Corporate Social Responsibility

Esben Rahbek  Gjerdrum Pedersen’s textbook brings a healthy dose of skepticism to a field that needs a critical and thorough house-cleaning. A wide spectrum of case-studies and a collection of solid academic voices offers up a well-rounded view of this jungle we call CSR.


This is book is a very comprehensive, clear and brilliantly-argued introduction to the different aspects of corporate social responsibility, sustainability and organizations. Written by eminent experts of business research the book provides a deep and refreshing perspective on the concepts, debates, theories and empirical realities of corporate social responsibility. It is therefore a "must-read" for the international community of scholars and practitioners of CSR, business ethics and sustainability management.

Corporate social responsiblity has taken a key position on the agenda of managers and academics over the past decades. Esben Rahbek Gjerdrum Pedersen and colleagues brilliantly develop a fresh and thoughtful perspective on this critical issue. Building on their rich research and experience, the authors offer both theoretical and practical advice. Anyone interested in gaining a foothold on the mountain of literature on corporate social responsibility will find this well-timed book a rich source of ideas and inspiration. 

This is a wonderful, rich yet accessible introduction to corporate social responsibility that exemplifies the relevance of CSR across the fields of business and management studies

Esben Pedersen has gathered an able crew to navigate curious students around the world of CSR in 300 pages. Asking questions is the first and most important step to practice leadership in CSR, and in this anthology the reader will find answers to the most pertinent questions about what corporate social responsibility is, and isn’t, where it came from and where it may be heading.

Admirably up to date and with impressive and authoritative reference lists...

Esben Rahbek Gjerdum Pedersen is professor at the CBS Center for Corporate Social Responsibility, Copenhagen Business School and does research within the areas of corporate social responsibility (CSR), environmental management, and non-financial performance measurement. The results from his research has been published in a wide range of international journals, including Business Ethics, Journal of Business Ethics, Management Decision, Supply Chain Management, Business and Society Review, Business Strategy and the Environment, Corporate Social Responsibility and Environmental Management, and Journal of Corporate Citizenship. The research has been recognised internationally and been awarded with the 2010 Social Impact Award and the 2009 Emerald Literati Award.

Part 1: Introduction Chapter 1.1: The Life and Times of CSR - Esben Rahbek Gjerdrum Pedersen Part 2: The Internal Organisation of CSR Chapter 2: CSR and Leadership - Robert Strand Chapter 3: CSR and Accounting - Esben Rahbek Gjerdrum Pedersen P Part 3: The External Organisation of CSR Chapter 4: CSR and Suppliers Chapter 5: CSR and Consumers - Michael Carrington, Ben Neville Chapter 6: CSR and Shareholders - Celine Louche Chapter 7: CSR and Government - Reinhard Steurer Chapter 8: CSR and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) - Arno Kouroula Part 4: Conclusion and Perspectives - Esben Rahbek Pedersen