The undergraduate thesis explores the evolution of the concept of corporate social responsibility, starting with the Industrial Revolution and the search for a common definition in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s, and the related concepts of corporate social responsiveness and corporate social performance. Further, it presents the economic and sociological perspectives on corporate social responsibility and outlines the agreements and legislative frameworks in place that would enable sustainable development in the European Union. Finally, it explores the meaning of the concept of sustainability, which is now often used instead of corporate social responsibility, and suggests possible reasons for this shift.
|