Title: Circles of stakeholders: towards a relational theory of Corporate Social Responsibility

Authors: Rob Maessen, Paul Van Seters, Eleonore Van Rijckevorsel

Addresses: Globus, Institute for Globalization and Sustainable Development, Tias Business School, Tilburg University; Province of Noord-Brabant, P.O. Box 90151, 5200 MC 's-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands. ' Globus, Institute for Globalization and Sustainable Development, Tias Business School, Tilburg University, P.O. Box 90153, 5000 LE Tilburg, The Netherlands. ' Globus, Institute for Globalization and Sustainable Development, Tias Business School, Tilburg University, The Netherlands; Bluff 100, 6B, 100-1Yamate-cho, 231–0862 Nakaku, Yokohama, Japan

Abstract: Two key elements define the modern-day version of a socially responsible corporation: (1) targeting business activities on value creation in three dimensions, and (2) maintaining relationships with stakeholders. In this article, we argue that a proper understanding of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) lies in the intrinsic link between these two elements. A relational approach to CSR is called for. Circles of stakeholders reflect the level of involvement of different stakeholders with a corporation and the dynamics of their relations. In a globalising world, connecting corporations to outer-circle groups of stakeholders can be substantially rewarding. Partnerships with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) present a useful strategy for governance for the benefit of all.

Keywords: corporate social responsibility; CSR; globalisation; strategy; stakeholder management; partnerships; relational theory; NGOs; business governance.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBGE.2007.011935

International Journal of Business Governance and Ethics, 2007 Vol.3 No.1, pp.77 - 94

Published online: 01 Jan 2007 *

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