A Brief History of CSR.......

To begin with the debate whether CSR is necessary or not let us first understand the history of CSR.

The origins of CSR are connected with philanthropy and the United States of America, where modern firm was born. At the end of the nineteenth century an idea appeared in the USA that businessmen should be responsible towards the society. This concept gained popularity particularly in the times of the Depression in 1930s.

However, the modern view on the CSR developed in 1950s thanks to Howard Bowen. He explained in ‘Social Responsibilities of the Businessman’ that business operations influence society and therefore they should be coherent with objectives and values of this society.

Later, in 1960s and 1970s the debate on business ethics built the base for modern tools of CSR such as social audit. 1980s brought the idea of sustainable development and 1990s on corporate citizenship. Together with theory the practice and research have progressed. Currently, Europe and particularly the UK are leading in the practice of CSR.

The Oxford Handbook for CSR

1.Social Audit

2. Article

3.Mallen Baker