Contributions from the Civil Economy Theory to the argumentation of CSR

Abstract

In spite the growing legitimacy of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), its theoretical argumentation presents great weaknesses. These weaknesses are explained, in part, because the argument is not based on a framework of economic theory, alternative to Neoclassical Economics, whose postulates and ideas support the main criticisms of the existence of CSR. The concept of CSR contradicts ideas such as: the end of the company consists exclusively on maximizing profits, the economic sphere is independent of the social sphere, the market is morally neutral, and economic relations are based exclusively in equivalent exchange without allowing reciprocity. This article argues that the school of Civil Economy provides a theoretical framework from which it is possible to respond to these criticisms and offer an argument for CSR based on its theories. The document was constructed using a bibliographic review and theoretical reflection by the author. It identifies five dimensions that characterize the concept of CSR. It then analyzes the neoclassical arguments that invalidate those dimensions. Finally, it presents the arguments from Civil Economy that legitimize.