Corporate Social Responsibility in Latin America: Trends and Challengers

Abstract

This chapter analyzes corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, and Chile from a stakeholder perspective from 2015 to 2023. The analysis focuses on the trends in their implementation and the challenges faced by these companies in all five dimensions of CSR. The study uses a qualitative approach to collect and interpret information. We examined 150 reports and 130 CSR programs from different organizations, such as supranational agencies, governments, business associations, and companies. One of the main findings is that CSR initiatives are adapting to the specific characteristics of the environment and philanthropic tradition. Moreover, the three main challenges to the implementation of CSR programs are identified: Lack of infrastructure, weak institutional capacity of the government, and a hostile environment for businesses.