Corporate Social Responsibility and Stakeholder Theory: Learning From Each Other

Abstract

This paper explores the relationship between two major concepts in business ethics - stakeholder theory and corporate social responsibility (CSR). We argue that CSR is a part of corporate responsibilities (company responsibilities to all stakeholders), and show that there is a need for both concepts in business ethics, and their applicability is dependent on a particular problem we want to solve. After reviewing some criticisms of CSR - covering wrongdoing and creating false dichotomies, we suggest that incorporating some findings from recent research on stakeholder theory can help align both concepts and overcome the criticisms.  At the end of the article, we outline potential directions for future research on CSR.