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Corporate Social Responsibility and Globalisation: An Action Plan for Business
by Jacqueline CramerBusiness in a globalised world is no longer only about profit. Companies that operate globally are increasingly being called to account over their social responsibilities to the workforce, local communities and the environment. Companies that take these responsibilities seriously are faced with a plethora of problems and dilemmas. For example, how can companies navigate the sea of tension between observing international rules of conduct and responding to specific local cultural circumstances? How can they ensure social responsibility in the product chain(s) in which they operate? And how can they best contribute to the local economy of developing countries?This book helps companies with good intentions but little experience to find answers to these questions and many others. The book offers concrete guidelines, step-by-step plans and practical examples based on the experiences of 20 diverse, large, medium and small companies that participated in the three-year Dutch programme "Corporate Social Responsibility in an International Context" organised by CSR Netherlands. Corporate Social Responsibility and Globalisation constitutes a guidebook and action plan to enable companies of all sizes to manage risk and seek out opportunities for engagement in their overseas operations.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Governance: Stakeholders, Management and Organizational Performance in the European Union (Routledge Studies in Corporate Governance)
by Panagiotis Dimitropoulos Efthalia Elia ChatzigianniCorporate social responsibility (CSR) has developed into a crucial corporate and organizational issue around the world. It has been incorporated into various sectors and countries, and includes many types of activities and dimensions. It is a common notion that organizations are more inclined today to broaden and shift their performance focus from short-term goals towards long-term social, environmental, and value-added perspectives.Under the framework of corporate governance, organizations and companies are motivated to promote fairness, transparency, ethics, and accountability in their transactions, while concurrently maintaining enhanced standards of governance. This means that organizations and corporations must align their activities with community aspirations which is an issue falling within the sphere of CSR. Increased attention has been placed on the organizations regarding their approach towards the needs of various stakeholders. However, a crucial issue that this book attempts to address is the association, intersection, and inter-relationship between governance and CSR within the EU region, which are not adequately established in the existing literature. The book will show that governance and CSR are highly connected. With the purpose of studying the association of CSR with legal, managerial and empirical aspects of governance in corporations and not-for-profit organizations, in various sectors of the economy, the book also intends to provide useful policy implications, as well as to offer constructive directions for future research. This book will be of value to researchers, academics, practitioners, policymakers, and students in the fields of CRS and governance, organizational theory, marketing management, business ethics and human resource management.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Governance: Stakeholders, Management and Organizational Performance in the European Union (Routledge Studies in Corporate Governance)
by Panagiotis Dimitropoulos Efthalia Elia ChatzigianniCorporate social responsibility (CSR) has developed into a crucial corporate and organizational issue around the world. It has been incorporated into various sectors and countries, and includes many types of activities and dimensions. It is a common notion that organizations are more inclined today to broaden and shift their performance focus from short-term goals towards long-term social, environmental, and value-added perspectives.Under the framework of corporate governance, organizations and companies are motivated to promote fairness, transparency, ethics, and accountability in their transactions, while concurrently maintaining enhanced standards of governance. This means that organizations and corporations must align their activities with community aspirations which is an issue falling within the sphere of CSR. Increased attention has been placed on the organizations regarding their approach towards the needs of various stakeholders. However, a crucial issue that this book attempts to address is the association, intersection, and inter-relationship between governance and CSR within the EU region, which are not adequately established in the existing literature. The book will show that governance and CSR are highly connected. With the purpose of studying the association of CSR with legal, managerial and empirical aspects of governance in corporations and not-for-profit organizations, in various sectors of the economy, the book also intends to provide useful policy implications, as well as to offer constructive directions for future research. This book will be of value to researchers, academics, practitioners, policymakers, and students in the fields of CRS and governance, organizational theory, marketing management, business ethics and human resource management.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Governance: Theory and Practice (CSR, Sustainability, Ethics & Governance)
by Samuel O. Idowu Claus Strue Frederiksen Asli Yüksel Mermod Morten Ebe Juul NielsenThis book deals with the role of international standards for corporate governance in the context of corporate social responsibility. Based on the fundamentals of moral theory, the book examines governance and CSR in general, addressing questions such as: Is “good governance” not affected by moral concerns? How do the principles and practices of CSR standards adhere to or conflict with insights from business ethics and moral theory? To what extent do the standards and governance models provide normative guidance? Do the standards and governance guidelines provide an adequate means of benchmarking and auditing? Are these standards a help or a hindrance to stakeholder engagement and transparency? The book provides insightful and thought-provoking answers to these and many other important questions concerning CSR standards, and offers a valuable resource for practitioners, academics and students at business schools and other institutions.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Human Rights in Asia (Routledge Contemporary Asia Series)
by Robert J. HanlonAs globalization has brought about new concerns and responsibilities for business, particularly in the realm of human rights, many multinational corporations (MNC) operating in Asia have argued that such rights are the responsibility of government. However, as globalization continues to improve market access for MNCs, it increasingly exposes them to new forms of transnational social movements, and as a result the private sector has emerged as one of the central stakeholders in the region’s human rights dialogue. Taking three of Asia’s fastest emerging economies – Cambodia, China and Thailand – as its starting point, Corporate Social Responsibility and Human Rights in Asia explores the business case for corporate social responsibility, human rights and anti-corruption in the region. In doing so, it examines how industry perceives human rights and corruption within the corporate social responsibility (CSR) paradigm, and builds on the argument that the CSR regime is a socially constructed concept. Drawing on interviews with key stakeholders including business leaders, nongovernmental organizations, international organizations and government officials, Robert Hanlon argues that industry perceives human rights as outside their sphere of influence; that divergent stakeholder interests are side-lining the human rights debate; and that human rights are increasingly ignored in the quest for profit-maximization. This leads to the conclusion that human rights and corruption will remain peripheral business issues until stakeholders find new ways of creating space for CSR engagement, and business actors will continue to marginalize the human rights issue so long as governments in the region let them. This interdisciplinary book draws on political science, business and sociological perspectives and as such, will be of great interest to students and scholars working across the fields of Asian business, corporate social responsibility and business ethics, human rights and international political economy.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Human Rights in Asia (Routledge Contemporary Asia Series)
by Robert J. HanlonAs globalization has brought about new concerns and responsibilities for business, particularly in the realm of human rights, many multinational corporations (MNC) operating in Asia have argued that such rights are the responsibility of government. However, as globalization continues to improve market access for MNCs, it increasingly exposes them to new forms of transnational social movements, and as a result the private sector has emerged as one of the central stakeholders in the region’s human rights dialogue. Taking three of Asia’s fastest emerging economies – Cambodia, China and Thailand – as its starting point, Corporate Social Responsibility and Human Rights in Asia explores the business case for corporate social responsibility, human rights and anti-corruption in the region. In doing so, it examines how industry perceives human rights and corruption within the corporate social responsibility (CSR) paradigm, and builds on the argument that the CSR regime is a socially constructed concept. Drawing on interviews with key stakeholders including business leaders, nongovernmental organizations, international organizations and government officials, Robert Hanlon argues that industry perceives human rights as outside their sphere of influence; that divergent stakeholder interests are side-lining the human rights debate; and that human rights are increasingly ignored in the quest for profit-maximization. This leads to the conclusion that human rights and corruption will remain peripheral business issues until stakeholders find new ways of creating space for CSR engagement, and business actors will continue to marginalize the human rights issue so long as governments in the region let them. This interdisciplinary book draws on political science, business and sociological perspectives and as such, will be of great interest to students and scholars working across the fields of Asian business, corporate social responsibility and business ethics, human rights and international political economy.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Marketing Ethics: The Effects of Value-Based Marketing on Consumer Behaviour (Routledge Studies in Marketing)
by Honorata HowaniecChanges in the economy and greater competition force us to adapt our business practices and to take greater account of the needs of consumers and the social problems they care about. Consumers are placing an increasing weight on the social responsibility of the organisations they choose to purchase from and associate with, and businesses must adopt corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices into their marketing strategies. This book demonstrates the concept of CSR and how it is included as an element of value-based marketing. Using research from the Polish market, the author explores the concept of value-based marketing, how organisations are implementing CSR, and analyses the effect on consumer behaviour. It examines consumer awareness of CSR practices and the effect this has on their purchasing decisions and brand loyalty, making the argument that disregarding CSR can be detrimental to businesses success and profit. Providing both empirical and theoretical perspectives, this book will be a useful reference for scholars and upper-level students across business disciplines including marketing, CSR, and business ethics.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Marketing Ethics: The Effects of Value-Based Marketing on Consumer Behaviour (Routledge Studies in Marketing)
by Honorata HowaniecChanges in the economy and greater competition force us to adapt our business practices and to take greater account of the needs of consumers and the social problems they care about. Consumers are placing an increasing weight on the social responsibility of the organisations they choose to purchase from and associate with, and businesses must adopt corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices into their marketing strategies. This book demonstrates the concept of CSR and how it is included as an element of value-based marketing. Using research from the Polish market, the author explores the concept of value-based marketing, how organisations are implementing CSR, and analyses the effect on consumer behaviour. It examines consumer awareness of CSR practices and the effect this has on their purchasing decisions and brand loyalty, making the argument that disregarding CSR can be detrimental to businesses success and profit. Providing both empirical and theoretical perspectives, this book will be a useful reference for scholars and upper-level students across business disciplines including marketing, CSR, and business ethics.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Regulatory Governance: Towards Inclusive Development? (International Political Economy Series)
by P. Utting J. MarquesThis is the first of two volumes that examine the changing nature of state-business relations. This book assesses the potential and limits of CSR in developing countries, by focusing on aspects that are often ignored in the CSR literature: historical experience, theoretical perspectives, and institutional and political dimensions of change.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Reporting in Sports Organizations (CSR, Sustainability, Ethics & Governance)
by Massimo ValeriThis book explores the key issues of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and reporting as applied to sports organizations, with particular attention to the Italian environment. It is divided into two parts, the first of which examines the general principles and reporting tools of CSR; these represent the reference point for all types of organization, including sports organizations. The coverage encompasses the evolution of CSR and the latest standards issued by authoritative international public and private institutions. The aim is to provide readers with a sound basis for understanding fully the application of these principles and reporting tools within the world of sport. The second part is devoted to a detailed analysis of the CSR strategies and social reporting initiatives adopted by sports organizations. Although the focus is primarily on Italian sports organizations, due attention is also paid to world benchmarks. In particular, the analysis examines the CSR strategies and reporting initiatives developed by international and Italian sports federations and by two international professional football clubs. The book will be of wide interest to academics, students, and practitioners.
Corporate Social Responsibility and SMEs: Impacts and Institutional Drivers (Routledge Studies in Management, Organizations and Society)
by Johan J. GraaflandThe world’s people and their leaders face a complex and multifaceted set of ‘eco-social questions’. As the productivity of humanity increases, the negative external environmental effects of production and consumption patterns become increasingly problematic and threaten the human welfare. As the regulating power of national and international governments is limited, this challenge has generated a strong interest in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of companies. Firms find it increasingly important to meet the expectations of stakeholders with respect to the company’s contribution to profit, planet, and people. The primary aim of this book is to introduce the reader to the impacts and drivers of CSR, with a special focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Research into the social and environmental impacts of CSR is rare. This is a serious gap because if CSR were to fail to have favourable social and environmental impacts on society, the whole concept may become redundant. If societal impacts of CSR are substantial, it is important to know the drivers of CSR. This book considers (1) factors internal to the company, (2) the competitive environment of the company, (3) institutions external to the company, and (4) how the impacts of institutions are mediated or moderated by company internal factors.This book will fill this gap by estimating various types of models that integrate external and internal factors driving CSR and its impacts on environment, innovation, and reputation, making it a valuable resource for researchers, academics, and students in the fields of business management and CSR.
Corporate Social Responsibility and SMEs: Impacts and Institutional Drivers (Routledge Studies in Management, Organizations and Society)
by Johan J. GraaflandThe world’s people and their leaders face a complex and multifaceted set of ‘eco-social questions’. As the productivity of humanity increases, the negative external environmental effects of production and consumption patterns become increasingly problematic and threaten the human welfare. As the regulating power of national and international governments is limited, this challenge has generated a strong interest in the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of companies. Firms find it increasingly important to meet the expectations of stakeholders with respect to the company’s contribution to profit, planet, and people. The primary aim of this book is to introduce the reader to the impacts and drivers of CSR, with a special focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Research into the social and environmental impacts of CSR is rare. This is a serious gap because if CSR were to fail to have favourable social and environmental impacts on society, the whole concept may become redundant. If societal impacts of CSR are substantial, it is important to know the drivers of CSR. This book considers (1) factors internal to the company, (2) the competitive environment of the company, (3) institutions external to the company, and (4) how the impacts of institutions are mediated or moderated by company internal factors.This book will fill this gap by estimating various types of models that integrate external and internal factors driving CSR and its impacts on environment, innovation, and reputation, making it a valuable resource for researchers, academics, and students in the fields of business management and CSR.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability: From Values to Impact (Routledge Studies in Management, Organizations and Society)
by Katarzyna BachnikThe aim of this book is to present selected theoretical and practical aspects of corporate social responsibility and sustainability, with particular emphasis on the journey (transition) from values to impact. Values play an important role in business world and they shape the responsible approach of organizations. However, pressing and still unresolved challenges of the present day show evidently that there exist significant discrepancies between organizations declarations on values and their real impact. COVID-19 pandemic, Globalization 4.0, climate catastrophe and challenges emphasized by SDGs, constitute the new environment that contemporary organizations face. In effect business is part of the problem and a solution as well. It is necessary to quickly and effectively push for action taking into account the power of responsible business to co-create human live and environment. Both the theoretical considerations and the practice-based studies presented in this monograph make a significant contribution to the theory and practice of management. The book is an extension and enrichment of the existing knowledge in the field of socially responsible management in organizations. Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability will be of value to academics, researchers and advanced students in the fields of business and management, especially those interest in the intersection of management and CSR and sustainability, and those focusing the impact that business activities have on the environment.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability: From Values to Impact (Routledge Studies in Management, Organizations and Society)
by Katarzyna Bachnik Magdalena Ka 378 Mierczak Magdalena Rojek-Nowosielska Magdalena Stefa 324 Ska Justyna Szumniak-SamolejThe aim of this book is to present selected theoretical and practical aspects of corporate social responsibility and sustainability, with particular emphasis on the journey (transition) from values to impact. Values play an important role in business world and they shape the responsible approach of organizations. However, pressing and still unresolved challenges of the present day show evidently that there exist significant discrepancies between organizations declarations on values and their real impact. COVID-19 pandemic, Globalization 4.0, climate catastrophe and challenges emphasized by SDGs, constitute the new environment that contemporary organizations face. In effect business is part of the problem and a solution as well. It is necessary to quickly and effectively push for action taking into account the power of responsible business to co-create human live and environment. Both the theoretical considerations and the practice-based studies presented in this monograph make a significant contribution to the theory and practice of management. The book is an extension and enrichment of the existing knowledge in the field of socially responsible management in organizations. Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability will be of value to academics, researchers and advanced students in the fields of business and management, especially those interest in the intersection of management and CSR and sustainability, and those focusing the impact that business activities have on the environment.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability: Emerging Trends in Developing Economies (Critical Studies on Corporate Responsibility, Governance and Sustainability #8)
by Dr Gabriel EwejeThere is growing public interest and concern regarding the sustainability of communities. This volume offers a critical review of current trends around Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability activities in developing and emerging economies. The book makes three main contributions. First, it argues that while CSR and sustainability are global concerns, they are embedded in institutional contexts. Second, it suggests that these are not merely business issues; other stakeholders can and should play an important role in societal and environmental sustainability and development. Third, CSR and sustainability are not isolated from business and can be integrated in business strategy and corporate governance structures. The book offers a conceptual paradigm and empirical evidence as to how businesses and other stakeholders in developing and emerging economies can ensure their activities make a positive contribution to the communities and countries in which they operate. With topical and current issues discussed, it is a 'must have' for business practitioners, policy makers, experts in supranational organizations, academics and students.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development: Social Capital and Corporate Development in Developing Economies (Finance, Governance and Sustainability)
by Risa BhinekawatiMany different companies can significantly contribute to the integrated goals and targets of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, such as poverty reduction by 2030. Poverty is not only about people living on less than $1.25 per day, but more fundamentally, it is their lack of capabilities and access to participate in productive economic activities. If companies can contribute in order to provide access and the necessary skills, then individuals will have the capabilities to achieve their aspirations, including earning a higher income. Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development supports Sen’s assertions that poverty can be alleviated if the capability of individuals is improved. Beyond that, this book shows that sustainable development goals can be achieved when the company’s CSR programs and social capital development in improving people’s capabilities are combined with necessary finance access and market access for the poor. The theoretical model developed from the journey of Astra International, one of the largest public-listed companies in Indonesia, is replicable for other companies aspiring to be sustainable in developing countries. The model shows a virtuous cycle between the corporate aim, CSR programs, social capital and corporate sustainability. This volume is of great value to academics, practitioners and policy makers interested in the themes of CSR, social capital and sustainable development of developing countries. It also appeals to professionals in industry associations, development agencies and international organizations, as well as NGOs that are concerned with the achievement of sustainable development goals by 2030.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development: Social Capital and Corporate Development in Developing Economies (Finance, Governance and Sustainability)
by Risa BhinekawatiMany different companies can significantly contribute to the integrated goals and targets of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, such as poverty reduction by 2030. Poverty is not only about people living on less than $1.25 per day, but more fundamentally, it is their lack of capabilities and access to participate in productive economic activities. If companies can contribute in order to provide access and the necessary skills, then individuals will have the capabilities to achieve their aspirations, including earning a higher income. Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainable Development supports Sen’s assertions that poverty can be alleviated if the capability of individuals is improved. Beyond that, this book shows that sustainable development goals can be achieved when the company’s CSR programs and social capital development in improving people’s capabilities are combined with necessary finance access and market access for the poor. The theoretical model developed from the journey of Astra International, one of the largest public-listed companies in Indonesia, is replicable for other companies aspiring to be sustainable in developing countries. The model shows a virtuous cycle between the corporate aim, CSR programs, social capital and corporate sustainability. This volume is of great value to academics, practitioners and policy makers interested in the themes of CSR, social capital and sustainable development of developing countries. It also appeals to professionals in industry associations, development agencies and international organizations, as well as NGOs that are concerned with the achievement of sustainable development goals by 2030.
Corporate Social Responsibility and the Paradoxes of State Capitalism: Ethnographies of Norwegian Energy and Extraction Businesses Abroad (Dislocations #33)
by Ståle KnudsenThrough a series of case studies in diverse regions of the world, this book explores how transnational Norwegian energy and extractive industries handle corporate social responsibility (CSR) when operating abroad in places such as China, Brazil, and Turkey. With significant state ownership and embeddedness in the Nordic societal model, Norwegian capitalism is often represented as “benign” or ethical. By tracing CSR policy and practice—from headquarters to operations—this volume critically explores the workings of Norwegian corporate capitalism and its engagement with key issues of responsibility, accountability, and sustainability.
Corporate Social Responsibility and the Paradoxes of State Capitalism: Ethnographies of Norwegian Energy and Extraction Businesses Abroad (Dislocations #33)
by Ståle KnudsenThrough a series of case studies in diverse regions of the world, this book explores how transnational Norwegian energy and extractive industries handle corporate social responsibility (CSR) when operating abroad in places such as China, Brazil, and Turkey. With significant state ownership and embeddedness in the Nordic societal model, Norwegian capitalism is often represented as “benign” or ethical. By tracing CSR policy and practice—from headquarters to operations—this volume critically explores the workings of Norwegian corporate capitalism and its engagement with key issues of responsibility, accountability, and sustainability.
Corporate Social Responsibility and the Shaping of Global Public Policy (Political Evolution and Institutional Change)
by M. HirschlandThis book introduces readers to the dynamic networks made up of businesses, NGOs and multilateral organizations that, for better and for worse, define corporate social responsibility (CSR) today. It examines the work of these CSR networks that are taking on the "heavy-lifting" of global governance.
Corporate Social Responsibility and the Supply Chain: CSR Collaboration with Suppliers (Routledge Open Business and Economics)
by Monika JedynakDue to the growing importance of global interdependencies, corporate social responsibility has become an important issue both for the business and the entire society. Customers expect corporate social responsibility, and if an organization is insensitive to these issues, it runs the risk of losing its key customers. The interaction and integration of corporate social responsibility and supply chain management have led to the emergence of sustainable supply chain management. This book is a comprehensive study that deals with the subject of collaboration with suppliers, considering the CSR guidelines. It presents new research about suppliers, their importance in supply chains, and in the context of social responsibility and acts as a new source of content that fills the gap in this area. It may be of interest to researchers interested in CSR as well as supply chains, business relations, and, broadly understood, collaboration. It provides knowledge to many recipients including scientists and researchers, advanced students, and graduates.The Open Access version of this book, available at www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.Any third party material in this book is not included in the OA Creative Commons license, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. Please direct any permissions enquiries to the original rightsholder.The publication has been supported by a grant from the Faculty of Management and Social Communication under the Strategic Programme Excellence Initiative at Jagiellonian University.
Corporate Social Responsibility and the Supply Chain: CSR Collaboration with Suppliers (Routledge Open Business and Economics)
by Monika JedynakDue to the growing importance of global interdependencies, corporate social responsibility has become an important issue both for the business and the entire society. Customers expect corporate social responsibility, and if an organization is insensitive to these issues, it runs the risk of losing its key customers. The interaction and integration of corporate social responsibility and supply chain management have led to the emergence of sustainable supply chain management. This book is a comprehensive study that deals with the subject of collaboration with suppliers, considering the CSR guidelines. It presents new research about suppliers, their importance in supply chains, and in the context of social responsibility and acts as a new source of content that fills the gap in this area. It may be of interest to researchers interested in CSR as well as supply chains, business relations, and, broadly understood, collaboration. It provides knowledge to many recipients including scientists and researchers, advanced students, and graduates.The Open Access version of this book, available at www.taylorfrancis.com, has been made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives (CC-BY-NC-ND) 4.0 license.Any third party material in this book is not included in the OA Creative Commons license, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. Please direct any permissions enquiries to the original rightsholder.The publication has been supported by a grant from the Faculty of Management and Social Communication under the Strategic Programme Excellence Initiative at Jagiellonian University.
Corporate Social Responsibility and the Three Sectors in Asia: How Conscious Engagement Can Benefit Civil Society (Nonprofit and Civil Society Studies)
by Samiul HasanThis volume investigates how much governmental control is needed to reign in corporate and business greed and to make business "socially responsible" in Asia. It also questions whether business entities need to be reigned in by the government itself, or if other social, religious, or economic dynamics shape business entities in Asia. Moreover, it looks at how the Asian third sector influences BSR/CSR activities.
Corporate Social Responsibility and the Welfare State: The Historical and Contemporary Role of CSR in the Mixed Economy of Welfare
by Jeanette BrejningOver the past four decades many European welfare states have seen an increasing involvement of the commercial sector in their mixed economies of welfare. One aspect of this development that has yet to be fully understood in social policy analysis is the engagement of businesses to address social problems, such as social exclusion, through activities labelled as 'corporate social responsibility' ('CSR'). Although CSR has gained increasing currency on both national and international policy agendas since the 1990s, it remains a topic which is predominantly researched in business schools and from a business perspective. This book aims to redress this imbalance by focusing on the social aspect of CSR. Based on interviews with a wide spectrum of people who work with CSR professionally in England, Denmark and in the EU Commission, the book argues that when CSR is linked to social exclusion it is a way of renegotiating responsibilities in mixed economies of welfare. The book also offers a comprehensive historical understanding of CSR as it traces the emergence and development of CSR in West European welfare economies as diverse as England, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany and France. By situating CSR within the conceptual framework of the mixed economy of welfare and using Historical Institutionalism as a theoretical perspective to explore and explain the relationship between the welfare state and CSR, this book makes an innovative contribution to critical debates in comparative social policy.
Corporate Social Responsibility and the Welfare State: The Historical and Contemporary Role of CSR in the Mixed Economy of Welfare
by Jeanette BrejningOver the past four decades many European welfare states have seen an increasing involvement of the commercial sector in their mixed economies of welfare. One aspect of this development that has yet to be fully understood in social policy analysis is the engagement of businesses to address social problems, such as social exclusion, through activities labelled as 'corporate social responsibility' ('CSR'). Although CSR has gained increasing currency on both national and international policy agendas since the 1990s, it remains a topic which is predominantly researched in business schools and from a business perspective. This book aims to redress this imbalance by focusing on the social aspect of CSR. Based on interviews with a wide spectrum of people who work with CSR professionally in England, Denmark and in the EU Commission, the book argues that when CSR is linked to social exclusion it is a way of renegotiating responsibilities in mixed economies of welfare. The book also offers a comprehensive historical understanding of CSR as it traces the emergence and development of CSR in West European welfare economies as diverse as England, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany and France. By situating CSR within the conceptual framework of the mixed economy of welfare and using Historical Institutionalism as a theoretical perspective to explore and explain the relationship between the welfare state and CSR, this book makes an innovative contribution to critical debates in comparative social policy.