Social responsibility at company level and inclusion of disabled persons: the case of Norway

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between social responsibility and disability policies in a sample of Norwegian enterprises, within the framework of sub-goal two of the agreement on a more inclusive working life (IA agreement). Incorporating elements of corporate social responsibility theory into a Nordic context, our main argument is that the presence of certain workplace arrangements and strategies associated with a social dimension increases the likelihood that employers will have implemented measures aimed at facilitating the inclusion of disabled people in the workplace. The results of the regression analysis generally confirm our expectations: having anchored work with the IA agreement within the general health, safety and environment work and having a regular contact with the Working Life Centres appear to be important organizational resources, significantly influencing the likelihood that enterprises make efforts to include disabled individuals.

Keywords:

• disability
• agreement on a more inclusive working life (IA agreement)
• corporate social responsibility
• employer effort and commitment