There is an impressive history associated with the evolution of the concept and definition of corporate social responsibility (CSR). In this article, the author traces the evolution of the CSR construct beginning in the 1950s, which marks the modern era of CSR. Definitions expanded during the 1960s and proliferated during the 1970s. In the 1980s, there were fewer new definitions, more empirical research, and alternative themes began to mature. These alternative themes included corporate social performance (CSP), stakeholder theory, and business (...) ethics theory. In the 1990s, CSR continues to serve as a core construct but yields to or is transformed into alternative thematic frameworks. (shrink)

Using content analysis, the authors categorize all Social Issues in Management (SIM) Division papers and abstracts (636) from 1972 through 1996 by subject matter and methodology. Showing the development of the field over time, the authors integrate their findings into previous SIM frameworks. Adaptation to the changing business environment is apparent in the subject matter. Although terminology and context (such as employee rights concerning electronic mail) may have changed, the topics are similar. Nevertheless, evolution in the SIM field is apparent. (...) Methodology has become much more sophisticated as researchers use existing and newly created databases and more rigorous techniques-such as event studies and meta-analysis. (shrink)

In the past ten years, many European companies organised into subcontracting networks have decided to adopt codes of conduct to regulate labour relations and to ensure the respect of fundamental social rights. This paper first determines the context and the issues to be addressed by codes of conduct within networks of companies, and second analyses the terms under which they can be implemented. The paper argues that codes of conduct can complement the standards developed by States, the European Union or (...) the social partners, but that steps should be taken in order to avoid that these texts replace the existing labour law. (shrink)