Defining CSR: Problems and Solutions

24 Pages Posted: 4 Oct 2012 Last revised: 16 Feb 2017

Date Written: 2015

Abstract

The ubiquity of the term CSR threatens its carrying any distinctive meaning. Despite its long history no consensus has been developed among the industry participants, academics or other interested parties. After a careful review of the complications and complexities of the CSR debate and distinct disciplinary definitions, the article turns to approach the problem of definition using the philosophy of science. It applies a scientific definitional approach of genus, differentia and species to arrive at a definition of CSR as international private business self-regulation. The article provides an overview of the implications of this definition on CSR as a field of study, a management practice and an approach to improving the dialogue concerning the social contribution of business.

Keywords: CSR, definitions, Aristotle, Thomas Kuhn, Private Regulation

JEL Classification: M14, B25, D21

Suggested Citation

Sheehy, Benedict, Defining CSR: Problems and Solutions (2015). Sheehy, B “Defining CSR: Problems and Solutions” (2015) 131 Journal of Business Ethics 625-648, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2156655

Benedict Sheehy (Contact Author)

University of Canberra ( email )

Canberra, Australian Capital Territory 2601
Australia

Do you have a job opening that you would like to promote on SSRN?

Paper statistics

Downloads
1,946
Abstract Views
6,826
Rank
17,701
PlumX Metrics