The way forward: mapping the governance logic of international CSR pathways

Internationalization strategies of multinational enterprises (MNEs) materialize in interaction with national and international regulatory regimes (formulating standards, rules and principles). In a volatile and crisis-struck world MNEs face a large number of internal and external governance challenges. The popular term ‘international CSR (corporate social responsibility)’ needs modification and reconceptualization in order to better grasp the strategic and normative challenges that MNEs are faced with in an increasingly complex and volatile world. This chapter classifies, categorizes and maps key strategic and governance dimensions that define possible internationalization pathways available to MNEs. Hybrid and transitional international governance arrangements require MNEs to develop strategic ‘tinkering’ approaches to overcome substantial ‘intention-realization’ gaps across borders. Mapping the (hybrid) governance logic of international CSR pathways helps to define ways forward and means by which MNEs can improve responsibility and stewardship for (global) social, ecological and economic sustainability issues. The chapter focuses in particular on the way the strategic trade-off between international risks and responsibilities and between ‘avoiding harm’ and ‘doing good’ principles. It operationalizes and maps four distinct “ICR” pathways - each with a different acronym: Indifferent Corporate Responsibility, International Corporate Responsiveness, International Corporate Responsibility or International Community Responsibility.