Title: Showing they care, but about what? Does corporate social responsibility show companies have a nice side or that they are merely adapting to suit their environment?

Authors: Henry Hillman

Addresses: Bristol Law School, University of the West of England, Coldhabour Lane, Bristol, BS16 1QY, UK

Abstract: This paper takes Unilever as an example of a multi-national corporation (MNC) and considers the environment it exists within. Specific attention is paid to the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR); a definition is sought and reasons for its development are discussed. Significance is placed on globalisation, not specifically of business but of society, and the increased connectedness of the world's populations through the internet and social media. Questions are raised as to the motives of companies who engage in CSR initiatives but it is noted that genuine good can come of CSR.

Keywords: multinational corporations; MNCs; corporate social responsibility; CSR; globalisation; social media; corporate governance; non-governmental organisations; NGOs; Unilever; internet; motivation; motives.

DOI: 10.1504/IJLSE.2013.057757

International Journal of Liability and Scientific Enquiry, 2013 Vol.6 No.1/2/3, pp.156 - 167

Published online: 02 Jul 2014 *