Concepts of corporate social responsibility (CSR) are widely used by businesses, professional bodies and academics, but are also widely contested. CSR is usually described as comprising of three elements: environmental, economic and social, though there is no serious consensus on how to go about translating ideas into practice. This research handbook addresses some key areas of contention, theory and practice within CSR in order to address, challenge and inform debate in academia and practice.

The collaborative text extends understanding of CSR through articulating current thinking on each facet of a vital subject. Each theme is represented by inter-disciplinary discussion of key questions on CSR by researchers and practitioners in the field. In doing so, the book:
Explores and critiques CSR goals, and national, organizational and managerial strategies Reviews the distinctive role and importance of CSR to academics, professionals and practitioners and identifies appropriate bridging strategies Evaluates the nature, direction and applicability of selected theoretical dimensions which inform the understanding of CSR Assesses the opportunities for theory building, to support further understanding of the complexities of CSR and the sustainability and long term value of CSR practice to corporations and civil society

This timely and significant contribution to the theory and practice of CSR will prove to be vital reading for students, researchers and practitioners involved with the field. It will also become a key reference for anyone with an interest in business and society.

Reviews

'This book combines academic and practitioner perspectives to good effect, helping to throw light on the contested nature of Corporate Responsibility' Laura J. Spence, Director, Centre for Research into Sustainability, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK.

Contents

Introduction: Corporate Social Responsibility – A Research Agenda Kathryn Haynes, Alan Murray & Jesse DPart I: Defining CSR 2. Deciphering the Domain of Corporate Social Responsibility Jesse Dillard and Alan Murray 3. Economic Development, Climate Change and the Limitations of Corporate Social Responsibility Steven Toms 4. CSR and Collaboration Lucian J. Hudson and Matthew Harris Part II: Taxation and Social Justice 5. Smoke and Mirrors: Corporate Social Responsibility and Tax Avoidance Prem Sikka 6. Is Corporation Taxation Practice a CSR Issue? The Duke of Westminster’s Guide to Tax "avoidance" Gregory Morris 7. Corporate Tax Avoidance: An Ethical Evaluation Lutz Preuss 8. Shackled States: Finance Capital and the Global Evolution of Public Private Partnerships Matthias Beck Part III: The Environment and Sustainability 9. Accountability, Sustainability and the World’s Largest Corporations: Of CSR, Chimeras, Oxymorons and Tautologies Rob Gray 10. Measuring Sustainable Development Performance: Possibilities and Issues Jan Bebbington 11. Using Science in Business Sustainability Tea...