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Abstract
The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) field presents not only a landscape of theories but also a proliferation of approaches, which are controversial, complex and unclear. This article tries to clarify the situation, "mapping the territory" by classifying the main CSR theories and related approaches in four groups: (1) instrumental theories, in which the corporation is seen as only an instrument for wealth creation, and its social activities are only a means to achieve economic results; (2) political theories, which concern themselves with the power of corporations in society and a responsible use of this power in the political arena; (3) integrative theories, in which the corporation is focused on the satisfaction of social demands; and (4) ethical theories, based on ethical responsibilities of corporations to society. In practice, each CSR theory presents four dimensions related to profits, political performance, social demands and ethical values. The findings suggest the necessity to develop a new theory on the business and society relationship, which should integrate these four dimensions.
Journal Information
The Journal of Business Ethics publishes original articles from a wide variety of methodological and disciplinary perspectives concerning ethical issues related to business. Since its initiation in 1980, the editors have encouraged the broadest possible scope. The term 'business' is understood in a wide sense to include all systems involved in the exchange of goods and services, while 'ethics' is circumscribed as all human action aimed at securing a good life. Systems of production, consumption, marketing, advertising, social and economic accounting, labour relations, public relations and organisational behaviour are analysed from a moral viewpoint. The style and level of dialogue involve all who are interested in business ethics – the business community, universities, government agencies and consumer groups. Speculative philosophy as well as reports of empirical research are welcomed. In order to promote a dialogue between the various interested groups as much as possible, papers are presented in a style relatively free of specialist jargon.
Publisher Information
Springer is one of the leading international scientific publishing companies, publishing over 1,200 journals and more than 3,000 new books annually, covering a wide range of subjects including biomedicine and the life sciences, clinical medicine, physics, engineering, mathematics, computer sciences, and economics.
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Journal of Business Ethics © 2004 Springer
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Answer the following questions and then press 'Submit' to get your score.
Question 1
All definitions of Corporate Social Responsibility recognize that:
a) companies have a responsibility for their impact on society and environment.
b) the natural environment should be the main focus of CSR activities.
c) business ethics is a complex issue.
d) companies must pay equal attention to business ethics and sustainability.
Question 2
Who said that the "only one social responsibility of business is to increase profits"?
a) Edward Freeman
b) Milton Friedman
c) Michael Porter
d) Michael Freeman
Question 3
What is the main characteristic of the stakeholder approach?
a) The idea that many different groups have a legitimate interest in the corporation
b) It is a critical perspective on corporations and business.
c) A focus on social and environmental responsibilities of a corporation.
d) The assumption that shareholders are not the main stakeholders in the corporation.
Question 4
What are the four generic strategies of social responsiveness?
a) Proaction, Defensive, Reinvestment, Reaction
b) Reaction, Defence, Reinvestment, Proaction
c) Reaction, Defence, Investment, Withdrawal
d) Reaction, Defence, Accommodation, Proaction
Question 5
Michael Porter and Mark Kramer said that:
a) Social responsibility does not matter for firm strategies.
b) Socially responsible firms act against the interests of shareholders.
c) Social responsibility can help firms to discover future business opportunities.
d) Social responsibility is a long-term investment in a company's advertising and public relations.
Question 6
Which of the following is NOT an example of a genuine business innovation?
a) Development of less polluting fuel
b) Investment in alternative energy sources
c) New product targeted at low-income customers
d) Charitable donation to an ecological organization
Question 7
Opportunities for social innovation are greatest when:
a) CSR is aligned with a firm's core skills and capabilities.
b) CSR spending of a firm is larger than that of its competitors.
c) CSR is pursued by a firm to improve its reputation.
d) CSR is pursued by a firm to enhance human capital.
Question 8
What are the three levels of innovation?
a) New product creation, new market creation, leadership
b) In-market innovation, new market creation, leadership
c) New product creation, new market creation, new reputation
d) New product creation, new market creation, pioneering
Question 9
Which of the following is an example of new market creation?
a) Development of a low-emission fuel for motorbikes by an oil company.
b) Development of a cheaper drug by a pharmaceutical company.
c) Design of an environmentally friendly building by a construction company.
d) Creation of microfinance services to poor creditors by a bank.
Question 10
What is a key obstacle to the success of non-traditional partnerships?
a) Lack of investment by a multinational firm
b) Lack of trust between partners
c) Lack of expertise within a multinational firm
d) Lack of government support