Is Corporate Social Responsibility Sustainable? A Critical Approach

Corporate social responsibility remains one of the most researched theme in management literature. Addressing the changing role of the company in society and economy the numerous studies refer both to the development of the theoretical framework as well as the empirical analyses. The CSR literature reflects the responsibilities, accountability and dialogues between company and different of empowered stakeholders. Undoubtedly, the concept has been intensively elaborated in the recent years resulting in the emergence of the business case for CSR, practical implementation and further development of the concept. Yet both dimensions of theory and practice face significant limitations raising as the a series of questions on the sustainability of the concept and reflects on the companies’ selective address to the scope and size of CSR activities. This chapter attempts to identify the gaps in the theoretical conceptualization and methodological regime of CSR pointing at some limitations or contradictions in the management literature. It also confronts the existing theory with the practice discussing the main shortcomings in the process of the concept implementations.