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A Holistic Approach To Corporate Social Responsibility As A Prerequisite For Sustainable Development: Empirical Evidence

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  • Dejana Zlatanović

Abstract

The growing importance of sustainable development and corporate social responsibility (CSR) for contemporary organizations demands appropriate holistic tools. The paper highlights how Soft Systems Methodology (SSM), a relevant holistic, i.e., soft systems approach, supports the conceptualization and management of the complex issues of CSR and sustainable development. The SSM’s key methodological tools are used: rich picture, root definitions, and conceptual models. Empirical research compares a selected sample of enterprises in the automotive industry in the Republic of Serbia, to identify possible systemically desirable and culturally feasible changes to improve their CSR behaviour through promoting their sustainable development. Some limitations of this research and of SSM application are discussed. Combining SSM with some other systems approaches, such as System Dynamics or Critical Systems Heuristics, is recommended for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Dejana Zlatanović, 2015. "A Holistic Approach To Corporate Social Responsibility As A Prerequisite For Sustainable Development: Empirical Evidence," Economic Annals, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Belgrade, vol. 60(207), pages 69-94, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:beo:journl:v:60:y:2015:i:207:p:69-94
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Nikolić Jelena & Zlatanović Dejana, 2018. "Corporate Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility Synergies: A Systemic Approach," Naše gospodarstvo/Our economy, Sciendo, vol. 64(3), pages 36-46, September.
    2. Matthew Hutcheson & Alec Morton & Shona Blair, 2024. "Critical Systems Heuristics: a Systematic Review," Systemic Practice and Action Research, Springer, vol. 37(4), pages 499-514, August.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Corporate Social Responsibility; Sustainable Development; Holistic Approach; Soft Systems Methodology;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility
    • M21 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Economics - - - Business Economics
    • Q01 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - General - - - Sustainable Development

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