Identification of areas of corporate social responsibility based on the example of Polish and German seaports in the Baltic sea region

Abstract

PURPOSE: The main purpose of this text is to identify active areas of Corporate Social Responsibility in Polish and German ports of the Baltic Sea Region and to subject them to a comparative analysis in order to point out differences and identify their causes.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The publication employs research methods characteristic for social sciences, including comparative analysis, analytical methods relating to different types of reports and source material, and a dogmatic method focusing on the analysis of legal text.

FINDINGS: Polish and German seaports, despite their proximity and location within the same water basin, differ in their CSR policies.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The results of this study can be used as a starting point for further analysis in the area of Social Responsibility of seaports and as a basis for developing existing and implementing new CSR activities.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The research focused on selected ports located in the Baltic Sea Region. It is important that each port, despite many apparent similarities, is considered separately. This gives a clear picture of the development of public awareness, as it indicates that geographically and economically similar ports are in fact very different from each other.