Corporate Social Responsibility and International Business: A Conceptual Overview

Abstract

Purpose – This chapter provides a theoretical and conceptual overview of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). It is written as a descriptive document to enhance the understanding of CSR within the context of international business.Design/methodology/approach – This chapter is built based on an extensive literature review.Findings – This chapter contains six subsections. The first subsection looks at the concept of CSR, and it highlights the possible role of CSR in mitigating the negative consequences of globalisation. The second subsection looks at the evolution of CSR since the 1990s. The third section looks at ethics theories. The fourth section looks at political theories to explain CSR. The fifth section looks at the business case for CSR. And finally the sixth section looks at specific CSR initiatives.Practical implications – This chapter provides a response to the necessity for this analysis that arises from the effects of CSR actions in international business.Originality/value of chapter – This chapter provides a summary of the conceptual and theoretical framework of CSR. It could be used as a teaching tool for undergraduate and masters’ courses on either international business or corporate social responsibility.

Citation

Alejandra Gonzalez-Perez, M. (2013), "Corporate Social Responsibility and International Business: A Conceptual Overview", Alejandra Gonzalez-perez, M. and Leonard, L. (Ed.) International Business, Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility (Advances in Sustainability and Environmental Justice, Vol. 11), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 1-35. https://doi.org/10.1108/S2051-5030(2013)0000011006