Social responsibility or social business?

ISSN： 2044-4087

Source： Social Business, Vol.1, Iss.2, 2011-08, pp. : 129-148

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Abstract

Purpose This paper considers developments in corporate socially responsible behaviour in organisations in the context of current issues which are of concern and trends in their analysis and reporting. It compares and contrasts these aspects for a conventional business with those for a social business and considers the question of regulation and its need in the setting of standards of behaviour. Design/methodology/approach This is essentially a review paper which maps out the current state of the field of corporate social responsibility to show how the concept is both developing and can be applied to a development of our understanding of social business. Findings The scope of corporate social responsibility is wide ranging and can be applied to all businesses, social or traditional, and to all organisations. Many issues are relevant and need to be dealt with and this paper shows their inter-relationship. It shows that important issues for society regarding all three aspects of sustainability – environmental, social and economic – are equally important to businesses. It also shows that our understanding of the nature of business has become more fluid. Limitations Although the authors have published extensively in this field, the paper necessarily uses a particular lens for analysis. Alternatives are possible which may well enrich our understanding. Implications It is important to understand the developments in socially responsible behaviour but it is equally important to understand where the drive for these developments comes from. This paper shows a number of origins for this drive and considers the implications in considering any prognosis of future developments. This is important for businesses and also for society in our increasingly global environment. Contribution Understanding the inter-relationship between business and societal problems is important to the development of solutions. This analysis contributes to this debate.