3. Models of Corporate Social Responsibility: Comparison, Evolution and Convergence

Abstract

The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has witnessed various interpretations since its inception. Even though the present era of CSR has been significantly reassuring, there is an urgent need to understand the primary role of CSR. In order to do so, it becomes necessary to study the evolution of the concept of CSR over the years. This research compares the models of CSR on the basis of certain accepted indices, arguably the most relevant ones in this context, and establishes a line of evolution—not a temporal convergence but a thematic convergence of the same—thus concluding that the idea of CSR is gradually moving towards a consolidated form. There is a stark difference between the conception and the practical implementation of a model. Although several models have been proposed and modified since the 1950s, the question still remains whether an evolutionary line can be established as far as their practicability is concerned. Each organization or nation, as a whole, follows different strategies to implement CSR activities. The strategies differ mainly due to varied perspectives about whether to put social benefits on the forefront or financial profits. Another question that arises consequently is: are these initiatives based on universally accepted social policies or are they governed by the evolving models of CSR? This research explores this very question by looking at the practical implementations of the CSR models and examines their optimality. It also investigates the proposition of probable thematic convergence of CSR.