1.2.1 CSR as a societal phenomenon

Economic globalisation and its seemingly uncontrollable consequences have led governments, international organisations and civil society to call upon companies to contribute to solving the present challenges. The role of business has become vital in integrating the sustainable development perspective into the process of economic globalisation, because business decisions have a direct impact on all levels of society: economic, social, environmental and cultural. The private actors have thus been encouraged to conduct their business in a 'socially responsible way' and to pursue best practices that enhance value in three dimensions: 'Planet, People, Profit'. The expectations for the business sector to contribute at all levels will continue to grow.1

The business community has taken up the gauntlet, and this phenomenon has gained foothold as 'corporate social responsibility' (CSR - internationally), 'corporate responsibility' (CR - UK), 'corporate citizenship' (US), 'maatschappelijk verantwoord ondernemen' (MVO - the Netherlands), 'responsabilité social des enterprises' (RSE - France), 'responsabilidad social empresarial' (RSE - Spain), 'Responsabilità Sociale delle Imprese' (RSI - Italy), and 'Unternehmerische Gesellschaftsverantwortung' (Germany). In the last decade, many companies - small and large - have developed CSR policies and strategies, and put them into practice.