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Corporate social responsibility in non-profit organizations: Beyond the evidence

Author

Listed:
  • Guillaume PLAISANCE

    (Research Institute in Management Science, Bordeaux University (France))

Abstract

The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in nonprofit organizations (NPOs) is a challenge for the literature and for the organizations themselves. The concept is often confused with social responsibility or sustainability. The pleonasm between CSR and the mission, values and nature of NPOs also raises questions. Finally, the relevance of the concept in its current state to NPOs calls into question, because of the “corporate†terminology. Design/methodology/approach: Based on a literature review, this article proposes to respond to these different gaps thanks to an analysis of the definitions, the theories, measurement methods and content of research dedicated to CSR, social responsibility and sustainability. Findings: The research underlines the triple relevance of the concept of CSR in NPOs. Its relevance to the other two concepts, its strategic importance and the interest of differentiation from for-profit organizations. Originality: This article proposes a literature review on CSR in NPOs, a subject that is still emerging in the literature but which nevertheless needs to be addressed in the current context of multiple crises.

Suggested Citation

  • Guillaume PLAISANCE, 2021. "Corporate social responsibility in non-profit organizations: Beyond the evidence," CIRIEC Working Papers 2102, CIRIEC - Université de Liège.
    • Handle: RePEc:crc:wpaper:2102
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    File URL: https://www.ciriec.uliege.be/repec/WP21-02.pdf
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    nonprofit organizations (NPOs); corporate social responsibility (CSR); sustainability; social responsibility; triple bottom line; literature review;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • G34 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Mergers; Acquisitions; Restructuring; Corporate Governance
    • L31 - Industrial Organization - - Nonprofit Organizations and Public Enterprise - - - Nonprofit Institutions; NGOs; Social Entrepreneurship
    • M14 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - Corporate Culture; Diversity; Social Responsibility

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