The Ethical Foundations for CSR

Claus Strue Frederiksen; Morten Ebbe Juul Nielsen

doi:10.1007/978-3-642-40975-2_2

The Ethical Foundations for CSR

Claus Strue Frederiksen, Morten Ebbe Juul Nielsen

Abstract

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.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Corporate Social Responsibility : Challenges, Opportunities and Strategies for 21st Century Leaders
Editors	John O. Okpara, Samuel Idowu
Number of pages	17
Place of Publication	Berlin
Publisher	Springer Publishing Company
Publication date	2013
Pages	17-33
Chapter	2
ISBN (Print)	9783642409745
ISBN (Electronic)	9783642409752
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-40975-2_2
Publication status	Published - 2013

Series	CSR, sustainability, ethics & governance

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The Ethical Foundations for CSR. / Frederiksen, Claus Strue; Nielsen, Morten Ebbe Juul.

Corporate Social Responsibility: Challenges, Opportunities and Strategies for 21st Century Leaders. ed. / John O. Okpara; Samuel Idowu. Berlin : Springer Publishing Company, 2013. p. 17-33 (CSR, sustainability, ethics & governance).

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Book chapter › Research › peer-review

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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.

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The Ethical Foundations for CSR

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