Beyond the 'Win-Win': Creating Shared Value Requires Ethical Frameworks

Abstract

Porter and Kramer’s Creating Shared Value framework was recently called into question in a stinging attack in this journal. Recognizing that CSV shines as a managerial framework around “win-win” business and society issues — “A cases” — we argue that CSV leaves managers ill-equipped to legitimately manage “B-case” issues, where managers face the prospect of “win-lose” or “lose-win” social engagements. We argue that managers need to bolster CSV with ethical frameworks; specifically, norm-taking and norm-making frameworks. We show, through case illustrations, why managers are better positioned to create shared value legitimately through CSV , a multi-part framework built around CSV and augmented by ethical frameworks.

Keywords: Business and Society, Corporate Social Responsibility, Ethics, Stakeholders, Strategic Management