University of Vaasa - Vaasan yliopisto

689
RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP OR A PROFIT-
MAXIMISING STRATEGY? THE REALITY BEHIND
CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTAL SELF-REGULATION
Abstract
Robert Kudłak, Ph.D.
Institute of Socio-Economic Geography and Spatial Management,
Adam Mickiewicz University,
27 Dzięgielowa St.
61-680 Poznań, Poland
The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is being widely analysed and discussed by
scholars and managers. However, it remains unclear whether CSR-labelled actions are actually
motivated by corporate altruism and responsibility or are simply another embodiment of a profitmaximization
strategy. This paper aims at filling this gap by analysing the motivations behind the
environmental management systems: the most popular form of corporate environmental selfregulation.
The results of a survey conducted among 281 enterprises suggest that what is referred
to as CSR is rather corporate social performance (CSP) driven by self-interest. In the majority of
cases, corporations’ attempts to improve their environmental performance have been motivated
by their willingness to improve their image, efforts to build positive relationships with various
groups of stakeholders as well as expected economic benefits or a risk-minimizing strategy.
Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, Corporate Social Performance, Environmental
self-regulation.
Introduction
The role of companies in the economy and society has been regarded and discussed
by scholars and managers for several decades. Opinions on social performance of
enterprises have changed dramatically over time. A case in point is Milton
Friedman’s view (1970) that “the social responsibility of business is to increase its
profits”. This approach is largely criticized now. It is pinpointed that businesses
should contribute to the widely defined social welfare by undertaking voluntary
activities exceeding the companies’ legal responsibilities. These activities have been
the focal point of the concept of corporate social responsibility.
There has been no consensus on how CSR should be defined. According to a
definition suggested by the Commission of the European Communities (2001), CSR
is a “concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in
their business operations and in their interaction with their stakeholders on a
voluntary basis.” On the other hand, the World Business Council for Sustainable
Development has defined CSR as “(…) the continuing commitment by business to
behave ethically and contribute to economic development while improving the
quality of life of the workforce and their families as well as the local community and