Article

 

Corporate Social Responsibility in an international perspective: Europe, Russia, and Tunisia. An introduction  (p.11-18)

by

Petia Koleva , University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR 7533 LADYSS

Thomas Lamarche, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR 7533 LADYSS

Eric Magnin, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR 7533 LADYSS

Keywords : Corporate social responsibility, Sustainable development, Institutions, Sectoral and territorial dynamics

JEL classification : B52, M14, F61, P52

Abstract

This special issue includes papers related to Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and Sustainable development discourse and practice, analyzed from an international perspective. CSR appears basically as an institutional tool, which compels the enterprises to act either proactively or reactively. While the mechanisms of globalization exert undoubtedly a stronger push towards standardization, insights from Europe, Russia, and Tunisia show how specific regional and national contexts may influence the perception and involvement in CSR.

 

 

Transport and sustainable development, in communication and in practice: A comparative analysis of the strategies of three French firms  (p.19-37)

by

Petia Koleva, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR 7533 LADYSS

Keywords : Sustainable Development, Strategic Analysis, Transport sector

JEL classification : M14, L91

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to compare the discourse of sustainable development (SD) with concrete actions implemented on the field. To do this, strategies of three major French transport firms were explored. A search for SD-related information on the firms’ websites was first carried out, and then structured interviews were conducted with branch managers of the companies to discuss the actual implementation of SD strategies. Based on this information, a typology is drawn up reflecting different degrees of involvement in SD.

 

 

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) information disclosure by annual reports: The Deutsche Post-DHL case (1998-2011) (p.39-62)

by

Marie-Pascale Senkel, University of Nantes, Laboratoire d’Economie et Management de Nantes-Atlantique (LEMNA)

Keywords : Corporate social responsibility, Providers of logistics services, Annual report, Non-financial information disclosure

JEL classification : M14, L91

Abstract

The use of annual reports as a communication tool is widely investigated by academic researchers. Some researches specially analyse the social and environmental disclosure practices of the firms in their annual reports. The paper aims to examine the place taken by these questions in the communication of Deutsche Post-DHL. An analysis of data provided by 14 annual reports (1998-2011) was conducted. The findings show changes in the CSR communication strategy and highlight four periods that we called: Absence, Awareness, Acceptance and Active Responsible leadership. We suggest that the company wants now to investigate a political dimension of CSR.

 

 

Farming strategies regarding “social responsibility” in the Russian agricultural sector (p.63-84)

by

Pascal Grouiez, University Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UMR 7533 LADYSS

Keywords : Productive Configuration, Corporate Social Responsibility, Typology of Farms, Agroholding in Russia

JEL classification : L25, L51, O17, Q13, Q18

Abstract

In this article, we discuss the fact that the social role Russian farms have been developing since 1991 has to be considered as a twofold strategy. The first goal is to expand the activities of some institutionally selected enterprises and the second is to reproduce some “communities”. The observation highlights a specific feature: there are several “non-economic” functions carried out by farms. This analysis leads to the establishment of a link between the social role of farms and the existence of opportunities offered by the economic, political and social environment. Then, the concept of “productive configuration” is applied to study game plans developed by several actors in the Orel Oblast' and to identify four strategies organizing the relationship between food production and social responsibility, each configuration showing an institutional arrangement to secure the survival of farms in a highly competitive context.

 

 

Influences on commitment of companies in sustainable development: Empirical evidence from Tunisia  (p.85-106)

by

Jouhaina Gherib, ISCAE-University of Manouba, Tunisia

Keywords : Sustainable development, Corporate social responsibility, Developing countries, Tunisia

JEL classification : M14, M53, O17

Abstract

Using an empirical large-scale survey, our research examines the influences on commitment of 135 Tunisian companies in sustainable development (SD). It confirms the explanatory power of the size, age and field of activity of the firms on their commitment in SD. The most important motivations for SD commitment are the search for differentiation and enhancement of the brand image in congruence with leadership values. The pressures of law and, to a lesser extent, of close stakeholders are also discriminating elements. Committed Tunisian firms are, thus, in search of visibility and legitimacy; adhere to the philosophy of SD if they are convinced of its usefulness for the company from a strategic point of view. The study confirms some previous results obtained in developed countries but enables to identify some Tunisian specificities that we recommend be taken into account in future public authorities’ actions to further involve Tunisian companies in CSR.