The CSR Professional – Undiscovered Agent of Change

Abstract

Today change is taking place much faster than it did in the 1980s and 1990s. A company that does not keep up will be left behind and loses its competitive advantage in the business world, while those who do embrace change will constantly benefit from responding to the socioeconomic context and the societal expectations of stakeholders. Innovation and self-actualization prove to be the most effective and rewarding practices for organizations. In a reality of low-carbon economy, climate change dialogue, artificial intelligence and demographic shift, corporate sustainability and responsibility turn to be a crucial part of strategic management. This paper examines whether the process of organizational change can be empowered and enabled by the CSR professional – the possible main change agent of the company’s business model and inspiration for the company’s future success. In addition, it showcases the results of a special survey that draws the profile of CSR professional in Bulgaria. Highlighting some active efforts to improve CSR in the country, the paper concludes that the idea of incorporating the systems of sustainability and responsibility has started but is still at a developing stage. More efforts are needed to professionally manage the processes and bring the CSR profession up to the level that serves the realization of the business as a force for societal welfare.