Current Corporate Social Responsibility Research Articles

Development Discourse and Selling Soap in Madhya Pradesh, India

Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) presents Project Shakti as aimed at empowering poor, rural women as well as providing an innovative mechanism for the distribution of HUL goods to villagers in relatively remote areas. In addressing the current Corporate Social Responsibility debate of whether there can be consistency between corporate interests and those of the poor, this article describes the functioning of Project Shakti and asks whether it does fulfill its purpose of empowering poor, rural women. On the basis of 15 case studies of dealers and former dealers in the state of Madhya Pradesh, it is concluded that the project does not empower poor, rural women and suffers from many of the same failings as many microfinance projects focused on women. It is argued that the current neoliberal development discourse allows for a cohesive presentation of the project and that the nature of the discourse enables several different paradigms of microfinance and development to coexist within it. The identified disjunc...

Corporate Social Responsibility and Societal Governance: Lessons from Transparency in the Oil and Gas Sector

This article evaluates the potential of the current Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda for addressing issues related to societal governance. The investigation focuses on the experience of the oil and gas sector, which has been among the leading industry sectors in championing CSR. In particular, the article analyses the issue of revenue transparency, which has been the principal governance challenge addressed by multinational oil and gas companies. The article suggests that (1) tackling governance challenges is crucial to addressing the impact of corporate activities; (2) current CSR and policy initiatives are entirely insufficient in addressing governance challenges and (3) corporate activities may be contributing to governance failures.

Sustainability-driven implementation of corporate social responsibility: application of the integrative sustainability triangle

Current corporate social responsibility (CSR) approaches attempt to implement the vision of sustainable development at the corporate level. In fact, the term “corporate sustainability” may be a more accurate descriptive label for these attempts. Ambitious governmental, business and academic goals, and corresponding efforts have been established. Nonetheless, a truly satisfactory implementation of the broad CSR concept as well as the more specific challenges of corporate sustainability continue to be an elusive goal at the corporate management level. This article presents a description of a new management tool, a systematic method for implementing CSR successfully on the basis of a triple bottom line approach to sustainability. It fills in many of the still missing gap on the corporate level. The method presented here offers a multi-purpose approach for the collection, systematization, quantification, and evaluation of all the relevant issues found within a corporate environment. It allows for specifying and systematizing appropriate areas of action, taking into account the continuum of economic, ecologic,1 and social dimensions. Accordingly, the article is best characterized as a treatment of complex CSR issues, developed against the normative anchor of sustainability as the conceptual background.

Contribution of Public Relations (PR) to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): A Review on Malaysia Perspective

The main objectives of this study are to review on current public relations (PR) contributions to corporate socialresponsibility (CSR) programs, and also to review the current CSR activities applied in Malaysia. Numbers of researchhave been done on PR and CSR (examples Freeman, 1984; Grunig and Hunt, 1984; Hooghiemstra, 2000; Cutlip et. al,2006; Golob and Barlett, 2007; Harrison, 2007; and Argenti, 2007), and also impacts on the business (examples Cannon,1992; Gray et al., 1995; Woodward et. al, 1996; Johnson & Johnson, 2000; Volkswagen AG, 2000; Doane, 2002; AbdulRashid and Ibrahim, 2002; Van der Laan, 2004; Orlizty et. al, 2004; Kotler and Lee, 2005; Savitz and Weber, 2006;Porter and Kramer, 2006; Golob and Bartlett, 2007; and Janggu et. al, 2007). The objectives of the application of PRand CSR mainly related to “social responsibility of business which is encompasses the economic, legal, ethical anddiscretionary expectations that society has of organisations at a given point of time” (Carroll, 1979). The concept of PRand CSR are also concern for society, communities, environment, employees and ethics. CSR attracted great attention of the government, public-listed and private companies in Malaysia. This can be seen from various governmental and non-governmental efforts in creating awareness and provide initiatives to public listed and private companies to align their business objectives with CSR concerns (example The Malaysia Institute of Integrity (IIM), The Institute of Corporate Social Responsibility Malaysia (ICRM), Sahabat Alam Malaysia, and Federation of Malaysian Consumers Association and Consumers Association of Penang).

Life Cycle Attribute Assessment

SummaryPractitioners of life cycle assessment (LCA) have recently turned their attention to social issues in the supply chain. The United Nations life cycle initiative's social LCA task force has completed its guidelines for social life cycle assessment of products, and awareness of managing upstream corporate social responsibility (CSR) issues has risen due to the growing popularity of LCA.This article explores one approach to assessing social issues in the supply chain—life cycle attribute assessment (LCAA). The approach was originally proposed by Gregory Norris in 2006, and we present here a case study. LCAA builds on the theoretical structure of environmental LCA to construct a supply chain model. Instead of calculating quantitative impacts, however, it asks the question “What percentage of my supply chain has attribute X?” X may represent a certification from a CSR body or a self‐defined attribute, such as “is locally produced.” We believe LCAA may serve as an aid to discussions of how current and popular CSR indicators may be integrated into a supply chain model.The case study demonstrates the structure of LCAA, which is very similar to that of traditional environmental LCA. A labor hours data set was developed as a satellite matrix to determine number of worker hours in a greenhouse tomato supply. Data from the Quebec tomato producer were used to analyze how the company performed on eight sample LCAA indicators, and conclusions were drawn about where the company should focus CSR efforts.

Sustainability-Driven Implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility: Application of the Integrative Sustainability Triangle

Current corporate social responsibility (CSR) approaches attempt to implement the vision of sustainable development at the corporate level. In fact, the term “corporate sustainability” may be a more accurate descriptive label for these attempts. Ambitious governmental, business and academic goals, and corresponding efforts have been established. Nonetheless, a truly satisfactory implementation of the broad CSR concept as well as the more specific challenges of corporate sustainability continue to be an elusive goal at the corporate management level. This article presents a description of a new management tool, a systematic method for implementing CSR successfully on the basis of a triple bottom line approach to sustainability. It fills in many of the still missing gap on the corporate level. The method presented here offers a multi-purpose approach for the collection, systematization, quantification, and evaluation of all the relevant issues found within a corporate environment. It allows for specifying and systematizing appropriate areas of action, taking into account the continuum of economic, ecologic,1 and social dimensions. Accordingly, the article is best characterized as a treatment of complex CSR issues, developed against the normative anchor of sustainability as the conceptual background.

Applying asset‐based community development as a strategy for CSR: a Canadian perspective on a win–win for stakeholders and SMEs

In the December 2006 edition of Harvard Business Review, Michael Porter and Mark Kramer argue that by approaching corporate social responsibility (CSR) based on corporate priorities, strengths and abilities, firms can develop socially and fiscally responsible solutions to current CSR issues, which will provide operational and competitive advantages. We agree that an effective approach to CSR includes a mapping of strategy, risk and opportunity. However, we also caution that the identification of these to the exclusion of societal input may not be to the corporation's advantage. Instead, an investment in both strategic analysis and social capital can pay off from a social and an organizational standpoint. Compared with their larger counterparts, small‐ and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) frequently have stronger relationships with their internal and external stakeholders that foster the development of social capital. As such, we believe that the sector offers a unique opportunity to identify additional models and frameworks in order to approach a strategic CSR model as espoused by Porter and Kramer. This paper explores a case study of one Canadian SME that uses a community development framework called Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) for its CSR programming. Because ABCD relies heavily on the development and maintenance of social capital and can be utilized to attain set objectives, we propose that it provides a supplementary framework through which the arguments of Porter and Kramer can be expanded. In applying the ABCD framework for CSR, we can begin to establish a programme that supports strategy, integrates employees and stakeholders towards a common vision, and creates unique and sustainable alternatives towards the resolution of social and corporate goals.

The business strategy/corporate social responsibility “mash‐up”

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the “mash‐up” of business strategy and corporate social responsibility (CSR). In popular music, a mash‐up is a file of digitally combined musical sources. Song A is played simultaneously with Song B, and in various other combinations. There are often elements of dissonance, and even cacophony, to the form – but the sum of the parts often surpasses the originals. CSR is a management innovation like the idea of business strategy itself. Each is also a metaphor representing alternative visions and approaches to corporate value creation. Business strategists are talking, writing, and meeting about CSR, and CSR is increasingly intersecting, integrating, converging, with business strategy. The trend is described within as a “mash‐up”. But what is the significance of this trend? How serious should companies be about it? Is CSR going to become a part of standard business theory and practice? How long will it take? What should organizations do to respond and participate?Design/methodology/approachThis paper examines two propositions. First, that CSR is more than a set of ideas and processes; it is a metaphor for a different approach to business. Second, CSR is a management innovation like strategic planning itself. The paper concludes that the impact the two ideas will have on each other and society is fundamentally unpredictable, but it is likely that eventually the current CSR mania will subside and disillusionment will set in.FindingsCSR is a highly significant trend, and well‐managed companies are already taking it very seriously. CSR may become a part of standard business theory and practice, but not without evolving through adoption patterns that will necessarily involve some disillusionment. Leaders will guide their company through this period by focusing on how to make CSR “real” for their organization by embracing the business strategy/CSR mash‐up and driving growth and innovation within the new parameters.Originality/valueFamiliarizes business strategists with CSR and CSR practitioners with points of connection and overlap with business strategy.

Beyond philanthropy: corporate social responsibility in the Nigerian insurance industry

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to show that given the dearth of literature on how firms in the African continent have embraced and practiced corporate social responsibility (CSR), this study contributes to the CSR literature by examining managers' perceptions about CSR, structural changes to enhance, its implementation, and the pattern of current CSR actions in Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachThe study used quantitative approach and collected primary data through a three‐part structured questionnaire, from insurance firms operating in Nigeria. The 67 responses received were analysed descriptively and the results presented.FindingsThe overall results indicate a strong support for social responsibility and the translation of this support into action through involvement in some community based projects. Evidence from the study also suggests that social responsibility is still largely perceived as a philanthropic gesture.Research limitations/implicationsThe study only covers insurance firms operating in Lagos state. Furthermore, only one response represents the view of a firm, hence the need to exercise caution in generalizing the results.Practical implicationsSince the results suggest the readiness of the Nigerian insurance firms to go beyond the traditional view of profit and shareholders' wealth maximization, there must be a consistency between this posture and their actions.Originality/valueThe study provides an insight into perceptions about corporate social responsibility in the insurance industry, in a developing country and in Africa, which to the best knowledge of the author, have not been done before.

Corporate Social Responsibility and International Development: Critical Assessment

ABSTRACTManuscript Type: ConceptualResearch Question/Issue: This article critically evaluates recent claims about the positive role that corporate social responsibility (CSR) could play in contributing to international development goals such as poverty alleviation and health improvements.Research Findings/Results: The article suggests that many recent claims about the positive contribution of CSR to international development are unjustified based on four arguments: (1) lack of empirical evidence; (2) analytical limitations of CSR; (3) the constraints of the business case for CSR; and (4) unresolved governance questions.Theoretical Implications: On the one hand, the article implies that private firms are unlikely to act as successful development actors without corporate governance reforms, which would align the interests of non‐traditional stakeholders with corporate interests. On the other hand, the article implies that international development priorities may misalign the intrinsic interests of shareholders and company executives.Practical Implications: The current CSR agenda seems inappropriate for addressing international development goals.

Corporate Social Responsibility and Crony Capitalism in Taiwan

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has become increasingly popular in advanced economies in the West. In contrast, CSR awareness in Asia is rather low, both on the corporate and state level. However, recent events have shown that the CSR is receiving more attention by corporations in Asia. Recent development in CSR in Taiwan is one example of such a trend. A 2005 survey on the 700 publicly listed companies in Taiwan on␣CSR has highlighted the current CSR situation. Concurrently, the numbers of corporate scandals and corruption have dramatically increased over the past 6 years. Corporate CSR activities co-existing with pervasive corporate scandals create a phenomenon of contradictions. This article aims to report via the survey findings the current development of business ethics in corporate Taiwan; and to interpret the findings in context of Taiwan’s business ethos, especially its Confucian familism and crony capitalism.

The role of corporate social responsibility in strong sustainability

The aim of this paper is to analyze to what extent corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributes to strong sustainability, i.e. to what extent the use of natural resources and the environment is possible, given the current level of economic activity. We therefore examine responsibilities that corporations should take in order to fulfil the requirements of strong sustainability. Based on current CSR practices and theory as well as on businesses motivations regarding environmental and social investments, we will introduce the role of corporations in influencing consumption patterns. Furthermore, we will attempt to answer to what extent responsible corporate behaviour is determined by the current economic system.

A Research Agenda for International Corporate Social Responsibility

This paper builds on a recent article by Elisabet Garriga and Domenec Mele, in which they provided an overview of the main approaches in current CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) research. It applies their general approach to CSR research aimed specifically at the international level, and concludes that the research agenda in this field may usefully divided into four main questions. First, how does the process of establishing absolute (also ‘international’ or ‘universal’) standards for social and environmental issues – supposedly related to the objectives and values of developing societies – affect business behaviour? Second, under which conditions can profit maximisation by Western firms lead to responsible business behaviour in developing countries, and under which conditions does such behaviour contribute to profit maximisation? Third, what is the relevance of societal demands on business behaviour related to developing countries, and what is the legitimacy of these demands? Fourth, under which conditions can Western-based businesses make a positive contribution to local communities in developing countries?

Corporate Social Responsibility Audit: From Theory to Practice

This research examines the possibility of developing a new corporate social responsibility (CSR) auditing system based on the analysis of current CSR literature and interviews conducted with a number of interested and knowledgeable stakeholders. This work attempts to create a framework for social responsibility auditing compatible with an existing commercially successful environmental audit system. The project is unusual in that it tackles the complex issue of CSR auditing with a scientific approach using Grounded Theory. On the evidence discovered to date in the literature review and the interviews, CSR seems to be perceived by many as the social strand of sustainable development. However, there is far less agreement regarding its measurement. Both the literature review and the interview analysis indicate that developing an applied CSR auditing procedure will be a challenging task. This is principally due to the lack of formal study of this complex subject, which, despite the widespread debate it has engendered, still lacks a single and broadly accepted definition. The concepts developed from the findings of this research, together with the key factors identified in a literature review of CSR, were developed into a prospective CSR audit protocol.

Editorial Setting new agendas: critical perspectives on Corporate Social Responsibility in the developing world

The article discusses Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the developing world. Numerous claims have been made about the contribution CSR can make to poverty alleviation and other development goals. However, the contributors to this issue have reached the conclusion that current CSR approaches do not warrant such claims. A critical agenda is needed because many policy-makers see business as important in meeting development challenges: not just those of economic growth, but also in areas such as combating HIV/AIDS, reducing poverty and building human capital.

The false developmental promise of Corporate Social Responsibility: evidence from multinational oil companies

Using the example of multinational oil companies, this article suggests that there are fundamental problems surrounding the capacity of private firms to deliver development and the aspiration of achieving development through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) may be fundamentally flawed. The article is based on an extensive twelve-month research project on the Gulf of Guinea region funded by the Nuffield Foundation. This research identified a number of constraints to a developmental role for CSR: the subservience of CSR schemes to corporate objectives; country- and context-specific issues; the failure to involve the beneficiaries of CSR; the lack of human resources; technical/managerial approaches of company staff and the lack of CSR's integration into larger development plans. But even if private companies were able to overcome practical problems, it argues that the current CSR agenda fails to address the crucial issues of governance and the negative macro-level effects that multinational companies cause in host countries. The article concludes by suggesting that a focus on CSR may divert attention from broader political, economic and social solutions for developmental problems.

Corporate Social Responsibility Audit: From Theory to Practice

This research examines the possibility of developing a new corporate social responsibility (CSR) auditing system based on the analysis of current CSR literature and interviews conducted with a number of interested and knowledgeable stakeholders. This work attempts to create a framework for social responsibility auditing compatible with an existing commercially successful environmental audit system. The project is unusual in that it tackles the complex issue of CSR auditing with a scientific approach using Grounded Theory. On the evidence discovered to date in the literature review and the interviews, CSR seems to be perceived by many as the social strand of sustainable development. However, there is far less agreement regarding its measurement. Both the literature review and the interview analysis indicate that developing an applied CSR auditing procedure will be a challenging task. This is principally due to the lack of formal study of this complex subject, which, despite the widespread debate it has engendered, still lacks a single and broadly accepted definition. The concepts developed from the findings of this research, together with the key factors identified in a literature review of CSR, were developed into a prospective CSR audit protocol.

The importance of communicating cause-related marketing (CRM) strategies in South Africa

ABSTRACT It is the contention of this article that South African companies should use a cause-related marketing (CRM) strategy to advance their business objectives, at the same time communicate their involvement in uplifting and investing in society. Communicating corporate socially responsible activities is important for a number of reasons. It is necessary to create awareness and an understanding of current corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies, strategies and attitudes, to define an integrated strategy for the future. These policies and activities must be communicated internally and externally in order to enhance an organisation's reputation, loyalty and relationship among all stakeholders. This could ultimately lead to potential increases in customer traffic and sales that will positively affect the bottom line and lead to bigger corporate social investments by a company. Besides these advantages, effective cause-related marketing strategies could also secure preferential treatment of investors within a highly competitive business environment.

Corporate ethical futures: responsibility for the shadow on the future of today's ethical corporations

Humankind needs protection from the actions of corporations, which have an effect in time and space beyond the boundaries that they attend to in their day-to-day business decisions or their regulatory duties. A combination of an ethical orientation with a futures orientation gives rise to ethical futures, which produces a more developed and robust moral code for corporate organisations. In a pilot study of the current corporate social responsibility reports of five corporate organisations, a tentative qualitative relationship was found between the futures orientation of these corporations and their (BITC) corporate social responsibility index rating. Enforcing corporate ethical futures should become an imperative for stakeholders.