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The long-term transformation of the concept of CSR: towards a more comprehensive emphasis on sustainability

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  • Hildegunn Mellesmo Aslaksen

    (University of Agder)

  • Clare Hildebrandt

    (University of Agder)

  • Hans Chr. Garmann Johnsen

    (University of Agder)

Abstract

This article adds to the discussion of the long-term transformation of CSR, presenting a perspective on the interplay between CSR debate and public discourse on business responsibility. 50 years after Milton Friedman’s provoking claim that the only responsibility for business is to seek profit, a broader debate has emerged aligning CSR with an increasingly comprehensive concept of sustainability. We trace this evolution of the concept during the last three decades focusing on the intersection of economic, social, and environmental responsibility. Based on discourse analysis of news articles and opinion pieces in the largest public newspaper in Norway from 1990 until 2018, the study confirms that discussions on CSR, sustainability and the social model often approach the same challenges. We argue that sustainability has become the dominating term in popular usage for describing the relationship between business and society. Based on our analysis of the public debate, CSR has become a more comprehensive term, transformed from being a term mainly related to internal business affairs to part of a broader societal discussion about sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Hildegunn Mellesmo Aslaksen & Clare Hildebrandt & Hans Chr. Garmann Johnsen, 2021. "The long-term transformation of the concept of CSR: towards a more comprehensive emphasis on sustainability," International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility, Springer, vol. 6(1), pages 1-14, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ijocsr:v:6:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1186_s40991-021-00063-9
    DOI: 10.1186/s40991-021-00063-9
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    3. Ian Taylor, 2023. "Responsible government and responsible business: the challenge of harnessing CSR in a new epoch," International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility, Springer, vol. 8(1), pages 1-10, December.
    4. Zamira Ataniyazova & Barry A. Friedman & Prabha Kiran, 2022. "New corporate social responsibility brand evaluation in a developing country: Uzbekistan," International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility, Springer, vol. 7(1), pages 1-15, December.
    5. Akshita Arora, 2023. "Enforcement and Compliance: The Case of Mandated CSR Provisions in an Emerging Economy," Management and Labour Studies, XLRI Jamshedpur, School of Business Management & Human Resources, vol. 48(1), pages 64-75, February.
    6. Agnieszka Kwarcinska, 2021. "Scope of Activities as a Criterion Determining the Type of CSR Actions with Regard to Employees: A Case Study," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(4), pages 882-893.
    7. Kurtulan Ali & Begeç Suat, 2023. "Effects of Social Responsibility Practices on the Brand Image, Brand Awareness, and Brand Loyalty of Sponsor Businesses: A Study on Sports Clubs," Economics - The Open-Access, Open-Assessment Journal, De Gruyter, vol. 17(1), pages 1-14.

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