Effects of Corporate Social Responsibility and Traditions in Innovations on the Activity of an International Company – the Case of “Schneider Electric”

Abstract

An important issue for CSR is whether it is instrumental for the legitimacy of organizations or does it mean philosophy and identity validation practices? This study focuses on CSR effects in the culture and practices of Schneider Electric as a direct consequence of its long history, business flair and a strong tradition of innovation. Specific CSR generators are tracked in the culture and way of doing business by the organization in the conditions of market competition. The study shows CSR not as a concrete and autonomous image-assertion strategy, but as a direct function of Schneider Electric ‘personality’ and ‘character’, which manifests itself in its day-to-day implementation at market conditions and according to the current economic environment: corporate citizenship.