A Corporate Social Responsibility vs. a Relational Stakeholder Approach

Abstract

In this thesis I present the case study of Fairtrade to recognise the way a stakeholder approach, based on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), has been adopted by institutions that are committed to global justice. It is my contention that the usage of this CSR stakeholder approach, by these global-justice institutions, can lead these institutions to confuse their pre-existing normative commitments. I will then question whether a relational stakeholder approach, inspired by the theories of an Afro-communitarian ethic and an ethic of care, might be more suitable for institutions committed to global justice. This relational stakeholder approach informs us that an institution can enhance the quality of their global-justice approach by displaying the norms of an “oath of care”, “good communication” and “appropriate action” in their relationships with the people they are committed to helping. I will then provide guidance on how this relational stakeholder approach can inform the way that an institution relates to their other various stakeholders too. Finally, I will assess whether this relational stakeholder approach is in fact more suitable for institutions committed to global justice, compared to a CSR stakeholder approach.