Long-term responsible investment and corporate social responsibility

The chapter provides conceptual insights into long-term responsible investment (RI) and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Despite the nebulous conceptual definitions, CSR and RI are underpinned by three critical facets: stakeholder engagement, voluntary participation and enlightened self-interest. From their prehistoric religious beginnings in the 6th century BC to the contemporary era, CSR and RI have evolved into mainstream corporate practice and moved up the corporate and portfolio agenda. While CSR takes several forms, ranging from charitable contributions to social investment projects and collaborative social initiatives with partner organisations, RI takes the form of ESG integration, shareholder activism, screening and socially directed investments. Similarly, there are diverse motives underpinning both CSR and RI; the normative and the business case. While a moral imperative can motivate CSR and RI initiatives, a strategic incentive can drive corporate organisations and investment funds to pursue a double bottom line of shareholders’ wealth maximisation and good corporate citizenship.