Studying Corporate Social Responsibility in Finland: Genuine Gesture or Pursuit of a Big(ger) Profit?

Corporate Social Responsibility is a crucial element of today's company strategies. Today's heightened interest in the proper role of businesses in society has been promoted by increased sensitivity to environmental and ethical issues (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate social responsibility) . CSR is said to be good for society and good for business. Better understanding of the potential benefits of CSR for the competitiveness of individual companies and for national economies can help encourage the spread of CSR practice. Business and society are interdependent. The wellbeing of one depends on the wellbeing of the other, (http://www.societyandbusiness.gov.uk/html) Especially in big companies and corporations it's seen as a vital tool to promote and improve the public image. Companies are called “corporate citizens”. This study concentrates in three companies in Finland: forest industry, banking and market. This paper is a part of a dissertation about company values. Data is gathered by interviewing personnel in the head office and at the local level in companies with multiple hierarchial levels.