Group Assignment 2

Done by:
Said Arafeh
Ramez Al- Azrai
Sahar Azim

Intro to Corp Responsibility

1)

Broome, Lissa L. Conley, John M., and Krawiec, Kimberley D. Dangerous Categories:

Narratives of Corporate Board Diversity.

Broome is the director of the schools Center for Banking and Finance Market; Professor of
The University of North Carolina. Conley is Jr. Professor of Law at the University of North
Carolina. Krawiec is Professor of Law, at Duke University.
The article focuses on the results of interviews with corporate directors that show the concepts of
diversity implemented on corporate boards in terms of developing racial, ethnic, and gender
diversity. Respondents agreed that board diversity was an important feature for the company and
its competitiveness. However, they were unable to cite any examples of it with reference to their
practice. This attitude demonstrates how strong outdated concepts of diversity in the corporate
environment are and how they stall business activities.
Davidson, Thomas, and Dunfee, Thomas W. Ties that Bind: A Social Contracts Approach to
Business Ethics. Harvard Business Press, 1999.

Davidson is an expert in the field, the author of a number of books and articles. Dunfee is a
member of the editorial board of a series of journals. The book studies the social contract
and its implications for business. The authors explore various examples illustrating how
important such contracts are within industries, national economies, economic communities,
etc. The book provides evidence of importance of the social contract for successful and
competitive business. It is important to understand how some basic rules of business ethics
operate.

Garg, D. Corporate Social Responsibility and its Effectiveness in India. International Journal
of Research in Economics & Social Sciences 3.1 (November 2013): 41-60. Researcher in
Applied Economics. Professor of Alanis Business Academy.
Head MBA, Geeta Institute of Management and Technology, Kanipla (India).
CSR is studied in the context of relations the company develops with its employees and key
stakeholders. These relations have been shown to be crucial to the companys business and its
ability to respond to competitive challenges. The article studies an important facet of SCR that
has not been sufficiently explored so far.
Lindgreen A., & Swaen, V. Corporate Social Responsibility. International Journal of
Management Reviews 12.1 (2010): 1-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2370.2009.00277.x
Lindgreen is Professor of Marketing at Hull University Business School. Corporate Social
Responsibility (CSR) has been in the focus of not only theoretical studies but has become an
instrument implemented in the practice of management. However, this process poses challenges
for different companies and entities. The authors explore CSR as a comprehensive approach,
which helps not only to declare commitment to its principles but also to implement it.
Manyasi, Effect of Employee Focused Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives on
Performance of Sugar Manufacturing Firms in Kenya. Journal of Business Management
& Social Sciences Research 3.1 (January 2014): 33-42.
Manyasi is the Lecturer and Human Resource Management, at Masinde Muliro University of
science and Technology, Kenya. Masinde is an Adjunct Lecturer at Muliro University of science
and Technology, Kenya.
This paper presents the results of studying CSR initiatives developed for enhancing the employee
performance of sugar manufacturing firms in Kenya. A positive statistically significant linear

correlation has been established between practicing employee oriented CSR policies and the
performance of sugar manufacturing firms in Kenya. The article highlights a positive effect of
employee oriented CSR activities. The article demonstrates how positive socially oriented
initiative improves the business climate, the companys competitiveness, and other parameters
relevant for business.

Saeed, Muhammad M., and Arshad, Faria. Corporate social responsibility as a source of
competitive advantage: The mediating role of social capital and reputational capital. Journal of
Database Marketing & Customer Strategy Management 19 (2012): 219232.
Saeed is Head of the Management Department in the International Islamic University Islamabad,
Pakistan. Arshad is an Assistant Professor working in faculty of management sciences in
International Islamic University.
The study proposes a model of CSR developed in the context of a strategic management
perspective. The authors view CSR as a resource-generating activity that operates through
support networks, relationships and management strategies. The article explains how CSR will
result in the business profitability. The article is interesting as one of the models of CSR that
explores its significant features.
Sharma, S., and Vredenburg, H. Proactive Corporate Environmental Strategy and
the Development of Competitively Valuable Organizational Capabilities. Strategic
Management Journal, 19 (1998): 72953. Vredenburg is an International Research Fellow
at Oxford University Business School.
The article presents the results of a study conducted in two phases that addressed the activities of
companies in the context of environmental responsiveness and tested the relationships observed

during the study. Proactive responsiveness to relations between business and ecological issues
demonstrated its strong positive effect on organizational capabilities. The latter also operated as
features improving firm competitiveness. The article demonstrates the diversity of issues related
to CSR and the possible ways of improving the business competitive edge.
Williams Cynthia A., and Ruth v. Aguilera. Corporate Social Responsibility in a Comparative
Perspective. 452-472.
https://business.illinois.edu/aguilera/pdf/Williams_Aguilera_Ch20.pdf
Aguilera is a Licenciatura in Economics, the University of Barcelona. The article addresses some
theoretical problems of defining and studying the CSR concepts that hinder the measurement and
interpretation of CSR across different settings. It is also pointed out the CSR, also introduced
decades before now, has become a realistic practice only over the last decade. The article draws
attention to important aspects that should be clarified for using the
and Rodrguez et al. (2006). This lack of consistency of CSR definitions is detrimental for
comparing the results of CSR implementation.
Zadek, Simon. Responsible competitiveness: reshaping global markets through responsible
business practices. Corporate responsibility and competitiveness 6.4 (2006): 334-348.
Zadek is the Chief Executive at AccountAbility, London, UK.
The paper analyzes the theoretical principals and practical implications of responsible
competitiveness. It shows that responsible business practices are the vehicle of enhancing the
national and regional competitiveness. Responsible competitiveness is seen as the approach
integrating other aspects of CSR. The article is important for understanding the links between
competitiveness and CSR.

Zsolnai, Laszlo. Competitiveness and Corporate Social Responsibility. 2006.

http://biblioteca.fundacionicbc.edu.ar/images/1/10/RSE_y_MA_6-00.pdf
Zsolnai is an expert of Business Ethics Center, Corvinus University, Budapest.
The paper focuses on CSR in terms of its contributing to the firms competitiveness and shows
what a negative effect underestimating CSR may have. It also explores the norms of ethical
behavior implemented in highly competitive markets and challenges related to this aspect.
The paper is important for demonstrating the benefits of CSR for competitive environments and
strategies to be used.
2)
Guevarra, Leslie. July 8, 2011. How Shareholder Activism Moved the Needle on
Sustainability in 2011. Reuters. http://www.asyousow.org/wpcontent/uploads/2013/07/2PRESSCOVERAGE_11-0708_Reuters_How_Shareholder_Activism_Moved_the_Needle_on_Sustainability_in_2011.pdf
A number of CSR issues found shareholders support, from fracking by large companies
including Chevron, Exxon Mobil and Ultra Petroleum to wider use of recyclable cups by fast
food companies. Shareholders demonstrated a record number of resolutions, which served as an
important factor making companies more responsible in adequate ways of addressing corporate
sustainability challenges. Such steps show a good effect of the public and shareholders
initiatives on the companies development of CSR decisions.
Higginbottom, Karren. UK Retail Banks Will Take A Decade to Change Culture.
Forbes. 12/01/2014. http://www.forbes.com/sites/karenhigginbottom/2014/12/01/uk-retail-bankswill-take-a-decade-to-change-culture/

The New City Agenda, which is considered a financial services think-tank has published its
report on poor customer service in the UK retail banking sector. The impact of scandals and
conflicts caused by poor services has cost banks and some companies at least 38.5 billion. The
sales culture is the main hindrance for implementing more progressive corporate culture
frameworks. An aggressive sales culture has been found pervasive in the business system. It
should be pointed out that smaller banks maintain better norms of customer service and,
therefore, can be the vehicle of introducing the changes in the UK banking system.
Investors Take On Corporate Spending, Environmental Dangers. March 7, 2013.
Financial Advisor. http://www.asyousow.org/wpcontent/uploads/2013/12/20130307_financialadvisorinvestors_take_on_corporate_spending_environmental_dangers.pdf
A coalition of pensions, environmental and other groups have found that political spending
and environmental protection rank high on the agenda of investors, at least according to the
Proxy Preview 2013 report on investor ballot. Another group of resolutions demands more
diversity on corporations boards of directors. CR on environmental issues has been improved
and links of businesses to greenhouse gas emissions will be checked when companies present
their portfolios to the banks. These changes and cooperation with the public are important for
enhancing CR.
Kropp, Robert. Is Shell Guilty of Climate 'Double Think'? July 10, 2014. GreenBiz
http://www.asyousow.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/20140710-greenbizis_shell_guilty_of_climate_double_think.pdf
The impact of the Carbon Tracker Initiative 2011 is analyzed as a movement spreading across
different organization in search of fossil fuel free investment options. Controversial positions of

Exxon and Royal Dutch Shell that share the concern of the rapid rise of temperatures but, at the
same time, deny the will of global society to keep temperatures at existing levels. In such a
situation, Shell has to explain to its shareholders how the plans of its capital expenditure will
stand the test of the predicted energy transition. These companies fail to come with a consistent
stand on the problem.
Lomax, Alyce. Unearthing Value Instead of Burying Problems. The Motley Fool. April
26, 2014. http://www.asyousow.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/20140426-motleyfoolunearthing_value_instead_of_burying_problems.pdf
Consumer goods companies packaging standards and practices are the area that reveals some
important challenges of implementing CSR. The management of these companies has to focus on
methods of utilizing waste and saving scarce natural resources. Positive examples of the
companies commitment are illustrated by Colgate-Palmolive engaging with As You
Sow initiative and make the packaging of its major product categories 100% recyclable by 2020.
However, higher levels of CSR and broader participation is needed to address this most pressing
problem.
Major Food Companies Transitions Away from Toxic BPA Receipt Paper. May 19, 2011.
Non-Toxic Kids. http://www.asyousow.org/wpcontent/uploads/2013/07/PRESSCOVERAGE_2011-0519_NonToxicKids_Major_Food_Companies_Transition_Away_from_Toxic_BPA_Receipt_Pape
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The decision of the two corporations Yum! Brands and Whole Foods joined the trend of giving
up the cash register receipt paper containing the toxic bisphenol A (BPA). This is the
corporations response to the initiative of introducing a federal ban on food packaging made with

the endocrine disruptive chemicals. Unlike these companies, Coca-Cola recently refused to
address investors concern on this point. This is an example illustrating different approaches to
CSR by corporative businesses.
Scott, Mike. Staying Afloat as Assets Get Stranded. Financial Times. June 23, 2013
http://www.asyousow.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/PRESSCOVERAGE-financialtimes20130623_staying_afloat_as_assets_stranded.pdf
Stranded assets, which are unexpectedly or prematurely devalued, written off or converted to
liabilities are a natural part of the capitalist economy. Experts claim that a large number of assets
is today at risk for becoming stranded, with companies not been fully aware of them. The risks
include climate change, shortages of resource, technological developments, changes of social and
regulatory norms, etc. The insulation of companies from risks during their investment in the
shortterm perspective is not enough to face the risks. More insightful management is needed to
analyze such risks adequately.
Shellman Says Sorry. The Economist, May 8th 1997.
http://www.economist.com/node/149099
The article explores some of the most controversial issues of oil business that too often prefers to
disregard not only environmental but also social and other problems. An example of such an oil
business giant as Royal Dutch/Shell provides convincing instances of how its director ignores the
public opinion and chooses the ways of settling problems that are not consistent with good CSR
practice. At the same time, the article cites the directors realistic approaches to renewable
sources of energy, which is the evidence of his not sticking exclusively to the oil-supplying
business interests.

Schutt, Bryan. Investor groups' resolutions on hydraulic fracturing 'hit a nerve'. SNL.
http://www.asyousow.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/PRESSCOVERAGE_2011-0121_snl_Investor_Groups_Resolutions_on_Fracking_Hit_Nerve.pdf
January 21, 2011. A coalition of investors placing environmental issues on top of their
agendas are addressing the leading oil and gas companies and requesting them to improve
transparency related to hydraulic fracturing practices. They are convinced that in this way the
protection of shareholder value comes in line with preserving the environment. The companies
were encouraged to disclose their plans for handling water pollution, litigation, and possible
regulatory changes. Environmental issues associated with fracking are not yet as transparent as
they should be, which is the issue that challenges CSR practices.

Westervelt, Amy. Why Is America Throwing Away $11.4 Billion a Year? Forbes. July 18,
2012. http://www.asyousow.org/wpcontent/uploads/2013/07/PRESSCOVERAGE_20120718_forbes_why-is-america-throwingaway-11-billion-a-year.pdf
The concept of extended producer responsibility (EPR) viewed in the article refers to a recycling
system that keeps companies responsible for collecting and recycling the packaging made by
them. The initiative has been supported by Nestle Waters North America and Coca-Cola, but the
next steps envisage addressing all kinds of packaging, not only beverage containers, but a variety
produced and used by grocery manufacturers, for example, cereal packages, canned foods, and
others. Extending the initiative require higher levels of CR as by far not companies are ready to
join the process. According to Conrad Mackerron, the value of discarded packaging in the United

States alone in 2010 amounted to $11.4 billion, which makes it profitable to revise approaches to
packaging and its utilization.