Corporate social responsibility: the way forward for development

• Main Author: Abrahams, Merlinda-Joy
• Other Authors: Lincoln, David
• Format: Dissertation
• Language: English
• Published: University of Cape Town 2015
• Subjects: Global Studies
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11427/13061

Includes bibliographical references. === With Corporate Social Responsibility coming to prominence over the last few decades, business has become a central player in the sphere of development. The business case for CSR, by far the most dominant argument for CSR, suggests that CSR is the answer to social ills, injustice and poverty, but seeks ways to get a return on their investment and gain a competitive advantage through CSR/CSI activities. Critics have argued that business cannot be counted on to voluntarily contribute to social good - citing the nature of business as the greatest deterrent to positive behaviour. A third stream recognises the potential of CSR but identifies constraints in the present manifestations of CSR and CSI in South Africa, and calls for a more critical engagement of business in society. A fourth approach recognises that due the nature of CSR and the politics that surrounds its practice, CSR can be seen as a type of imperialism, holding the notions of dominance and superiority over their beneficiaries in the South, and not taking into consideration their experiences or feedback. Using the critical case of a large South African petroleum company, this thesis seeks to answer the central research question, “What approach to C SR does Company X take? What underpins this approach? ” This thesis furthermore subscribes to the need for more critical, Southern perspectives that needs to be acknowledged in the CSR rhetoric and argues that political and economic rather than social considerations currently dominate the sphere of CSR. This is further emphasised through the political environment in which CSR takes place. Finally, this paper, argues that the language of CSR in South Africa needs to be rethought. In South Africa, CSR more often than not is interpreted to mean companies’ CSI activities. Using authors such as Fig (2005) and Fig et al, 2007, this thesis argues that wrapped up in the notion of CSI are inherent political considerations that thwart the developmental potential of CSI.