University of Vaasa - Vaasan yliopisto

Different Approaches to CSR
The two dimensions of analysis, strategic relevance and formalization, can form the
axes of a matrix (Figure 1) in which the studied companies are positioned according
to the overall scores awarded to them for each dimension.
Figure 1. Different approaches to CSR
The top right hand corner of the matrix, labelled strategic CSR, corresponds to the
highest degree of formalization of the CSR management process and of integration
of CSR into business strategy. In order to be positioned in this quadrant, companies
must have obtained a “high” overall score for both dimensions.
The companies that fall into the formal quadrant are those in which the formal
aspects of CSR management prevail over the strategic relevance attributed to CSR.
The quadrant of social values-driven CSR instead represents the approach of
companies in which the CSR agenda is deeply integrated into business strategy, but
where this dimension prevails over the implementation formal tools for managing
and organizing CSR.
The central area of the matrix contains companies that have somewhat integrated
CSR into their strategy and partially implemented managerial tools for CSR, thereby
earning an "intermediate" final score for both analysis dimensions. Their approach is
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