The Business Case for Corporate Social Responsibility: A Company-level Measurement Approach for CSR
Abstract
This paper addresses the gap in corporate social responsibility (CSR) literature concerning the evaluation of CSR’s business impact at the company level. While existing research often supports a positive relationship between CSR and firm competitiveness, systematic models for assessing the company-specific value of CSR initiatives remain underdeveloped. The author proposes a multi-step CSR impact assessment model that integrates qualitative and quantitative indicators, including the CSR Value Added (monetary benefits), key performance indicators (KPIs), and qualitative stakeholder impacts. A case study of Philips Austria illustrates the model’s practical application, highlighting its utility in guiding CSR strategy and decision-making. The study concludes that comprehensive CSR assessments must consider both monetary and non-monetary impacts to capture CSR's strategic relevance effectively.
Author
Manuela Weber is a researcher and corporate responsibility specialist with expertise in sustainability management, stakeholder engagement, and CSR impact assessment. At the time of publication, she was affiliated with the Bertelsmann Stiftung, a leading German think tank focused on promoting responsible corporate governance and social innovation. Her work centers on developing practical tools and frameworks for integrating social and environmental concerns into business strategy. Weber has contributed to the advancement of CSR measurement practices at both academic and organizational levels, with a focus on bridging the gap between normative CSR ideals and managerial decision-making. Her research supports the implementation of value-driven and performance-oriented approaches to sustainable business.
Key Words
business care, corporate social responsibility, corporate sustainability, value added