Investigating the factors affecting companies’ attitudes towards CSR and CER during the fiscal crisis in Greece

Abstract

This paper explores, through a relevant survey, the factors affecting companies’ behaviour towards Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility (CSR and CER) and how the fiscal crisis in Greece may change companies’ perceptions towards them. All responses were appropriately analysed using multivariate statistical techniques, and showed that companies’ attitude towards CSR/CER is mainly associated with the management systems applied. In addition, it is strongly related to financial results, which are influenced by the recession and the bank credit accessibility problems. Moreover, companies believe that issues such as a company's financial results, reputation/image, market-share/sales etc. are considered as significant incentives to implement CSR/CER actions.

Keywords:

• corporate social responsibility
• corporate environmental responsibility
• sustainability
• environmental strategy
• competitive advantage