Does Corporate Social Responsibility Enhance Meaningful Work?

Abstract

This chapter examines the argument that corporate social responsibility (CSR) creates opportunities for meaningful work. The chapter develops a conceptual framework that integrates five different perspectives: personal responsibility; meaningful job characteristics; dignity and freedom; worthy work; and strong sustainability. However, while these conditions are necessary they are not sufficient, in themselves, to create more opportunities for meaningful work in a CSR context. Specific contextual features need to be in place to support meaningful work. These include an ethical corporate culture, embedded CSR, bottom-up CSR, CSR driven by human and planetary well-being, and an intent to move to a post-CSR paradigm.