TY - CHAP
T1 - The Ethical Foundations for CSR
AU - Frederiksen, Claus Strue
AU - Nielsen, Morten Ebbe Juul
PY - 2013
Y1 - 2013
N2 - In this chapter we will discuss the ethical foundations of CSR. The chapter consists of three major parts. First, we discuss three different approaches to CSR, namely (a) an instrumental approach, (b) an ethical approach and (c) a hybrid approach, attempting to combine the instrumental and the ethical approach. We will conclude that the ethical approach to CSR is the most reasonable of the three alternatives. Second, we introduce some of the most influential ethical theories and their key principles, namely (a) the utilitarian principle of maximizing well-being, (b) theories of rights, and (c) social contract principles concerning fairness, and discuss how they might relate to CSR in general. Third, we present and discuss some specific ethical challenges characteristic for CSR including whether companies should focus solely on avoiding harmful actions or whether they also have obligations to actively do good.
AB - In this chapter we will discuss the ethical foundations of CSR. The chapter consists of three major parts. First, we discuss three different approaches to CSR, namely (a) an instrumental approach, (b) an ethical approach and (c) a hybrid approach, attempting to combine the instrumental and the ethical approach. We will conclude that the ethical approach to CSR is the most reasonable of the three alternatives. Second, we introduce some of the most influential ethical theories and their key principles, namely (a) the utilitarian principle of maximizing well-being, (b) theories of rights, and (c) social contract principles concerning fairness, and discuss how they might relate to CSR in general. Third, we present and discuss some specific ethical challenges characteristic for CSR including whether companies should focus solely on avoiding harmful actions or whether they also have obligations to actively do good.
U2 - 10.1007/978-3-642-40975-2_2
DO - 10.1007/978-3-642-40975-2_2
M3 - Book chapter
SN - 9783642409745
T3 - CSR, sustainability, ethics & governance
SP - 17
EP - 33
BT - Corporate Social Responsibility
A2 - Okpara, John O.
A2 - Idowu, Samuel
PB - Springer Publishing Company
CY - Berlin
ER -