An Alternative to Corporate Social Responsibility Studies: Intellectual Company

Abstract

Introduction: Nowadays, corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities carried out by companies to create a positive corporate image and a good reputation on target audiences have lost their credibility. Target audiences perceive these companies as “doing as if they are doing” CSR activities. It is effective for companies to carry out works that put them in a good light, cover the back of the showcase, make their ways appealing, cover some facts, polish their image, and carry out works that do not aim to create value or benefit.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to reveal that the intellectual company model is an alternative model to CSR studies.

Methodology: This study consists of two parts. The first part will focus on CSR understanding and will be handled with a critical perspective; the second part will discuss, through a theoretical framework, the concept of the intellectual company for sustainable economic, environmental and social development and the intellectual company will be examined.

Findings: The results of the study are as follows. (i) It was determined that the intellectual company made sustainable contributions on economic, social, and environmental issues. (ii) Sustainability is central to the intellectual company’s work on social and environmental issues. The intellectual company model is an alternative model to CSR studies. The intellectual company will make more positive contributions to social and environmental issues as it focuses on sustainability. This will affect consumer trust positively and increase brand loyalty.

Citation

Güreşci, M. (2021), "An Alternative to Corporate Social Responsibility Studies: Intellectual Company", Özen, E., Grima, S. and Gonzi, R.D. (Ed.) New Challenges for Future Sustainability and Wellbeing (Emerald Studies in Finance, Insurance, and Risk Management), Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 199-209. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80043-968-920211011