Corporate social responsibility and irresponsibility: A positive theory approach

Defining and delimiting corporate social responsibility (CSR) and irresponsibility (CSI) are key interdependent tasks that can contribute to the development of multiple international policy regimes favoring CSR and disfavoring CSI. Progress toward a more general normative theory of CSR and CSI occurs through an emerging virtuous cycle of interaction between conceptualization and institutionalization processes. This article makes a contribution to each process. The conceptualization contribution derives logically more universal conceptions of CSR and CSI from a literature review. Universal conceptions can incorporate multiple options and permit variation and evolution. The “essentially contested” character of a “cluster concept” is partly about influencing legal and ethical standards, public policies, and specific business practices. The second contribution argues that a more logically universal schema is desirable for helping to inform institutionalization processes. Gradual ongoing development of multiple regimes for CSI control and CSR promotion involves fragmented persuasion and negotiation processes at national and international levels.