The social responsibility of corporations : a stakeholder approach

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT:The main aim of this study is to develop, from an ethical perspective, a justification forcorporate social responsibility. The research methodology used is that of a critical studyof relevant literature.The history of corporate social responsibility is discussed and definitions of key conceptsare analyzed. Attention is paid to the controversies surrounding corporate socialresponsibility, and the views of critics as well as advocates of corporate socialresponsibility are examined. From the literature study it is concluded that sincecorporations are part of larger social systems, they are not only accountable to theirshareholders but their success and long-term survival depends on fulfilling theirresponsibilities to a range of stakeholders. Stakeholders are defined as those groups orindividuals with whom an organization interacts or has a relationship of interdependence,and who are affected by its actions, decisions, policies, practices or goals.The study focuses on the stakeholder approach to corporate social responsibility and aimsto show how such an approach underpins the idea of corporate social responsibility. It isargued that corporations have moral as well as social responsibilities to stakeholders whoare affected by their operations. Emphasis is placed on business ethics as providing theframework for a set of principles or a code according to which a company should makeits business decisions and on which it should base its relationships with stakeholders. Theresearch indicates that companies that aim to operate ethically also benefit in terms ofprofitability and social acceptance. With reference to several South African companies asexamples, the study focuses on corporate social responsibility towards key stakeholderssuch as local communities, the environment, employees, and customers. In each case it isinvestigated what the specific responsibility requires of the corporation, and whatpractical measures can be used to meet the responsibility. It is argued that management'stask is to treat stakeholders as equal, balance their sometimes conflicting claims, andpromote good relationships among them Managers must consider the ethical and socialas well as the economic implications of their decisions. The concluding chapter looks more closely at issues that need to be taken into account asfar as corporate social responsibility in South Africa is concerned. As a result of thelegacy of white rule and apartheid, active steps need to be taken to address economicimbalances between blacks and whites. Both the government and corporate structureshave a role to play in creating mechanisms to meet the economic needs of the blackcommunity. It is recommended that the means through which this can be achieved areprocesses such as affirmative action, transformation, black economic empowerment, andpoverty alleviation.The study concludes that social involvement by companies is not a favour extended tosociety or an optional extra, but a business imperative and a moral obligation that isfundamental to being a company with legitimacy. The social goals of a company shouldbe supportive of the goals of business and its social involvement strategy should bealigned with the overall business strategy.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University