The Theoretical Basis for the Implementation of CSR Principles Through Legal Regulation

There are many ways of examining CSR, although as yet there is no single generally accepted, fully specified concept encompassing its practices. Contemporary scholars of CSR have shown that the voluntary mode of practising CSR is predominant. However, there are opponents of this mode, especially in the weak economies in which the non-legal drivers in society are sparse. In these circumstances, establishing a theoretical basis for implementing CSR through legislation is difficult, but important. It is difficult, since legal regulation could be detrimental to business development if it narrows the scope of innovation in business and becomes a barrier to companies’ usual business practices in the post-regulatory world. It is important, since the public interest groups—who are sceptical of the role of companies’ voluntary responsibility for social development—need a theoretical basis to demonstrate instances of corporate irresponsibility to society in an articulate manner. This chapter presents a detailed discussion of several theories to establish that a normative basis exists for implementing CSR principles through legal regulation.