Corporate social responsibility : a code for corporate conduct

Abstract

The objective of this study is to evaluate the current situation about the notion and practicality of corporate social responsibility in consultancy firms. The study focuses on partners' perceptions of corporate social responsibility with respect to human resources, stakeholders and the society at large. The development of social responsibility is discussed followed by a deeper understanding of different definitions and dimensions of the concept. The analysis and conclusions are based on nine interviews held with managing partners of different types of consultancy firms. A positive viewpoint is that the managing partners are aware of the notion and certain practices are implemented internally, that is, within the organisation. From the study, it is observed that the Maltese partners in the consultancy firms interviewed consider their dominant stakeholders when devising strategies and conducting business operations. The stakeholders crucial to their success are employees, clients and shareholders. However, the firms interviewed do not perceive the urgency of dealing directly with the society at large to contribute to the betterment of society. After conclusions are drawn, the recommendations are mainly focused on how to broaden the partners and employees' viewpoints regarding other· stakeholders that pertain to their respective organisations. Finally, in the appendix section there are two case studies about foreign consultancy firms that could be useful to the local chapter.