What is Ethical Responsibility

This article explains the three related conceptions of corporate social responsibility (CSR), corporate social irresponsibility (CSiR), and corporate citizenship. The three conceptions involve different approaches for answering the overarching question of the appropriate relationship between “business and society”. The article lays out the basics of the three conceptions; and contrasts economic, ethical, and strategic perspectives on these three conceptions. The article connects the three conceptions to corporate social performance (CSP), corporate governance, and stakeholder theory. The author provides the reader with a guide to the extant literature in a way that will facilitate further exploration into key issues. The author proposes some recommendations and solutions for addressing key problems in the field; and suggests future research directions. The article emphasizes key contributions to the development of the field. Work of important authors such as A. B. Carroll, Milton Friedman, Michael E. Porter, and Donna J. Wood among others receives attention.