Analyzing and Developing Corporate Social Responsibility: The Business Case for Corporate Social Responsibility

CSR is the obligation of businessmen to follow specific policies for making decisions or to do certain actions with the purpose of recognizing the need of society or any ethical factor to be followed in the entity. It is also for mangers to have responsibility for the public good, where that includes investigating whether the action is effective and contributes in promoting the public good and for advancing the basic societal beliefs to manage and contribute in its stability, harmony and strength. Corporate managers are normally appointed as being public trustees. The UAE offers insights into CSR because other Middle Eastern countries have not adopted the concept as quickly as the UAE. One indication of CSR in the UAE is its transparent firms. This article explores the current stage of CSR implementation in Arab countries, with special attention given to the UAE. An in-depth study was conducted to explore CSR implementation among local managers. Primary data from 198 questionnaires and case studies were analyzed to obtain valuable insights into the current state of CSR in the UAE. Key concepts are highlighted regarding the definition and practices of CSR in the UAE. Secondary data from both western and eastern cultures was also analyzed to examine the extent of adoption and adaptation of CSR and corporate philanthropy from multiple perspectives. Findings suggest all organizations, both local and multinational, must consider environmental and stakeholder interests in order to become global. Some confusion appears to exist between the concept of philanthropy and CSR. Some CSR highlighted by firms includes following regulations effectively and efficiently, adopting environmentally friendly business processes, organizing seminars, and creating awareness of the concept among peers. Although CSR is maturing in the Middle East, UAE firms need to improve CSR to compete with the practices that have become the CSR standard in western countries. In the last few years, governments and local organizations have strictly enforced business ethics and environmental regulations to support the growth of CSR in the country.