Corporate citizenship: Creating social capacity in developing countries

Abstract

A corporation has only limited ability to create social capital through philanthropic activity, and, in the context of a decline in official aid, the corporate sector is increasingly assuming a de facto developmental role. The presence of social capital assists communities in moving towards sustainable development and may contribute to the business case for corporate–community partnerships. While it is not the role of corporations to deliver social services, their ability to enhance social capital by partnering with community organisations can contribute both to development and work to their own commercial advantage. Such partnerships, whether philanthropic or commercial, will be more effective if delivered through balanced and transparent relationships with community organisations that help to create social capacity at the local level.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Trevor Goddard

Trevor Goddard is a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow and a recipient of the National Australia Day Council Young Australian Achievers Award. He lectures in community and management practice at Curtin University School of Occupational Therapy.