How to win the battle of ideas in corporate social responsibility: the International Pyramid Model of CSR

Abstract

This paper reviews the definitions of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as they have evolve over time. It traces the origins of the concept and creates a theoretical framework for international use, thus having the benefit of applicability in both developing as well as developed economies. The models of Carroll and Visser are integrated to produce The International Pyramid Model of CSR, which acknowledges the relative importance of economic, glocal, legal and ethical, and philanthropic aspects of the CSR concept. The primary innovation in the International Pyramid is the development of 'glocal' responsibilities, relating to the environment, socio-cultural matters, technology users, and political rights. Additionally, the International Pyramid condenses Carroll (Business Horizons 34(4):39-48, 1991) pyramid such that the separate legal and ethical responsibilities are merged into one 'legal and ethical' obligation. Furthermore, it offers flexibility by acknowledging that the various responsibilities it embodies can shift up or down the pyramid as priorities change, which is inevitable as businesses and economies differ cross-sectionally, and over time.

Modified Pyramid of CSR for Corporate Image and Customer Loyalty: Focusing on the Moderating Role of the CSR Experience

“…ECON is a top priority for companies because they need to make profits to survive. Without a firm's ability to create and expand profits, it cannot contribute to social activities [69]. LAW activities refer to the minimum rules that companies need to operate and apply.…”

How CSR Affects Polish Enterprises

“…Initially, Carroll's proposal was treated as a way to distinguish between the necessary and voluntary actions. It was later acknowledged that it was the first true conceptual CSR model that could become the basis for empirical research on corporate results (Clarkson, 1995;Kashyap et al, 2004;Baden, 2016), and also for intercultural (international) comparisons (Masoud, 2017;Rim and Dong, 2018).…”

“…Achieving economic goals allows the enterprise to finance the implementation of further areas of corporate responsibility (where the implementation of CSR activities requires initial investment). As part of the economic responsibility, the company should initially organize the business strategy in such a way, as to maintain the profitability of the operation (Masoud, 2017). The second level of the pyramid is legal responsibility, i.e.…”

CSR in Universities: A Case Study on Internal Stakeholder Perception of University Social Responsibility

“…On the other hand, Herera (2017) describes three broad impacts of an organization from the average consumer's perspective: social, economic and environmental. In general, most metanalyses reveal that the construct of CSR has four main impact dimensions; economic, ecological, social and stakeholder-related (Buhanita, 2015;Hamidu, Haron & Amran, 2015;Masoud, 2017).…”