Corporate Social Responsibility and Ethics. Case Study: Vodafone Albania

• Main Authors: Everest Haxhi, Alba Robert Dumi
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Danubius University 2014-06-01
• Series: Acta Universitatis Danubius: Communicatio
• Subjects: business organizations; Vodafone Albania; corporate social responsibility; philanthropic activities
• Online Access: http://journals.univ-danubius.ro/index.php/communicatio/article/view/2334/2114

There are many discussions about ethics beginning with a fair and fundamental question: “What is ethics all about?” It is the same as morality, or is kind of a soft law that imposes values but without enforcing them? What is the contribution of the society in imposing values and ethical standards, and how business is involved? Ethical standards are applied in business word, differing from social responsibilities that business has in the social environment where it operates. To better exemplify those concepts the researcher goes through one of the largest companies that offers wireless communications, Vodafone Albania; also one of the world’s largest mobile telecommunication operators. The bright side of social responsibilities is associated in some cases by regressive informal standards applied to all investors and new businesses in the country. The cost of informality is paid in full by the society diminishing the values of social responsibilities and ethical standards applied by business organizations. Even though, Vodafone has successfully implemented social responsiveness initiatives through cause promotions initiatives, corporate social marketing, cause related marketing, company philanthropy, community volunteering, and socially responsible business practices that support social causes to improve community well-being and protect the environment.