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Corporations as agents of social change: A case study of diversity at Cummins Inc

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  • Heidi Reed

Abstract

This case study on the American multinational Cummins Inc. calls into question traditional, normative theories of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Although the dominant literature views CSR as a response to society, Cummins’ promotion of diversity dates back to the 1940s, making their efforts well in advance of society’s expectations. The article shows that Cummins’ management pushed for civil and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) rights at times when society viewed these actions as being illegitimate and against community values. The study suggests that leaders for diversity at Cummins were able to gain support during these difficult times due to their high level of influence and by connecting the value of diversity to Cummins’ organisational identity.

Suggested Citation

  • Heidi Reed, 2017. "Corporations as agents of social change: A case study of diversity at Cummins Inc," Business History, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 59(6), pages 821-843, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:bushst:v:59:y:2017:i:6:p:821-843
    DOI: 10.1080/00076791.2016.1255196
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    Cited by:

    1. Gagan Deep Sharma & Sascha Kraus & Ritika Chopra & Dhairya Dev & Alberto Ferraris, 2026. "Strategic Innovation for Sustainability: A Conceptual Model Linking Digitalization, Social Dynamics, and Climate Change Mitigation," Business Strategy and the Environment, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 35(5), pages 6399-6420, July.
    2. Claudia Díaz‐Leyva & Rosalía Cascón‐Pereira, 2026. "Diversity and Social Sustainability: A Systematic Review and Integrative Framework for Advancing Socially Sustainable Diversity Management," Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 33(2), pages 2949-2970, March.
    3. Heidi Reed, 2026. "I Can('t) Talk About It At Work: Stigma Entanglement and the Epistemic Vulnerability Paradox," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(2), pages 367-378, March.

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