Student Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

Spring 5-21-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Honors Designation

yes

Program of Study

Communication - Corporate Communication

Language

English

First Advisor

Michael Bayer

Second Advisor

Mary Beth Kissane

Abstract

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a crucial aspect of the corporate mindset, driven by the increasing demand for ethical and sustainable practices. Despite the strong business case for its implementation, CSR deployment often lacks strategic direction. This capstone project, titled "The Eyes of CSR: Creating a Consulting Methodology to Bring Strategic Corporate Social Responsibility into Established Organizations," aims to develop a universally applicable framework for integrating CSR into established organizations. This will be achieved through an extensive literature review that explores the multifaceted nature of CSR, including its history, benefits, challenges, criticisms, and various approaches.

The resulting framework emphasizes introspection, stakeholder engagement, and the enforcement of authentic ethical practices within business operations, policies, and culture. It provides a structured yet adaptable guide for consultants to help organizations make necessary changes, identify appropriate initiatives, and plan their strategic execution. By addressing the complexities and criticisms of CSR, “The Eyes of CSR” seeks to offer a practical and universally applicable model that promotes long-term sustainability, reputational integrity, and distinct business advantages for organizations.

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