CSR and Social Ontology: A Missing, but Necessary Link. Towards a Realist Account of the Firm☆
The Critical State of Corporate Social Responsibility in Europe
ISBN: 978-1-78756-150-2, eISBN: 978-1-78756-149-6
Publication date: 19 July 2018
Abstract
Purpose
This chapter points out and tries to describe the (missing) link between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and social ontology/ontology of the firm. The author believes that this gap in the literature hinders the progress of CSR theoretical/empirical understanding and effectiveness; therefore, the following question is addressed: is a social theory-focused approach to the ontology of the firm relevant to CSR studies? While currently many disciplines are seeking to clarify CSR theory and practice, the role of social ontology has relatively been under-explored despite its foundational importance.
Design/methodology/approach
This chapter provides rationales for identifying a set of interrelated themes to be included in future research projects. A literature review is carried out, and further analysis and desk research can be drawn from the key notions identified.
Findings
This viewpoint conceptual chapter suggests that social ontology can be an important subject of inquiry in order to bridge the existing gaps in CSR/Business Ethics studies. A possible conceptual agreement for a realist and social theory-focused approach to CSR is illustrated.
Research limitations/implications
While encouraging more effort and commitment in this emerging and fascinating field, this chapter concentrates on some selected key aspects such as the meaning of corporate moral agency and the ontological status of social collectives (e.g. firms).
Practical implications
This chapter lays the ground for future pilot exploratory research, and could be instructive for the construction of specific research methodologies/theoretical tools seeking to explore not so much the ways CSR is defined (indeed, there seems to be a broad consensus about it) but rather how CSR is socially constructed, implemented and carried out.
Social implications
This chapter can potentially help grow knowledge about the nexus between CSR, social ontology and the underlying metaphysical issues, thus facilitating a comprehensive inter-/multi-/pluri-disciplinary understanding and giving a contribution to the relevant ongoing scientific and practical debates.
Originality/value
This chapter, while uncovering and exploring the aforementioned novel connections, can enrich the study of CSR with respect to the current mainstream approaches, for example, stakeholder management and engagement, social accounting and reporting, socially responsible investment (SRI).
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Acknowledgements
I had the honour and privilege of sharing an important part of my life with Professor Emmanuele Morandi, who was not only an extraordinary academic mentor and a second father, but is still more than a role model, and will always be a guide: this work – which I heartily hope does not fall short of what he has tried to teach me – is dedicated to his memory. I wish to express my gratitude to Professor Simon Robinson for his sensitive support and for always making me feel intellectually accepted, humanely embraced, amicably welcomed at any stage of my experience at Leeds Beckett University. I also gratefully thank Professor Ralph Tench for his interest and openness towards my field of research and for his helpful comments and suggestions on an earlier version of this chapter.
Citation
Arrigoni, A. (2018), "CSR and Social Ontology: A Missing, but Necessary Link. Towards a Realist Account of the Firm
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018 Emerald Publishing Limited