Priorities and perceptions for corporate social responsibility: An NGO perspective

The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is closely intertwined with increased engagement with stakeholders and integration of their concerns into core business processes. In this respect, stakeholders’ viewpoint of CSR is deemed to be essential in shaping pertinent policies, plans and programs. However, current literature indicates an emphasis on the managerialist perspective whereas insights of non‐business social constituents are considerably underrepresented. This is where this paper seeks to contribute by attempting to examine the non‐governmental organizations’ perceptions of socially responsible business conduct. Findings suggest that NGOs perceptions reflect two dominant views, a progressive viewpoint where socially responsible behavior offers win‐win opportunities and a narrow perspective where wider responsibility is an unfruitful business practice. Nevertheless, different types of NGOs attributed similar importance on a number of socially responsible practices.