Switching from HPR to CSR

It has been awhile since my last post, but I have decided to switch topics and focus on an issue in public relations which I find both interesting and important. That issue surrounds the communication practice of corporate social responsibility (CSR).

I chose to switch my focus to this communication discipline for a number of reasons.

1. I am interested in the career possibilities in CSR
2. The debates and issues surrounding CSR are thought-provoking
3. I am hoping to write my dissertation on CSR and sport

I recently wrote an essay about CSR for my corporate communication class that focused on the various approaches corporations take towards social responsibility. During my research however, another question arose in my mind, one which I hope to find the answer to through this blog. That question was:

Does motivation matter when it comes to CSR?

Throughout my research for my corporate communication's essay I kept coming across the argument that companies should practise CSR because it results in increased profits, keeps advocacy organisations happy (resulting in them leaving the company alone), enhances reputation and creates positive publicity. As I was reading this the question that continually popped up inside my head was, do corporations actually care about "doing the right thing" or is it all about what is in it for them?

I hope I can provide evidence that some corporations are motivated for reasons other then pure self-interest, but we shall see.