Beyond Merit: How Companies Navigate CSR to Aid the 'Undeserving Poor'

Abstract

This study explores the role of merit within the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR), with a particular focus on support mechanisms for individuals deemed undeserving of assistance by society. The primary objective is to examine the decision-making processes within corporate entities and non-profit organizations. Employing a qualitative methodology, the research reveals the cognitive processes of the participants involved. The study examines the legitimacy of target group selection, the importance of community engagement in local contexts, and strategies for communication support. The findings identify four distinct mechanisms through which companies provide support: via external foundations, the company's own foundation, employee volunteer associations, and consortia between companies and non-profit organizations. The study's findings indicate that these methods frequently intersect, collectively forming a comprehensive support system involving multiple stakeholders. However, the effectiveness of this system is contingent upon the presence of mutual consensus among its constituents.