Sustainable Development and Corporate Social Responsibility

The second chapter deals with the concept of CSR, pointing out its contents and reference models. Initially the principle of sustainable development is examined, outlining an evolutionary picture of the initiatives undertaken in this regard, in particular by the United Nations. This principle has important implications, not only at the macroeconomic level, but also at the microeconomic level, i.e. the management of the single organization. Starting from the consideration of these last implications the concept of CSR is introduced. In this regard, we will see how the interpretation of this concept has changed over time in parallel with the evolution of studies, theoretical models and companies’ behaviors. Arriving at the present day, fundamental points of reference consist of several standards published by authoritative public institutions and private organizations whose contents are illustrated in the next part of the chapter. In particular, the following standards are examined: UN Global Compact, OECD Guidelines for multinational companies, ILO Tripartite declaration of principles concerning multinational enterprises and social policy and ISO 26000 Guidance on Social Responsibility. To complete the discussion, the evolution of the EU Strategy on CSR is shown: from the publication of the “Green Paper” in July 2001 to our present day.