Corporate social responsibility practices and motivations in a peripheral country: Two Portuguese illustrative cases

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2014

Authors

João Proença (Author) FEP; Manuel Castelo Branco (Author) FEP

Journal

Title: Corporate Governance (Bingley)

Vol. 14

Pages: 252-264

ISSN: 1472-0701

Publisher: Emerald

Indexing

Scopus - 5 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Social sciences > Economics and Business

CORDIS: Social sciences > Economics > Management studies

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-009-TF0

DOI: 10.1108/cg-07-2011-0052

Abstract (EN): Purpose: The purpose of the paper is to provide an illustrative picture of how large corporations in a peripheral country such as Portugal engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices and discuss the motivations underlying these practices. Design/methodology/approach: In this study, a case study methodology was used to explore CSR practices and the underlying motivations in two Portuguese companies. Findings: The results obtained suggest that some specificity may be present in the way of defining corporate responsibility for society by Portuguese companies. The Portuguese companies analysed seem to display an historical preference for corporate paternalism. This suggests that moral reasons can motivate firms (and individuals within them) to engage in social responsibility activities. Research limitations/implications: This work focuses on two specific case studies, but other cases might find diverse findings. Originality/value: It adds to the scarce research on CSR by Portuguese companies by providing new empirical data. It contributes to the growing body of evidence which seems to suggest that cultural differences associated with different countries affect CSR dynamics. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific