Company Research

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a self-regulating business model that helps a company be socially accountable—to itself, its stakeholders, and the public. CSR aims to ensure that companies conduct their business in a way that is ethical. This means taking account of their social, economic and environmental impact, and consideration of human rights. It can involve a range of activities such as: Working in partnership with local communities. 

CSR goes beyond earning money for shareholders. It’s concerned with protecting the interests of all stakeholders, such as employees, customers, suppliers, and the communities in which businesses operate. Examples of CSR include adopting humane employee practices, caring for the environment, and engaging in philanthropic endeavors. Some people contend that companies owe no duty to society outside making as much money as possible within the law. But those who support Corporate Social Responsibility believe that companies should pursue a deeper purpose beyond simply maximizing profits.

Journals & Books

	Journal of Business Ethics  [0167-4544]		Corporate social responsibility : a very short introduction. Jeremy Moon.
	International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility  [2366-0066]		Corporate social responsibility? : human rights in the new global economy. edited by Charlotte Walker-Said and John D. Kelly.
	Social responsibility journal  [1747-1117]		Business ethics : a stakeholder and issues management approach. Sixth edition. Joseph W. Weiss.
	Business Ethics Quarterly  [1052-150X]		Business ethics : case studies and selected readings. 9th edition. Marianne Jennings.
	Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management  [1535-3958]		Corporate social responsibility. Christopher Wickert, David Risi.

Databases & Websites

ESG criteria are a set of standards for a company’s operations that socially conscious investors use to screen potential investments. ESG investing considers how a company’s adherence – or lack thereof – to these standards might affect its performance on the market. ESG investors want to support companies that treat their employees, suppliers, and communities well. This might include diverse hiring practices, humane (or no) animal testing, and volunteering in the community. Lastly, Environmental, Social, and Governance investors typically care about ESG factors like a corporation’s leadership practices: C-suite pay and bonuses, shareholder rights, and financial transparency are often included in this area.

Journals & Books

	Critical Studies on Corporate Responsibility, Governance and Sustainability [2043-9059]		Sustainable investing : revolutions in theory and practice  edited by Cary Krosinsky and Sophie Purdom.
	Journal of Management and Sustainability [1925-4725]		Corporate Behavior and Sustainability : Doing Well by Being Good Aras, Güler; Ingley, Coral
	Sustainability accounting, management and policy journal [2040-8021]		Sustainability Reporting : Getting Started, Second Edition White, Gwendolen B.