Understanding Corporate Social Responsibility

Abstract

The idea of corporate social responsibility (CSR) has existed for more than a century and is considered indispensable to the well-being of an organization. Yet, there is no agreed upon definition of CSR. Instead, we find a gamut of definitions which emphasize different elements and create a general lack of accountability among corporations. This study attempts to understand attitudes toward corporate social responsibility among University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) College of Business Administration students; UDM alumni; and members of Beta Gamma Sigma (BGS), the international honor society for students in AACSB accredited business programs. Using a survey method, this thesis analyzes the “grey area” of CSR and examines the rudimentary question of to whom CSR is accountable.