Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) - Meant Seriously or Just a PR Stunt?

Companies are involved in many areas. They donate aid for disasters, promote projects in developing countries, establish chairs at universities and sponsor children, animals, and entire areas. Much of this is undoubtedly good, and would be missed if it were discontinued. However, is it good enough? Or is it just a subtle form of image maintenance? On 4 April 2017 the WU Talk of André Martinuzzi, Head of the Institute for Managing Sustainability of WU was revolved around this topic. In a well-founded, pointed, and entertaining form, he presented a differentiated view of the light and dark sides of this topic, which is a controversial topic in times of globalization criticism and scandalous business practices. A variety of practical examples highlighted the opportunities and limitations of social engagement, with the audience included in the evaluations. At the end of the event, current results from two EU projects were presented: Norma Schönherr, project leader of www.GLOBAL-VALUE.eu, presented management tools that help companies to measure and continuously improve their global impact. Katharina Jarmai, Coordinator of www.INNOVATION-COMPASS.eu, showed how small and medium-sized enterprises make their innovation processes sustainable and responsible.