The rapidly increasing attention devoted to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has resulted in the term 'CSR' being applied to myriad dissimilar phenomena. The authors therefore aim to dispel this confusion by presenting a multi-faceted view of socially responsible corporate behavior and related themes. They provide a conceptualization of CSR that emphasizes the role of the adoption and implementation of specific CSR strategies and their impact on corporate social and economic performance. An overview of the CSR literature is presented, and the managerial tools required for creating and sustaining social, economic and competitive value are explored. Case studies and extensive empirical evidence are used as a basis for the analyses of the benchmarking of European and international standards and initiatives, and a new CSR performance evaluation and reporting framework is proposed. Driven by the strong belief that CSR is at the forefront in the competitive strengthening of the entire EU system, this book represents an attempt to guide readers through the CSR principles currently in progress at the European level. It will therefore be invaluable to both academics and practitioners wishing to deepen their knowledge in the field of CSR, and to those interested in the practical application of strategic approaches to CSR.

This authoritative book includes cutting-edge insights from leading European and North American scholars who reflect upon business ethics' foundations, firms, markets and stakeholders in order to design more sustainable patterns of development for business and society. Together, the contributing authors advance critical, innovative and imaginative perspectives to rethink the mainstream models and address the sustainability challenge. Business Ethics and Corporate Sustainability will provide a stimulating read for academic researchers, and postgraduate students in business ethics, corporate social responsibility and corporate sustainability as well as those interested in management, strategy and finance. Contributors: D. Arenas, M. Bourlakis, G. Brenkert, J. Collier, C.J. Cowton, W. Cragg, A. Di Giulio, G. Enderle, K.J. Ims, K.T. Jackson, O.D. Jakobsen, J.M. Lozano, P. Migliavacca, E. O'Higgins, F. Perrini, Y. Pesqueux, L.J. Spence, A. Tencati, C. Vurro, J. Wempe, L. Zsolnai

Competitive economics produces an enormous abundance of goods and services but at an intolerable environmental and social cost. Competition has become an end in itself, which leads to detrimental effects on nature, society and future generations. A change of paradigm is needed. Business should respect the ecological and social limits in which it operates and embed its activities in the natural and social systems. This book promotes a collaborative attitude of doing business based on a positive view of the self and others. Theoretical contributions, reflections, cases, examples, and initiatives collected in the book show that a collaborative enterprise is not only possible but also a feasible and desirable alternative to the current, self-defeating, managerial models. Innovative firms seeking to build long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with all of their stakeholders while producing values for their business ecosystems represent well-grounded hopes for a really sustainable future.