Inhaltsangabe:Introduction: There is a difference between a good company and a great company. A good company offers excellent products and services. A great company also offers excellent products and services but also strives to make the world a better place . As this quote clearly demonstrates, the importance of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is on the rise. Indeed, more and more companies are engaging in CSR-related activities such as cause-related marketing (CRM), employee volunteering (EV) or corporate philanthropy (CP). According to Bhattacharya and Sen more than 80% percent of Fortune 500 companies deal with CSR issues in the United States (US). In European countries such as Germany, the numbers of companies with CSR initiatives is similarly growing. Among those firms are famous examples such as Starbucks and The Body Shop as well as the German companies BMW or SAP. There are several reasons for this trend. On the one hand, companies are increasingly put under pressure to behave socially responsible from different sides. First, consumers today are more sensitive to business practices of companies and can exert their power by means of boycotts resulting in negative economic consequences for firms. This is especially the case in times of increasing media coverage and advances in information technology where bad business practices become more easily transparent. Particularly, recent corporate scandals like those of Enron, or Shell, among others, make a contribution to consumers skepticism. Then, globalization leads to new challenges for companies because on the one hand, they are operating in countries with lower standards of living resulting in higher needs for socially responsible behavior in the respective society. On the other hand, worldwide competition is being strengthened in markets, which are characterized by low levels of product differentiation. CSR offers a source of competitive advantage because it enhances the overall reputation of the company and provides a valuable basis for differentiation. Besides that, companies are feeling pressure by a rise in public standards for social performance (e.g. the United Nations Global Compact). On the other hand, there is evidence that CSR is not only the right thing to do but it also leads to doing better because there is a positive relationship between a company s CSR activities and its stakeholders; especially consumers can be positively influenced. For one thing, market [...]

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) of corporations is a trend today. However, the more companies are practicing it, the less it becomes a unique business strategy helping to differentiate from competitors. For that reason, this study examines whether an integration of customers in all decisions and/or the carrying out of different CSR activities leads to it being a more effective marketing strategy. In the conceptual part, a definition of CSR is given: Different approaches are presented reaching from a more detailed one dealing with economic, legal, ethical and discretionary responsibilities according to the pyramid of CSR, to a less specific one, which is taken as the basis of the paper. Key characteristics of CSR as well as different motivations exemplified in the normative and the business case are described and a critical evaluation of CSR is taken into consideration by means of the shareholder view of CSR and the stakeholder theory. Moreover, CSR in Germany is compared with CSR in America in order to give a global perspective of the CSR phenomenon. Furthermore, the most common CSR activities are introduced. From those, cause-related marketing, employee volunteering, and corporate philanthropy are detailed with real company examples and respective advantages and disadvantages because those are the activities used in the study. A review of appropriate literature is given and for customer-related outcomes, social identity theory, attribution theory, and behavioral decision theory are regarded. The concept of customer integration has been adopted from the product innovation process, called open innovation, to CSR by using the means-end theory and the empowerment strategy. Taken together, the hypotheses have been development stating that customer integration leads to a more positive CSR belief, a stronger identification with the respective company as well as a more positive company evaluation and a much higher intent to buy the corporation?s product. These hypotheses have been tested in an online experiment using a fictive company and data has been evaluated via the analysis of variance. The study clarifies that customer integration is neither necessary nor does it hurt. It combines both a marketing tool and at the same time does something good. So, when taking into consideration some aspects, it is a strategy worth doing, with or without customer taking part in it.

Undeniably, the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is not new, but there is a huge difference between understanding the concept of CSR in developed and developing nations. In developing countries, firms have little interest in adopting CSR as a strategy in their business goals. The best practices, techniques, and empirical studies conducted around the globe must be discussed in detail in order to encourage the incorporation of the best CSR strategies for regionally diverse businesses. Global Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives for Reluctant Businesses is a critical reference source that covers the scope of global corporate social responsibility, which has continued to increase in the last couple of decades. The book includes core aspects of corporate social responsibility philosophy and practices in different European, North American, and Asian countries. This authored book helps readers to understand the corporate social responsibility practices in different countries and also provides a holistic picture of global CSR and emerging trends with the support of empirical studies. Covering topics including internationalization, Islamic CSR, green public procurement, CSR strategy, and sustainability, this book is essential for managers, executives, human resources managers, policymakers, academicians, researchers, students, and practitioners.

"This book explores the intricate relationship between marketing, organizational strategy and social responsibility, with a focus on ethical business and CSR-oriented marketing as a driver for sales peak performance. The book focuses on the commercial sector, which relies appreciably on ethical marketing/business to enhance sales peak performance and becomes successful in the long-run"--

Managing Corporate Social Responsibility offers a strategic, communication-centred approach to integrating CSR into organizations. Drawing from a variety of disciplines and written in a highly accessible style, the book guides readers in a focused progression providing the key points they need to successfully navigate the benefits and implications of managing CSR. Chapters are organized around a process model for CSR that outlines steps for researching, developing, implementing, and evaluating CSR initiatives Emphasizes stakeholder engagement as a foundation throughout the CSR Process Model Discusses ways to maximize the use of social media and traditional media throughout the process Offers international examples drawn from a variety of industries including: The Forest Stewardship Council, Starbucks Coffee, and IKEA. Draws upon theories grounded in various disciplines, including public relations, marketing, media, communication, and business

This handbook pursues an integrated communication approach. Drawing on the various fields of organizational communication and their relevance for CSR, it addresses innovative topics such as big data, social media, and the convergence of communication channels, as well as the roles they play in a successfully integrated CSR communication program. Further aspects covered include the analysis of sector-specific, cross-cultural, and ethical challenges related to the effective communication of CSR. This handbook is unique in its consistent focus on integrated communication. It is of interest not only for the scientific discourse, but will also benefit those corporations that not only seek to operate in a socially responsible manner, but also to communicate their efforts to their various stakeholders. Besides its significant value for researchers and professionals, the book can also be used as a reference for undergraduate and graduate students interested in successful CSR communication.

"This book addresses the implementation of businesses' ethical standards in both emerging and advanced economies, interpreting the social impact of this issue in a global context by highlighting case studies, interdisciplinary perspectives, and strategies in business management"--