The purpose of the research was to indicate how retailers, who operate under conditions of an imperfect democracy in a challenging and turbulent business environment, obtained triple bottom line sustainability by considering corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities as part of the strategic intent of the organisation. A qualitative comparative case study design was followed. Through the literature review in the first phase, three previously unrelated components, namely Warren's (2003) evolution of business legitimacy theory, Jensen's (2001) three descriptors of the company as an agent in society; and Holmström's (1997) social systemic Public Relations paradigm, were combined to develop a theoretical framework against which the websites and the annual and sustainability reports of three South African retailers were analysed in the second phase. Analyses were done at two levels: the degree to which community relations and governance issues were represented at strategic level and the achievement of specific impact objectives at technical level. All three retailers channelled CSR activities through either a foundation or a trust registered as a non-profit entity. This could be indicative of the importance assigned to their CRS initiatives. An ability to adapt to changes in the macro environment and surviving economic, political and social challenges was demonstrated.Keywords Corporate social responsibility, evolution of business legitimacy, company as an agent in society, social systemic PR paradigm, triple bottom line, sustainability 2
This article investigates the unique challenges facing political parties in terms of their communicative responsibilities in a developing democracy as demonstrated by the electoral communication of political parties in the national elections in South Africa over the past 14 years. Election posters, radio and television advertising messages were analysed and discussed in the light of the informational and interpretational functions of political parties. Messages were analysed in terms of the use of emotional and cognitive message structures, the use of negative messages in comparing party policies on specific issues, as well as the portrayal of leaders. Messages were also analysed to determine whether they had contributed to the advancement of the political debate in a developing democracy. The conclusion that the communicative responsibilities of political parties imply that they ideally should assist voters in reaching informed decisions, stimulate public debate on politically sensitive issues without harming democracy and encourage citizens to exercise their democratic responsibility to participate in the democratic process was reached. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The purpose of this entry is initially to provide a philosophical and theoretical background against which the practice of community relations can be set. The discussion sees community relations as a values‐driven function that builds legitimacy in the public sphere through context regulation based on reflection. The role of community relations is considered to be to influence the values and behavior of the company and all its agents, as well as to constantly question and test community values and behavior to build stronger communities. Next, a six‐step process for the practice of community relations is proposed to achieve the dual role identified in the first part of the discussion. Finally a short list of characteristics and skills is proposed for the twenty‐first century community relations practitioner.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.