Idealism vs realism - Is it possible to make companies act in a socially responsible manner?

Companies acting in a socially responsible manner would be ideal, all designed to take the public’s best interests into account when making corporate decisions, and everybody is supposed to be better off.  In reality that is not feasible as we have yet to define what CSR is.

‘Corporate responsibility, corporate citizenship, responsible business, sustainable responsible business, corporate social performance, economic responsibility, public responsibility, corporate governance, and social responsiveness’ are all part of a colourful tapestry endeavouring to define what Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) may comprise. 

Joanna Rogowski won the CSNZ 2010 Prize in Business Law at The University of Waikato – Waikato Management School, and her outstanding essay will provide Members and their colleagues with a perceptive insight into the developing debate on CSR.

We encourage Members to share the Technical Brief and Essay with colleagues, friends and business associates.