Analyzing CSR's Expectation Gap through the World System Differential

Abstract

This chapter critically approaches the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on the theory level with a new theory frame called World System Differential (WSD). The new frame has been developed by bringing together Luhmann's system theory, Grosfoguel's world system, and Irigaray's theory on gender equality empowerment. The principle assumption here is that CSR unchangeably consists of many contradictive definitions. This allows for framing CSR as an expectation gap. Applying the WSD to the CSR field, the expectation gap is analyzed as an idealized conception that is shaped by a proposed universal that everyone is assumed to desire in the same way. As result, the chapter shows that we must verstehen (Weber) CSR in its contradictive reflections by different societal rationalities, which by nature discriminates against the less powerful opinion holders. For this, the WSD can show its analytical usefulness as both a theoretical and a methodological tool.