Implementation of corporate social responsibility in a company – role of human resource management

Abstract

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has gained significant importance in the past decades, and many corporations today implement a certain CSR strategy with varied levels of commitment and success. One the functions that could play an important role in the success of a CSR strategy is Human Resource Management (HRM). Yet it is not always clear in practice what is exactly the role of HRM in this context and how can HRM leverage its concepts and tools to support CSR strategies. On the other side how does CSR influence HRM itself? The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between the complex domain of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and domain of Human Resource Management (HRM) in a company. That is to analyze and understand how CSR could influence HRM and vice versa how HRM contributes to CSR. In this thesis theoretical and practical understanding of this topic was achieved. Theoretical frameworks from literature that give a structured approach to CSR and HRM mutual influence were presented. These theoretical frameworks were applied in a case study on the CSR strategy of specific Company. Useful practical insights and recommendations were derived.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has gained significant importance in the past decades, and many corporations today implement a certain CSR strategy with varied levels of commitment and success. One the functions that could play an important role in the success of a CSR strategy is Human Resource Management (HRM). Yet it is not always clear in practice what is exactly the role of HRM in this context and how can HRM leverage its concepts and tools to support CSR strategies. On the other side how does CSR influence HRM itself? The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between the complex domain of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and domain of Human Resource Management (HRM) in a company. That is to analyze and understand how CSR could influence HRM and vice versa how HRM contributes to CSR. In this thesis theoretical and practical understanding of this topic was achieved. Theoretical frameworks from literature that give a structured approach to CSR and HRM mutual influence were presented. These theoretical frameworks were applied in a case study on the CSR strategy of specific Company. Useful practical insights and recommendations were derived.