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 book aims to define what Social Entrepreneurship (SE) actually is, and what it is not. The author adopts a novel approach to the SE phenomenon, considering it as a dynamic process created and managed by innovative social entrepreneurs striving to create new social values in the market and community at large. Francesco Perrini argues that SE has attained a wider and more enthusiastic acceptance in corporate thinking and practice than in the literature surrounding the field. This part theoretical, part practitioner-based double line of reasoning forms the basis of the book. It attempts to answer hitherto unresolved questions such as: * How can SE be defined? * How can Social Entrepreneurship Ventures (SEVs) be identified? * How do SEVs vary and what factors lead to their success? * Does the way in which an SEV is designed matter, and are business plans important? * Is an SEV reliant on traditional sources of financing? The focus of the book then shifts to practical examples of how perspectives on SE are translated into concrete phenomena. Several case studies are used to illustrate theoretical frameworks, each tackling specific aspects of SE and making theory and practice comparisons. Taking on the challenge of providing a clear, focused definition of SE supported by practical experiences, this book provides a critical and comprehensive framework aimed at stimulating current and future debate on the role and key features of SE research. As such, it will provide fascinating and enlightening reading for entrepreneurship academics and entrepreneurial professionals alike.

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

The book at hand aims to investigate the correlation between the creation of social and economic value. The main theoretical perspectives considered are Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Social Value, Stakeholder Theory and Social Entrepreneurship. The research is based on a sample of ten companies in the oil industry over the period 2000-2009. It shows that in this sector there is definitely a positive correlation between the creation of economic and social value. This conclusion can be extended to sectors characterized by similar conditions and due to the evolution of the economic and social context, more and more sectors will have to face the same issue. Room for further research is left to demonstrate that other sectors characterized by social and environmental impacts face the same situation. The analysis should help shed some light on the importance of creating social value, and should be especially useful to business executives and policy makers interested in the correlation between the creation of social and economic value. All of Alexandru Ciherean's proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to Fundacion Alda.