Corporate Social Responsibility

Abstract

Simply put, the core issue of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is the relationship between corporations and society. CSR theories and practices are developed around two basic questions: What role should corporations play in society? To whom should corporate managers be accountable? Globalization promoted the expansion of corporate influence—especially negative influence on the foundations of human societal development, including social equity and justice, sustainable ecological carrying capacity, and diversified values and cultures. The economic crisis triggered criticism of the capitalist system and debate about its reform that also cast doubt on the value of CSR and its future relevance. Reform begins with a profound rethinking and redefining of an enterprise’s purpose and organizational philosophy. Only after serious consideration of its relationship with nature and society can corporations reform their business models and create value by solving key social and environmental problems through innovation. The most effective way to promote innovative CSR development is through collaboration among corporations, the government, nongovernmental organizations, research institutions, and the public. In order to maintain internal consistency with the theoretical framework of fair development, I do not explore specific CSR issues in detail in this chapter; rather, I discuss the nature and purpose of corporations, present current trends in CSR research and practice, and present representative cases of CSR development in China. Building on this foundation, I propose a CSR development model based on active public–private partnership to help corporations continuously develop innovative CSR practices and eventually achieve fair development.