Premium Essay

How Corporate Social Responsibility Is defiNed

In:

Submitted By walt2wall
Words 6452
Pages 26
Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management
Corp. Soc. Responsib. Environ. Mgmt. (in press)
Published online in Wiley InterScience
(www.interscience.wiley.com) DOI: 10.1002/csr.132

How Corporate Social Responsibility is
Defined: an Analysis of 37 Definitions
Alexander Dahlsrud*
Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management,
Faculty of Social Science and Technology Management, Norwegian University of
Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
ABSTRACT
Despite numerous efforts to bring about a clear and unbiased definition of CSR, there is still some confusion as to how CSR should be defined. In this paper five dimensions of CSR are developed through a content analysis of existing CSR definitions.
Frequency counts are used to analyse how often these dimensions are invoked. The analysis shows that the existing definitions are to a large degree congruent. Thus it is concluded that the confusion is not so much about how CSR is defined, as about how CSR is socially constructed in a specific context. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley
& Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Received 24 April 2006; revised 31 August 2006; accepted 18 September 2006
Keywords: analysis; corporate social responsibility; definitions; discourse; social construction

Introduction
HE CORPORATE WORLD IS FACING THE NOTION OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) wherever it turns these days. On a wide range of issues corporations are encouraged to behave socially responsibly (Welford and Frost, 2006; Engle, 2006). However, in both the corporate and the academic world there is uncertainty as to how CSR should be defined. Some go as far as saying ‘We have looked for a definition and basically there isn’t one’ (Jackson and Hawker, 2001). This is not quite true; the problem is rather that there is an abundance of definitions, which are, according to Van Marrewijk (2003),

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

It Engineer

...Southern New Hampshire University Muad Elmuntasar OL- 690 Definition of Corporate Social Responsibility October 2, 2012 Pr. Katrina Kerr The definition of corporate social responsibility Introduction The corporate social responsibility ( CSR) seems to be came in the beginning of the millennium after so many wrong actions in past decades. May be, after the shock of scandals business such as Enron, WorldCom and Parmalat, also with the effect of weather change on the environment, all in consider have make many companies and organizations to rethink about their responsibilities towards their customers and stakeholders. Nowadays, business suggested that CSR is a normative, has different levels of concepts, which definition depends on many different of views and relationships, and changes in response to social directions (Silberhorn & Warren, 2007) . This study will examine how CSR is defined from different perspectives. There are different businesses see CSR from different concepts, they have their own trends. By looking at statement of missions of large companies publish on their web sites, we will find it explores their social responsibility and there view for their nation. Some businesses see CSR is about making profit. Unlike others businesses, attempt to do more than to make a profit (Struijk, 2012). Despite the fact that the main responsibility of a firm is to make a profit, in order to provide a product or excellent service that people are looking for. For...

Words: 1439 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Corporate Social Responsability

...Business & Society http://bas.sagepub.com Corporate Social Responsibility: Evolution of a Definitional Construct Archie B. Carroll Business Society 1999; 38; 268 DOI: 10.1177/000765039903800303 The online version of this article can be found at: http://bas.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/38/3/268 Published by: http://www.sagepublications.com On behalf of: International Association for Business and Society Additional services and information for Business & Society can be found at: Email Alerts: http://bas.sagepub.com/cgi/alerts Subscriptions: http://bas.sagepub.com/subscriptions Reprints: http://www.sagepub.com/journalsReprints.nav Permissions: http://www.sagepub.com/journalsPermissions.nav Citations http://bas.sagepub.com/cgi/content/refs/38/3/268 Downloaded from http://bas.sagepub.com at Biblioteca di Ateneo - Trento on April 28, 2010 Carroll / CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY BUSINESS & SOCIETY / September 1999 Corporate Social Responsibility Evolution of a Definitional Construct ARCHIE B. CARROLL University of Georgia There is an impressive history associated with the evolution of the concept and definition of corporate social responsibility (CSR). In this article, the author traces the evolution of the CSR construct beginning in the 1950s, which marks the modern era of CSR. Definitions expanded during the 1960s and proliferated during the 1970s. In the 1980s, there were fewer new definitions, more empirical research, and alternative themes...

Words: 12021 - Pages: 49

Premium Essay

Corporate Social Responsibility In India

...Corporate Social Responsibility Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an activity that has gained momentum among companies, to improve their social image, especially in recent years. Corporate social responsibility has been defined by multiple studies. In this section, we provide a short summary and comparison of the most widely presented versions, followed by an overview of the situation of CSR in India. As defined by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), CSR is a management concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and interactions with their stakeholders. The World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) defines Corporate Social Responsibility...

Words: 1016 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Consumer Pshycology

...Consumer psychology must be understood before marketing messages can be expressed. Hence, marketing communication and consumer psychology both have a tying relationship. Consumer psychology can best be defined as the way individuals feel about certain goods and services they purchase. For example, a person’s thoughts, beliefs, feelings and perceptions will influence how they will buy and relate to certain goods and services. A family of five people for example, will probably want to purchase a large vehicle such as a sport utility vehicle for a large family. There are two articles which describe the concepts of consumer psychology and marketing communication, and examples are given to better understand both concepts. Castronovo and Huang explain how “Word-of-Mouth” marketing can be an efficient way to promote certain goods and services. Consumers rely on this form of marketing because they have an opportunity to hear the opinions of other individuals who have previously purchased goods or services. If goods or services are psychologically risky, it is more probable for consumers to rely on “word-of-mouth” marketing. Word-of-mouth marketing is also essential for several social media outlets. Society in the twenty-first century relies heavily on the internet, hence social media such as linked in, facebook and YouTube may be used in order to express “word-of mouth” marketing communication. (Castronovo and Huang, 2012). “Word-of-mouth” marketing includes several other marketing...

Words: 742 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Strategic Management, C Orporate Responsibility and S Takeholder Management Integrating Corporate Responsibility Principles and Stakeholder Approaches I Nto Mainstream Strategy: a Stakeholder-Oriented and I Ntegrative Strategic M Anagement Framework

...Strategic management, corporate responsibility and stakeholder management Integrating corporate responsibility principles and stakeholder approaches into mainstream strategy: a stakeholder-oriented and integrative strategic management framework Takis Katsoulakos and Yannis Katsoulacos Takis Katsoulakos is a Director at INLECOM Ltd, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, UK. Yannis Katsoulacos is a Professor at Athens University of Economics and Business, Athens, Greece. Abstract Purpose – The purpose of this article is to establish a strategic management framework that supports the integration of corporate social responsibility principles and stakeholder approaches into mainstream business strategy. Design/methodology/approach – A top-down and bottom-up approach was used to develop the proposed framework. The top-down approach focused on analyzing the main strategic management theories including social responsibility movements to identify complementary concepts and create a relevant topology. The bottom-up approach was based on empirical research on the views of business companies on corporate social responsibility, a review of best practices and case studies mainly in Greece. Findings – The paper describes a stakeholder-oriented integrative strategic management framework linking the main strategic management theories across value, responsiveness and responsibility dimensions. A mathematical model is presented describing the synergistic development of advantage-creating knowledge and...

Words: 7389 - Pages: 30

Premium Essay

Stakeholder

...the framework of a report about a research on corporate social responsiblity (CSR) , for a brand of your own choice. You as a researcher are being asked to research the company image (of the brand you choose yourself) in terms of CSR. The Resit assignment consists of 5 parts: 1. Choose a brand 2. Develop the research methodology a. Formulate the research problem b. Define the central research objective c. List the key concepts d. Design at least 4 research questions 3. Develop the table of contents of this report. The table of contents has to look like a professional table of contents. 4. Give a short summary of what you are going to describe in each chapter of your report. Don’t use more than 5 lines per chapter. 5. Give the bibliography in APA-style, with at least 3 relevant sources (wikipedia is not allowed). To be clear, you have to execute the 5 parts of the assignment, you do not have to write the whole research report. Start each part on a new page. You have to upload the assignment on DLWO before the deadline. The deadline for the resit is the 10th of January before 17.00 pm. If you participate in the resit, then the result for the resit will replace the results of the individual assignments. Resit assignment 1. Choosing a Brand for a research about Corporate Social Responsibility About (CSR) (CSR) is defined as the voluntary activities undertaken by a company to operate in an economic, social environmentally sustainable manner. NIKE ...

Words: 1550 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

The Determination of Environmental Social and Governance

...CHAPTER ONE INTRODUCTION 1.0 INTRODUCTION The corporate world today embraced corporate social responsibility (CSR) into their daily business operation and become important matters to ensure the sustainability of the business. Therefore, CSR initiatives become a self-motivated for companies to benefits themselves while also benefiting others like protecting the environment, care for wellbeing of society and take a full responsibility for the entire world affected by their business operation. The reasons why companies actively engaged in CSR is because this action may assists to establish flawless and clear boundaries among the different interest of the stakeholders in the companies (Ángeles Gil Estallo, Giner de-la Fuente, & Gríful-Miquela, 2007). Besides that, todays companies make a good consideration into their decision to embedded social and environment matters was made investors realised that this approach can result in great opportunities in both financial and sustainable value creation (Louche, 2009). Furthermore, the researcher stated that by integrating CSR matters are significance for investor to make their investment analysis for potential companies in valuing the firm. Largely, international business increasingly aware about CSR initiative and take serious decisions about sustainability key issues due to shifting social expectation when companies facing corporate scandals and controversies that will eliminate public trust (Malaysia, 2013). Moreover,...

Words: 1266 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Acc 511 Corpporate Governance & Accountability

...Courses and Exams use this form ( http://hwguiders.com/contact-us/ ) Feel Free to Search your Class through Our Product Categories or From Our Search Bar (http://hwguiders.com/ ) Table of content 1. Question 1 1. Introduce to Corporate Governance 2. Governance makes a Difference 3. Failures of Corporate Governance 4. Failures in Major companies 5. Reform of Corporate Governance 6. Conclusions 2. Question 2 1. Introduce to Cadbury Report 2. Conclusions 3.0 References Question 1 Based on the above it has been stated that “the problem is not a failure to comply with rules but a failure in governance practice”. Do you agree and why? (10 Marks) Introduce to Corporate Governance Corporate governance looks at issues pertaining to transparency, integrity, effectiveness and accountability in the management of the affairs, and all other activities of an organization. Management is concerned with the company’s operations, functions and financial performance; hence, corporate governance aims to involve the quality assurance of the operation of the board itself. The concern is for the welfare, good performance, corporate ethics and morality, as well as social and public responsibility for the good corporate citizenship. Corporate governance also involves in system to ensure that the organization’s obligations to its major stakeholders. The relationship among the many stakeholders and the way of corporation is directed and governed is therefore created. Stakeholders...

Words: 8715 - Pages: 35

Premium Essay

Corporate Responsibility

...Social Responsibility Corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be defined as the way businesses integrate social, environmental and economic concerns into their corporate values, culture, decision making, strategy and operations in a transparent and accountable manner. The result of this approach is that these businesses often establish better practices within their operation, create wealth and improve society (Nickels, 2009). In the past, businesses principally concerned themselves with winning in the marketplace and little else as they believed this was their sole role. Economists had been quoted as declaring that the only responsibility of any business is to make money and please its shareholders. Economists may view companies who practice in CSR as wasting resources and money that should be used in making more profits for their shareholders CSR is no longer defined by how much money a company contributes to charity, but by its overall involvement in activities that improve the quality of people’s lives. Corporate responsibility has come up as an important subject matter in the international business community and is increasingly becoming a conventional activity. There is mounting recognition of the significant effect the activities of the private sector have on numerous stakeholders like; their workforce and clientele, the society, the environment, competitors, business associates, investors, shareholders, governments and others. It is also becoming increasingly clear...

Words: 996 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Business

...Preparing to Conduct Business Research: Part 1 Team A RES/351 December 16, 2013 Dr. Michael Gemignani Preparing to Conduct Business Research: Part 1 CSR stands for corporate social responsibility. This is refers to the business efforts to work with stakeholders in achieving improved economic, environmental and social performance. CSR is sometimes known as the triple bottom line. It is also identified as corporate citizenship or sustainability. This is the standards of how a business is supposed to be run in order to be successful. Large companies such as AT&T, Cisco, etc. depend on their corporate social responsibilities in order to stay on top of the businesses in their industry. An example of corporate responsibility would be Chevron’s dedication to local communities and the environment, or Bank of America fueling the economic progress through corporate social responsibility. It takes the company as a whole to make sure that their corporate social responsibility is followed. To develop these corporate social responsibilities a company needs to do their research on what they want to accomplish long term and short term, how they want to affect others and who they want to affect. Purpose of study Kevin: The intention of this study is to Research objectives Kevin: This should summarize the research objectives Research questions All topics of research have the purpose of answering, at least to some degree, a well-crafted question (Changing Minds,...

Words: 733 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Ethics on a Global Basis

...Purchasing Ethics and how it Changes the Global Marketplace Assignment 3.4 Mike Wooddell ERAU LGMT 536 – Purchasing for Logistics and Supply Chain Management June 17, 2015 Abstract As organizations increase their global footprint, the need for reliable, ethical, and sustainable suppliers also increases. Understanding this need, more businesses are engaging suppliers that are the most cost effective and not necessarily the most ethical. This brings me to the research of purchasing ethics. Specifically how do ethics change the landscape of today’s global market? This paper will look at several factors that include the cross cultural understanding of ethics, the personal and professional responsibility, and several ethical challenges such as environmental responsibility and human rights and the impact it has on the global market. Key Words: business ethics, global market, cultural factors, professional responsibility, ethical challenges I. WHAT IS ETHICS – DEFINITION AND UNDERSTANDING Clearly define what ethics mean in the global market and the domestic market and how it is interpreted in each. II. CULTURAL FACTORS IN GLOBAL MARKETS Identify how cultural factors such as religion, sexual orientation, and accepted standard practices influence or hinder international and domestic business. III. PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITY TO BUSINESSES Identify the responsibility and moral obligation when ethical dilemmas occur, your personal...

Words: 3467 - Pages: 14

Premium Essay

Corporate Social Responsibility

...WHAT IS CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY OR CSR? For long it was argued that the role of businesses was purely economical and that economics was the parameter on the basis of which their success or failure was to be determined. Corporations, since eons, have been regarded as the providers of jobs, products and services and it was believed that they are only financially responsible and profit making is their only motive. But recent times have seen a departure from that tradition and now CSR is being taken up in a broader societal context, mainly due to globalisation and the change in the ecological balance. They stakeholders i.e. the employees, community, suppliers and shareholders are redefining the role of the corporations. As a result of this particular kind of shift, many organisations have started endorsing the idea of businesses leaving the purely economic front and blending in some societal dimension as well. THE HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE OF CSR: CSR is not a new concept. It has been there since always though not necessarily by this name. Various ancient scriptures mention that businesses should be run ethically and more importantly, they should benefit the deprived section of the society. It has always been said that those who are privileged must lend a helping hand to those who aren’t. Chanakya, the teacher and guardian of Chandragupta Maurya, in his book ‘Arthashastra’ emphasised that ethical means be used while operating businesses. It is often argued that the level...

Words: 2637 - Pages: 11

Premium Essay

Csr (Corporate Social Responsibilities

...Introduction: Social Responsibility of Business or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to management decisions & actions taken for reasons at least partially beyond the organizations’ direct economic or technical interest. The Concept of Corporate Social Responsibility is merely in growing stage towards social effectiveness of business. It is the philosophy which justifies business involvement in its social community. The simple fact is that business is a major social institution, and as such it is importantly involved in social value. In the operation of pluralism many groups influence business and in turn business influences them. Definition of Corporate Social Responsibility given by Scholars: According to Davis Keith, (“Can Business afford to Ignore Social Responsibilities?”- 1960) Social Responsibility is defined as, “Management decisions and action taken for reasons partially beyond the organization’s direct economic or technical interest.” According to Griffin R W, (“Management”- 1997) “Social Responsibility is a set of obligations an organization has to protect and enhance the society in which it functions.” According to Davis K & Blomstrom R L, Business and Society: Environment and Responsibility”- 1975) [i] Social Responsibility is defined as, “The Relationship of Business with the Social System outside its own formal organization.” [ii] Social Responsibility is that, (Business) Decision Makers are obliged to take Actions which protect and improve the...

Words: 1182 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Is Business Sustainable?

...Sustainable? by megan51773 | studymode.com Business is an artificial person and has responsibilities. While making money is an important result of a company’s existence, many people wrongly assume this is their sole responsibility. A business can be defined as a combination of the products and services they provide, the customers they serve, and its work force. A business of one person or thousands takes on the personality of those wihin. Its culture, morals, and ethics are defined by the actions of the people that execute its bidding; and as such can take on its own identity. Although a business is not made of living tissue, to those that work for it or consume their products and services, it is treated as a living entity; and can therefore take on a variety of real responsibilities. These real responsibilities are realized through a responsibility toward a business’s consumers, protection of the environment and the law. Considering the many differences between an individual and a business, it’s understandable that many people would be eager to accept the idea that as an artificial person, businesses have no responsibilities. Supporters of this view believe that business corporations have no responsibility to society beyond the law as they go about their operations. Their argument is that a business’s principal and overriding responsibility is to shareholders, and it is a responsibility to conduct the operations of the company in such a way as to maximize the wealth...

Words: 1306 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Business Management

...International Journal of Management Reviews (2007) doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2370.2007.00215.x XXXX utilitarian, ORIGINAL XXX International Publishing Management theories IJMR 2007managerial and relational Reviews of corporate social responsibility © Blackwell Journal of Ltd 2007 1460-8545 Oxford, UK ARTICLES Blackwell Publishing Ltd Utilitarian, managerial and relational theories of corporate social responsibility Davide Secchi Concepts and theories of corporate social responsibility (CSR) have been examined and classified by scholars since the mid-1970s. However, owing to the evolving meaning of CSR and the huge number of scholars who have begun to analyze the issue in recent years fresh efforts are needed to understand new developments. Since there is a great heterogeneity of theories and approaches, the task remains a very hard one, mainly because heterogeneity derives from multi-disciplinary diversity. The criterion for selection is to consider the role that theorists confer to the firm. Following this idea, three groups of theories have been discerned: (1) the utilitarian group, in which the corporation is intended as a maximizing ‘black box’ where problems of externalities and social costs emerge; (2) the managerial category, where problems of responsibility are approached from inside the firm (internal perspective); (3) relational theories, or those in which the type of relations between the firm and the environment are at the center of the analysis. The three perspectives...

Words: 16348 - Pages: 66