, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE ONLY
QUESTION 1
1. With the aid of practical examples, explain why businesses or companies have significant
power with regard to corporate social responsibility (CSR). Your response should not exceed 15
lines. Support your explanation by referencing credible academic sources.
Businesses hold significant CSR power through economic leverage, political influence, and
regulatory gaps. Large firms exert coercive power over supply chain partners, as smaller suppliers
must adopt CSR practices to retain lucrative contracts (Amaeshi et al., 2008). For example, Nike
mandates strict environmental audits for its Asian suppliers, threatening termination for
non-compliance. Companies use CSR to gain political access, particularly in emerging markets
where CSR functions as a non-corrupt strategy to shape policy decisions (Frynas, 2005).
A mining company funding local schools may gain favourable treatment from host governments.
Corporate power amplifies in weak governance contexts, where CSR operates as a hegemonic tool to
pre-empt community resistance (Banerjee, 2008). For instance, an oil company in Nigeria uses
community grievance mechanisms to co-opt dissent and silence radical opposition (Idemudia, 2011).
Finally, multinationals influence global sustainability standards, as seen when Walmart’s
sustainability mandates reshape entire retail supply chains (Porter & Kramer, 2006). Thus, CSR is
not merely altruistic but a strategic exercise of corporate power over stakeholders, governments, and
communities.
QUESTION 2
2. Discuss the role of public relations in corporate social responsibility (CSR). In your discussion,
explain how public relations contributes to the planning, implementation, communication and
evaluation of CSR initiatives. Support your discussion by citing and referencing at least six (6)
credible academic sources.
Public relations (PR) plays an integral and strategic role in corporate social responsibility (CSR),
extending far beyond the mere promotion of CSR activities. PR contributes to CSR through a
structured, communication-centred process that spans planning, implementation, communication,
and evaluation (Clark, 2000). In the planning phase, PR conducts formative research to understand
stakeholder expectations and social issues, ensuring that CSR initiatives are both authentic and
aligned with organisational values (Dozier et al., 2013). This stakeholder engagement is grounded in
the CSR Process Model, which emphasises dialogue as foundational to strategic CSR (Kim & Kim,
2014). During implementation, PR acts as a bridge between the organisation and its stakeholders,
fostering ongoing dialogue and co-creating shared purpose to ensure initiatives are impactful (Heath
& Coombs, 2006).
For communication, PR crafts strategic messaging that builds a positive corporate image while
ensuring transparency and consistency across all channels, including social and traditional media
(Ihlen, Bartlett & May, 2011). This avoids public scepticism and builds credibility over time
(Morsing & Schultz, 2006). In the evaluation phase, PR measures CSR effectiveness by assessing
media sentiment, stakeholder engagement, and social impact, linking CSR outcomes to broader
business goals (Watson & Noble, 2014). Through these four stages, PR ensures that CSR is not
peripheral but a strategically managed and accountable organisational function (Grunig & Hunt,
1984).
QUESTION 1
1. With the aid of practical examples, explain why businesses or companies have significant
power with regard to corporate social responsibility (CSR). Your response should not exceed 15
lines. Support your explanation by referencing credible academic sources.
Businesses hold significant CSR power through economic leverage, political influence, and
regulatory gaps. Large firms exert coercive power over supply chain partners, as smaller suppliers
must adopt CSR practices to retain lucrative contracts (Amaeshi et al., 2008). For example, Nike
mandates strict environmental audits for its Asian suppliers, threatening termination for
non-compliance. Companies use CSR to gain political access, particularly in emerging markets
where CSR functions as a non-corrupt strategy to shape policy decisions (Frynas, 2005).
A mining company funding local schools may gain favourable treatment from host governments.
Corporate power amplifies in weak governance contexts, where CSR operates as a hegemonic tool to
pre-empt community resistance (Banerjee, 2008). For instance, an oil company in Nigeria uses
community grievance mechanisms to co-opt dissent and silence radical opposition (Idemudia, 2011).
Finally, multinationals influence global sustainability standards, as seen when Walmart’s
sustainability mandates reshape entire retail supply chains (Porter & Kramer, 2006). Thus, CSR is
not merely altruistic but a strategic exercise of corporate power over stakeholders, governments, and
communities.
QUESTION 2
2. Discuss the role of public relations in corporate social responsibility (CSR). In your discussion,
explain how public relations contributes to the planning, implementation, communication and
evaluation of CSR initiatives. Support your discussion by citing and referencing at least six (6)
credible academic sources.
Public relations (PR) plays an integral and strategic role in corporate social responsibility (CSR),
extending far beyond the mere promotion of CSR activities. PR contributes to CSR through a
structured, communication-centred process that spans planning, implementation, communication,
and evaluation (Clark, 2000). In the planning phase, PR conducts formative research to understand
stakeholder expectations and social issues, ensuring that CSR initiatives are both authentic and
aligned with organisational values (Dozier et al., 2013). This stakeholder engagement is grounded in
the CSR Process Model, which emphasises dialogue as foundational to strategic CSR (Kim & Kim,
2014). During implementation, PR acts as a bridge between the organisation and its stakeholders,
fostering ongoing dialogue and co-creating shared purpose to ensure initiatives are impactful (Heath
& Coombs, 2006).
For communication, PR crafts strategic messaging that builds a positive corporate image while
ensuring transparency and consistency across all channels, including social and traditional media
(Ihlen, Bartlett & May, 2011). This avoids public scepticism and builds credibility over time
(Morsing & Schultz, 2006). In the evaluation phase, PR measures CSR effectiveness by assessing
media sentiment, stakeholder engagement, and social impact, linking CSR outcomes to broader
business goals (Watson & Noble, 2014). Through these four stages, PR ensures that CSR is not
peripheral but a strategically managed and accountable organisational function (Grunig & Hunt,
1984).
