Implementing Corporate External Social Responsibility Strategies Through Organizational Design and Operation

Abstract

This article focuses on how to implement a company’s social responsibility, especially responsibility to external stakeholders, through the design of its internal organizational structure. We use the example of Starbucks which has actively taken on such initiatives through its CSR department, and conclude that a dedicated internal organizational agent should be established to implement the CSR strategy. We also discuss the current situation of CSR practice among Chinese and foreign companies, and explore the definition, scope and formation of CSR in theory. Finally, we give our recommendations to Chinese companies in different phases on how to implement CSR. Keywords: corporate social responsibility, CSR department, external stakeholder engagement