Title: Social sustainability as a consequence of corporate social innovation practices: highlighting the main factors at private companies

Authors: Luana Folchini Da Costa; Fabiano Larentis; Mayron Dalla Santa De Carvalho

Addresses: Business and Management Post-graduation Program, University of Caxias do Sul (Brazil), 1130 Francisco Getúlio Vargas Street, 95070-560 – Petrópolis, Caxias do Sul (RS), Brazil ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3036-5911 ' Business and Management Post-graduation Program, University of Caxias do Sul (Brazil), 1130 Francisco Getúlio Vargas Street, 95070-560 – Petrópolis, Caxias do Sul (RS), Brazil ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8390-0271 ' Business and Management Post-graduation Program, University of Caxias do Sul (Brazil), 1130 Francisco Getúlio Vargas Street, 95070-560 – Petrópolis, Caxias do Sul (RS), Brazil ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0834-7431

Abstract: This paper explores and describes corporate social innovation (CSI) and its relationship with social sustainability (SS) through a multiple case study, in which social practices carried out by for-profit organisations are analysed. We have highlighted the factors of social innovation considered as a basis to verify the existence of CSI processes: objectives and motivations, social actors, implementation process and results. CSI has been evidenced as a prerequisite to achieve SS objectives and it should be intrinsic to the business model without resulting in loss of profitability and competitiveness. CSI can be both a result and a condition when business models and operations are considered.

Keywords: CSI; corporate social innovation; social sustainability; private companies; multiple case studies; corporate sustainability; sustainable development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJISD.2022.119264

International Journal of Innovation and Sustainable Development, 2022 Vol.16 No.1, pp.109 - 132

Received: 02 Jul 2020
Accepted: 02 Dec 2020
Published online: 30 Nov 2021 *

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