of the 2030 Agenda. In Mexico, in this sense, it has established alliances with the public and private sectors, where companies they participate in certifications for the CSR badge, which is evaluated based on the SDGs, but due to various factors they cannot maintain the badge for a long time. For this reason, the design of an inclusive Business Model based on the objective regarding economic impact is proposed in this research, which focuses on industry, innovation and infrastructure, the reduction of inequalities, consumption and responsible production, decent work and economic growth decoupled from environmental degradation. That is why the objective of the research is focused on determining the factors to achieve the premises of the 2030 Agenda through CSR. This research was carried out in the State of Sinaloa, Mexico, considering 326 certified companies from the agricultural, commercial and service sector, analyzing internal factors and problems, primarily highlighting the disarticulation of the strategy with the principles and dimensions of CSR: ethics, quality of life, environment and community, under this premise the research was focused with a qualitative approach. The level of the research was exploratory, thus opening the way to deepen the subject in future research, in the data collection the survey, interview and in-situ observation were applied. The results express that companies have multiple problems that must be solved by improving the mechanisms and culture of CSR, and must be assumed by the staff and the owners, proposing a model as an alternative to evaluate the economic, social and environmental situation. Environment in the short and long term, provide recommendations and restructure strategies to improve their actions and allow them to be active agents in fulfilling the SDGs in the new context for the development of their regions.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Intellectual Capital in Sports and Leisure: The case of a Golf Club

Golf is becoming an increasingly popular sport, and golf clubs have, therefore, a growing social and environmental impact, with several stakeholders engaged in the activities. While the press and the media have reported countless initiatives conducted by golf clubs worldwide that highlight how environmentally and socially conscious and supportive the golf industry is, little has been said in academia. The paper aims to investigate the topic of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in golf clubs, and how golf clubs’ Intellectual Capital (IC) may foster CSR initiative.
 The paper employs a case study methodology, analyzing one Golf Club in the United Kingdom, using semi-structured interviews.
 Results underline the great potential of the relationship between the clubs and their stakeholders, especially the customers, to create an influential cycle of CSR in the local communities. Relational capital stands as a central IC element to foster CSR in golf clubs. Moreover, findings highlight the need to develop new business models that can merge the need to be compliant with a strong CSR philosophy ensuring, at the same time, financial sustainability.
 The paper is one of the firsts to investigate an increasingly popular sport which CSR can be fostered by relational capital, with a relevant impact on its customers, employees, and communities.

Infrastructure development in higher institutions: the role of private organisations via unexplored expanded corporate social responsibility (ECSR)

PurposeFunding infrastructural facilities of higher institutions, especially in some developing nations such as Nigeria, that is under-funded, is a challenge in the current era. Private organisations participation in infrastructure development via a proposed expanded corporate social responsibility (ECSR) may enhance infrastructural facilities provision. There is a paucity of literature regarding ECSR, a form of infrastructure tax relief providing infrastructural facilities for higher institutions. Therefore, the study investigated the role of private organisations via a proposed ECSR in the provision of infrastructure and proffer ways to enhance higher institutions' infrastructure development delivery in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe study data were collated via face-to-face interviews and observation of existing buildings. From the six geo-political zones, two higher institutions each were selected for a good representation across Nigeria. Saturation was achieved with 26 participants interviewed. The emerged three main themes were analysed via thematic analysis.FindingsFindings show inadequate infrastructure development in Nigerian higher institutions. Lack of policy and institutional framework, lax governance, level of transparency, and corruption, emerged as the key issues that may hinder private organisations from participating in public higher institutions infrastructure development delivery in Nigeria via ECSR. Others are lack of autonomy, inadequate planning, high level of impunity, political affiliation, poor management, and access to funding. The study proffers some recommendations based on these findings.Research limitations/implicationsThis research is restricted to the role of private organisations via ECSR in infrastructure development (buildings) in Nigeria's public higher institutions. Future study is needed to validate the proposed ECSR framework in developing countries for the provision of buildings for higher institutions in their host communities.Practical implicationsThe paper will advance the philosophy of corporate social responsibility to the provision of building facilities in host communities' higher institutions by private companies through tax relief and supported by a proposed Presidential Executive Order.Originality/valueThe proposed ECSR framework can be used to improve building facilities in Nigeria's higher institutions. This may assist and stir up policymakers to explore the proposed model and back up with an established policy such as infrastructure tax relief (ITR) for implementation.

The Role of Corporate Organisations in Community Development; A Case of Two Rural Banks’ Corporate Social Responsibility, Ghana

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is globally acclaimed 21st -century business virtue by which the corporate organisations participate in community development. This case study investigates two rural banks’ CSRs and how they complement the local government in community development. The study rural banks’ CSRs were found to foster a win-win relationship, creating thriving business environment, while contributing to community development. The study’s banks’ CSR philosophy was driven by the desire for legitimacy, maintaining a business presence, promoting equity while responding to community needs. The case study banks’ CSRs drive which complemented the local government to improve the livelihood, education, health and social amenities were responsive to the needs of the rural communities. However, a deeper community involvement and collaboration, and more attention to livelihood interventions were required to maximise local relevance in community development.

From the philosophy of corporate social responsibility to the market and political realities of ESG

The theory of corporate social responsibility, ideologically formed in the USA in the second half of the twentieth century, significantly influenced both the practice of international business and the views of scientists in the field of economics and sociology. The moral obligation of corporations to participate in solving social problems, in charity, educational and cultural projects began to be perceived as something ordinary, as a kind of voluntary social tax. At the same time, representatives of a number of economic schools have long criticized this approach, believing, firstly, that the principal goal of big business is the growth of shareholders’ capital, and secondly, such a social obligation looks very amorphous, assuming only reputational costs for an entrepreneur in case of his evasion from the implementation of CSR programs. In our opinion, the situation is currently changing dramatically. This approach is being radically transformed under the influence of ESG ideas and practices, whose standards become structured and mandatory for companies in case of their access to premium markets.

A Theoretical Review of whether Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Complement Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Needs

In 2015, of the world’s population, 10 percent lived in extreme poverty, 11 percent was malnourished, 5 percent had no access to basic healthcare, 20 percent lived in fragile settings, 35 percent of women had experienced physical or sexual violence, 36 percent lacked basic sanitation facilities, and 15 percent lacked electricity. The United Nations proposed to address these global issues through 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which were accepted by 193 member countries. These committed countries are implementing the SDG agenda with all the available human, financial and technical resources. A recent review of SDG implementation across twenty six countries suggests that the progress is constrained by financial resources, which is resulting in geographically fragmented implementation and lack of integration amongst the goals. It has been reported that there is an annual gap of USD 2.5 trillion for the implementation of SDGs. As public resources, especially in developing countries, are already stretched, various alternative resource mechanisms are being explored to address the resource gap. The global community considers businesses an important stakeholder in achieving the SDGs through their resources and innovations. It has been argued that developmental activities and funds under corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be leveraged towards this objective. Institutional theory is a good early point indicator to study business response to social and environmental needs. Stakeholder theory has a perfect alignment with CSR philosophy to cater to multiple stakeholders. Social Contract theory and Political theory help study “mandatory” nature of CSR that is being introduced over last decade in multiple countries globally ranging from mandatory reporting to mandatory spending. In this context, businesses have a unique opportunity to use SDGs as a framework for improving CSR engagement in line with changing societal expectations. Through impact assessment and a strategic sensitivity to global sustainable development challenges, businesses may contribute to shared value creation, enhance positive impact by poverty alleviation and betterment of livelihoods, health and education, and reduce negative impacts like resource consumption, pollution, human rights violation across all processes.

Societal Progress of Corporate Social Responsibility—An Empirical Slant on Rastriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL, Visakhapatnam, India)

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) recompenses several direct and indirect benefits to the business. The most important advantage of CSR is to provide a business organization with an improved social image. Shifting the accountability of serving to one another does not serve the purpose at all. Simply putting the mask of corporate social responsibility does not make an organization socially accountable rather the organization is literally warranted to interweave the philosophy of CSR into its mission to be socially answerable. Social responsibility includes the areas such as health, education, employment, poverty alleviation and quality of life. CSR must be made obligatory on the part of the corporate sector operating in the country. It is a matter of great contentment that the Government of India is in the process of taking certain statutory steps to pursue the corporate sector to have a proactive approach towards corporate social responsibility/community development. This paper contributes towards the societal development of CSR through four dimensions namely corporate social responsibility and its implementation, corporate social responsibility and sustainability, corporate social responsibility towards Goodwill, corporate social responsibility and Social Justice.

An Empirical Model for Islamic Corporate Social Responsibility Grounded in Theory and Practice

The study identifies unique corporate social responsibility (CSR) dimensions and constructs presented through an empirical framework in order to outline the practice of CSR in a context with strong Islamic beliefs. The framework goes beyond the mere platform of Islamic philanthropy and is based on stakeholders and their related concerns as practices by the interviewed respondents. Based on data collected from representatives of 63 organisations from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Oman and employing Grounded Theory strategy, the study examines the CSR philosophy and approach in the Middle Eastern region. The results suggest that the Middle Eastern understanding is largely grounded in the context of social and altruistic actions. This focus is mainly attributed to the dominant role of religion in the examined region and results in forms of non-structured or semi-structured approach to CSR. Apart of the significant contributions to the CSR literature, the study offers important contributions to business practitioners and managers operating in the Middle East.

ABOUT THE SIMILARITIES and DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SHARED VALUE AND CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Over the last few years, we have witnessed the rapid development of Michael Porter and Mark Kramer's "Creating Shared Value - CSV" strategy. It builds on the philosophy of Corporate Social Responsibility - CSR and represents a step forward in uniting business and state efforts to address social issues. The author proves this by comparing CSV and CSR and outlining some of their similarities and differences. Clarifying the essence of CSV and highlighting it from CSR are consider to force the impact of this new philosophy in the world of modern business.

EVOLUTION ASPECTS OF DEVOLOPEMENT OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Since the late 1980’s in Erurope and USA received broad support and development of the philosophy of corporate social responsibility. These concept formed in the whole world recently, about 60 years ago. Prior to this period, there were different standards and regulations in the areas of corporate governance, corporate ethics, and relationships with competitors, responsibilities towards the society and the country. Social policy rules and standards have not been developed at all because there was use of the “random” approach. However, from the late 1960s–1970s leading U.S. and European companies have started to come to an understanding of the need to unite different elements of corporate policies related to the relationship of the company with the environment, and to the development of a single integrated approach to interaction with society. Such a policy, would have to be associated with the philosophy of the company, its marketing strategy, and it should meet the expectations of society. The main reasons for the intensive development of corporate social responcibility in 1970s, in developed countries was because of the failure of consumers to purchase goods and services of irresponsible companies, as well as the growth of the trade union movement. At the same time in Western Europe and the United States ratcheted up the labor and environmental legislation, there were public policy initiatives aimed at developing the corporate social responcibility.

Corporate social responsibility in marine plastic debris governance

This paper explores the governance characteristics of marine plastic debris, some of the factors underpinning its severity, and examines the possibility of harnessing corporate social responsibility (CSR) to manage plastic use within the contextual attitudes of a contemporary global society. It argues that international and domestic law alone are insufficient to resolve the “wicked problem” of marine plastic debris, and investigates the potential of the private sector, through the philosophy of CSR, to assist in reducing the amount and impacts of marine plastic debris. To illustrate how CSR could minimise marine plastic pollution, an industry-targeted code of conduct was developed. Applying CSR would be most effective if implemented in conjunction with facilitating governance frameworks, such as supportive governmental regulation and non-governmental partnerships. This study maintains that management policies must be inclusive of all stakeholders if they are to match the scale and severity of the marine plastic debris issue.

Clarity of CSR orientation and firm performance: case of Japanese SMEs

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine how clarity of corporate social responsibility (CSR) orientation of Japanese small and medium enterprises (SMEs) achieves constructive firm performance outcomes.Design/methodology/approachOn the basis of the literature review, the authors present a research model that defines key constructs and provide propositions that explain the interrelationships with theoretical rationale and practical implications. Using careful selection criteria, the authors have further conducted the in-depth interviews of the executives of two prominent Japanese SMEs.FindingsThe results suggest that CEOs with strong CSR orientation are more likely to influence their firms to achieve effective firm performance. If CSR philosophy is strategically formulated, clearly communicated, and widely accepted, then such firm is more likely to attain desirable business performance outcomes for larger stakeholders. Furthermore, CSR implementation of SMEs is not necessarily too costly; in fact, the long-term rate of return on SMEs’ CSR investment, with proper priority and prudent focus, is quite competitive.Research limitations/implicationsIn spite of the specificity of the two case studies, the research model and the study findings give valuable insight on the role of CEO’s philosophy on CSR implementation in the international market. The linkage mechanism between business operation and CSR by these SMEs is applicable to many innovative entrepreneurial firms that target beyond domestic markets.Originality/valueThe authors highlight how the clarity of CSR philosophy in terms of firm orientation and linkage mechanism aids SMEs in overcoming their resource constraints. Furthermore, well-implemented CSR activities may become instrumental in achieving long-term desirable performance in the form of customer loyalty, employee’s sense of pride, and corporate socio-economic reputation.

Corporate Spheres of Responsibility: Architects, Cowboys, and Eco-Warriors in Myanmar’s Oil & Gas Industry

Myanmar's recently opened economy is flush with incoming investment and activity. World leaders advocate that all businesses entering the country must operate in a "socially responsible manner." However, the history of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Myanmar is undefined, contradictory, and complex. Thus, to get a handle around what it means to be “responsible,” this paper investigates the collective way in which actors in the petroleum industry in Myanmar enact CSR from 1990 to 2014. The oil and gas (O&G) industry is the most lucrative, and arguably powerful, national sector. The practice and philosophy of CSR, which originated in this industry, is now proclaimed to be the starting point for this newly charted course of responsible business in Myanmar. Yet, activists and critics maintain that CSR is an insincere PR measure of profit maximization whereby companies can conduct business as normal. I argue that CSR in the Myanmar petroleum industry is influenced by more complex factors than profit maximization or image management. CSR initiatives are sculpted by (1) the geography of petroleum extraction, (2) corporate philosophies and company national origins, and (3) type of company operations. The petroleum industry’s CSR activities to date, in terms of geographic span and development targets, all fit into a spectrum of assumed spheres of corporate responsibility that have been forged by the corporate ‘architects’ and tempered by geographic and global forces.

Corporate social responsibility evaluation by different levels of management of Islamic banks and traditional banks: evidence from banking sector of Bangladesh

The research aims to evaluate different levels of management understanding and performance on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of traditional banks and Islamic banks in Bangladesh. Moreover, the paper points out the philosophy of both banks’ policy makers. The study is exclusively analytical in nature where 14 banks were selected on the basis of availability of branches in the research area. The research was based on primary data sources through a structured questionnaire. The research findings revealed that there is a gap between policy makers’ assurance of CSR contribution and its real implementation. The analysis found that Islamic banks are better than traditional banks with regard to the implementation of CSR policies. The result also showed that there are still some controversies on CSR performance of Islamic and traditional banks in general. The study also observed that Islamic, as well as traditional banks’ different levels of management conceive that CSR activities are performed by banks for their own interest rather than for social welfare. Therefore, it must be emphasized that good CSR policy is inevitable for all types of banks in Bangladesh. For the betterment of the society, as well as the banks, all levels of management should harmonize their CSR philosophy. Keywords: corporate social responsibility, management performance, traditional bank, Islamic bank, Bangladesh. JEL Classification: G21, M10, M14

Socio-economic impact of CSR activities of an Islamic Banking: A Case of Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited

This paper examines the practices and driving philosophy of corporate social responsibility (CSR) by Islami Bank in Bangladesh and to evaluate the need to modify CSR program of the organization to enhance its effectiveness. The purpose of the paper is to study the underlying drivers of the CSR program undertaken by the Islami Bank Bangladesh Limited and to explore if the CSR activities are planned as a holistic approach to social development. This study covers a period of 5 years ranging from 2010 – 2014 using secondary data from annual reports of the bank, relevant articles, websites, Bangladesh Bank publications, newspaper, journal and magazines. This study found that the Islami Bank Bangladesh had linked its CSR program as core business strategy to grow business with shared prosperity with its surrounding community. However, it has the improvement opportunity to create a synergy by bundling all its CSR activities as a holistic program. If appropriately planned, such program will promote self-sufficiency, create new jobs and enable economic development under alternative livelihood program as suitable in the locality. JEL Classifications: M 14

The Increasingly Visible Hand of Government behind Corporate Citizenship & Conscious Capitalism

<p class="Default"><em>This paper examines three recent and significant policy actions by the governments in India, the United States, and the European Union that make dramatic changes in how global societies view corporate behavior in the home and host country regions where economic benefits are accrued. These interventions point to growth of sharper policy instruments to push for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations in nation states. The familiar concept CSR has spun-off important notions of Corporate Citizenship, and Consciousness Capitalism. Both of these conceptualizations build on Elkington’s Triple Bottom Line (TBL)—which remains the central tenet of CSR philosophy. This paper discusses the three cases of government interventions in India, U.S. and EU. It argues that the new era of an increasingly visible hand of government has dawned to counteract market failure on the TBL, and to foster national and global sustainability values</em>.<strong> </strong></p>

Ethical codes and corporate responsibility of the most admired companies of the world: Toward a third generation ethics?

Codes of ethics contain a set of rules of conduct and corporate principles concerning the responsibility of a company to its stakeholders and shareholders. These codes help to guide corporate and employee behavior, and constitute verifiable elements of social responsibility. This study examines the Most Admired Companies of the World, ranked by Fortune magazine in 2009 to find out, first, whether their codes of ethics exhibit greater emphasis on social responsibility and strong implementation processes, and second, whether they could be considered codes of the third generation as elaborated by Stohl et al. in their article in the Journal of Business Ethics. Our results indicate that the codes of ethics of the 2009 Most Admired Companies of the World resemble “codes of conduct” rather than strictly codes of ethics or “codes of corporate social responsibility”. These codes continue to be governed by traditional norms related to immediate economic success, normative compliance, internal management and the pressing effects of their sector. This study thus provides empirical support for the idea that the philosophy of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is scarcely present in the codes of the most reputable companies.

Institutional Dynamics and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in an Emerging Country Context: Evidence from China

This study identifies unique corporate social responsibility (CSR) dimensions and develops a framework to analyze different levels of institutional dynamics in understanding CSR in China. Based on multiple case studies of 16 firms, the article examines the CSR philosophy and approach in China’s emerging market. The findings suggest that Chinese CSR understanding is largely grounded in the context of ethical and discretionary actions. This focus is mainly attributed to the dominant role of ethical leadership, governmental dependency, and cultural traditions in Chinese CSR. Moreover, the weakness or the absence of conducive social normative environment and positive peer pressure, and misalignment between CSR and organizational design further contribute to a lack of systemic and institutionalized approach to CSR in China. Our study implies that CSR is still evolving at a preliminary stage in China, and institutional infrastructure and cultural ethics are exerting abiding influence on CSR approach in the emerging economies. The article also suggests the implications for practice and policy making.

Corporate Social Responsibility and the Millennials

The incorporation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) into an organization's strategic plan may impact the company's ability to attract and keep members of the Millennial generation as employees. The authors examined the CSR attitudes of college students and the correlation of these attitudes with willingness to work for companies that emphasize CSR through employee volunteerism. The outcome from an event consisting of 9 high-level executives from for- and nonprofit companies explaining their CSR philosophy to these students is described. Results indicated that the event itself was responsible for changes in the students’ attitudes and were not correlated with earlier attitudes or actions.