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Fabricating management practices : "Responsible Care" and Corporate Social Responsibility

Author

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  • Nicolas Berland

    (DRM - Dauphine Recherches en Management - Université Paris Dauphine-PSL - PSL - Université Paris sciences et lettres - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

  • Marie-Claire Loison

    (DRM - Dauphine Recherches en Management - Université Paris Dauphine-PSL - PSL - Université Paris sciences et lettres - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

Abstract

Purpose this study focuses on the policy of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) launched in the chemical industry in the 1980s and known as "Responsible Care". The debate surrounding this issue prompts us to question the ever-changing nature of this policy and the way to measure the performance achieved. Methodology Our findings are drawn from analysis of a double set of data including a longitudinal survey and a current case study. Blending these two data sets allows a better understanding of the ongoing building process of "Responsible Care" and, more broadly, of corporate social responsibility. Findings this paper asserts that, contrary to the common wisdom developed in research, companies do not simply react to stakeholder pressure. Companies autonomously develop ways to protect their environment and so contribute to changing Society's expectations. Thus, performance cannot be read without a dynamic perspective in mind. Research limitations/implications Our findings lead us to reconsider the assessment of companies' sustainable performances by taking into account the fabricating process of sustainable activities. The main limitation of this research stems from the single unit of analysis considered. Broader studies will be necessary to enrich our understanding of corporate policies. Originality/value of the paper Our paper stands apart from the traditional view of organizations as cynical actors and attempts to provide a more complex picture of the behaviours observed.

Suggested Citation

  • Nicolas Berland & Marie-Claire Loison, 2008. "Fabricating management practices : "Responsible Care" and Corporate Social Responsibility," Post-Print hal-01682196, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01682196
    DOI: 10.1108/17465680810852720
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-01682196
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ala'aldin Alrowwad & Bader Yousef Obeidat & Ali Tarhini & Noor Aqqad, 2017. "The Impact of Transformational Leadership on Organizational Performance via the Mediating Role of Corporate Social Responsibility: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach," International Business Research, Canadian Center of Science and Education, vol. 10(1), pages 199-221, January.

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