Corporate social responsibility (CSR) expresses a fundamental morality in the way a company behaves toward society. It follows ethical behavior toward stakeholders and recognizes the spirit of the legal and regulatory environment. The idea of CSR gained momentum in the late 1950s and 1960s with the expansion of large conglomerate corporations and became a popular subject in the 1980s with R. Edward Freeman's Strategic Management: A Stakeholder Approach and the many key works of Archie B. Carroll, Peter F. Drucker, and others. In the wake of the financial crisis of 2008–2010, CSR has again become a focus for evaluating corporate behavior. First published in 1953, Howard R. Bowen’s Social Responsibilities of the Businessman was the first comprehensive discussion of business ethics and social responsibility. It created a foundation by which business executives and academics could consider the subjects as part of strategic planning and managerial decision-making. Though written in another era, it is regularly and increasingly cited because of its relevance to the current ethical issues of business operations in the United States. Many experts believe it to be the seminal book on corporate social responsibility. This new edition of the book includes an introduction by Jean-Pascal Gond, Professor of Corporate Social Responsibility at Cass Business School, City University of London, and a foreword by Peter Geoffrey Bowen, Daniels College of Business, University of Denver, who is Howard R. Bowen's eldest son.

The concept of the social responsibility of business has roots in the Puritan doctrine of stewardship as well as the nineteenth-century "gospel of wealth," but business leaders only began to consider community welfare as a whole in the context of their corporate aspirations of the latter half of the twentieth century. Originally appearing in 1970, The Social Responsibilities of Business surveys the history of corporate actions in pursuit of social responsibility, and attempts to assess likely developments. Reissued in 1988 by Transaction with a new introduction by the author and now available in paperback, the volume provides Morrell Heald the opportunity to evaluate his earlier predictions and identify prospects for further development in the area of corporate social responsibility. Some of Heald's predictions have not yet come to fruition, and he reflects upon the reasons. No effective structure yet exists to permit an open exchange of views and needs between business and representatives of its various constituencies. In addition, two of Heald's earlier suggestions have not taken root in the way he anticipated--the company foundation, and the corporate social audit--and he assesses why they have not, and what opportunities they still provide. The Social Responsibilities of Business provides essential background for understanding the developing social role of the corporation and for assessing its future direction. "[A] well-documented study that reflects a careful choice of source materials. The author's judgments are sober, balanced, and objectiveà . A genuine contribution to deeper understanding of America's social conscience in the twentieth century."--Gerald D. Nash, Journal of American History Morrell Heald is Samuel B. and Virginia C. Knight Professor of Humanities at Case Western Reserve University. He is also the author of Transatlantic Vistas: American Journalists in Europe, 1900-1940.

Introduction to Business covers the scope and sequence of most introductory business courses. The book provides detailed explanations in the context of core themes such as customer satisfaction, ethics, entrepreneurship, global business, and managing change. Introduction to Business includes hundreds of current business examples from a range of industries and geographic locations, which feature a variety of individuals. The outcome is a balanced approach to the theory and application of business concepts, with attention to the knowledge and skills necessary for student success in this course and beyond. This is an adaptation of Introduction to Business by OpenStax. You can access the textbook as pdf for free at openstax.org. Minor editorial changes were made to ensure a better ebook reading experience. Textbook content produced by OpenStax is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Monograph on business ethics and corporate social responsibility in the USA - covers protecting natural resources and urban area environments, aiding developing areas, meeting consumer needs, etc., and considers the need for government policy measures to enforce such conduct. References.

The concepts of social responsibility and business ethics are crucial components of modern business practices, emphasizing the ethical obligations and broader impacts that businesses have on society. Here’s an overview of each concept: Social Responsibilities of Business: Definition: Social responsibility refers to the ethical framework and obligations that businesses have towards the broader community, environment, and stakeholders beyond maximizing profits. It encompasses the voluntary actions businesses take to address social, environmental, and economic issues in their operations and interactions with stakeholders. Key Aspects: Corporate Citizenship: Businesses are expected to contribute positively to society by supporting community development initiatives, philanthropic activities, and volunteering efforts. Environmental Sustainability: Businesses should adopt sustainable practices to minimize their environmental footprint, reduce waste, conserve resources, and mitigate climate change impacts. Ethical Labor Practices: Ensuring fair treatment of employees, promoting diversity and inclusion, providing safe working conditions, and adhering to labour laws and human rights standards. Consumer Protection: Providing safe and reliable products/services, transparent marketing practices, and addressing consumer concerns responsibly. Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with stakeholders (employees, customers, suppliers, local communities) to understand their needs, address concerns, and build mutually beneficial relationships. Business Ethics: Definition: Business ethics refers to principles, values, and standards of conduct that guide business decisions and actions, ensuring they are morally and ethically sound. It involves applying ethical principles to organizational culture, policies, practices, and decision-making processes. Key Principles: Integrity: Acting honestly and ethically in all business dealings, maintaining transparency, and fulfilling commitments. Fairness: Treating all stakeholders fairly and equitably, avoiding discrimination, favouritism, or exploitation. Accountability: Taking responsibility for actions and decisions, acknowledging mistakes, and striving for accountability in business practices. Respect: Valuing diversity, respecting human rights, and promoting a culture of inclusivity and mutual respect within the organization and in external relationships. Compliance: Adhering to legal requirements, regulations, industry standards, and ethical guidelines relevant to business operations. Importance and Integration: Enhanced Reputation: Businesses that demonstrate strong social responsibility and ethical behaviour build trust, credibility, and positive reputation among stakeholders, enhancing brand loyalty and competitiveness. Risk Management: Ethical conduct and social responsibility mitigate risks associated with legal liabilities, regulatory non-compliance, reputational damage, and stakeholder backlash. Long-term Sustainability: Integrating social responsibility and ethical practices fosters long-term sustainability by aligning business objectives with societal needs, fostering innovation, and attracting socially conscious investors and customers. Employee Engagement: A commitment to ethical principles and social responsibility enhances employee morale, motivation, and retention, creating a positive workplace culture. In conclusion, businesses play a pivotal role in society, and embracing social responsibility and ethical practices not only aligns with moral imperatives but also contributes to sustainable business success and positive societal impact. Integrating these principles into core business strategies and operations is essential for fostering trust, resilience, and long-term value creation in a rapidly evolving global business environment.

"This is the cutting-edge textbook on a managerial approach to corporate responsibility. Students and executives will benefit a great deal by studying the cases and best practices that are here. It’s a terrific book." —Ed Freeman, Elis and Signe Olsson Professor of Business Administration, Darden School of Business, University of Virginia Corporate Responsibility offers a concise and comprehensive introduction to the functional area of corporate responsibility. Readers will learn how corporate responsibility is good for business and how leaders balance their organization’s needs with responsibilities to key constituencies in society. Author Paul A. Argenti engages students with new and compelling cases by focusing on the social, reputational, or environmental consequences of corporate activities. Students will learn how to make difficult choices, promote responsible behavior within their organizations, and understand the role personal values play in developing effective leadership skills.