The Islamic Basis for Corporate Social Responsibility E-Book

Hussein Elasrag

• Herausgeber: Hussein Elasrag
• Kategorie: Fachliteratur
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

The reform of society is the main target of Islam, Even acts of worship contribute to the achieving of this reform. Islam provides a basis and guideline for living one’s life. Within this, there is a very detailed concept of ethical and social behavior which allows us to deduce that the concept of social responsibility automatically has a role in Islam. The scope of this book is to briefly outline some of the major aspects of Islam which give consideration for businesses and their push towards Corporate Social Responsibility. It considers the belief system of Islam and how this belief has a significant underpinning of social behavior. The concept of social responsibility in Islam is discussed in light of Islamic religious values and beliefs according to Shari’ah.

Leseprobe

The Islamic Basis for Corporate Social Responsibility

Hussein Elasrag

Hussein Elasrag

The Islamic Basis for Corporate Social Responsibility

Copyright©2016 Hussein Elasrag

Abstract

The reform of society is the main target of Islam, Even acts of worship contribute to the achieving of this reform. Islam provides a basis and guideline for living one’s life. Within this, there is a very detailed concept of ethical and social behavior which allows us to deduce that the concept of social responsibility automatically has a role in Islam. The scope of this book is to briefly outline some of the major aspects of Islam which give consideration for businesses and their push towards Corporate Social Responsibility. It considers the belief system of Islam and how this belief has a significant underpinning of social behavior. The concept of social responsibility in Islam is discussed in light of Islamic religious values and beliefs according to Shari’ah.

Contents

1 INTRODUCTION

2 THE CONCEPT OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

3 THE BASIS FOR ISLAMIC SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

References

1 INTRODUCTION

Islam provides a basis and guideline for living one’s life. Within this, there is a very detailed concept of ethical and social behavior which allows us to deduce that the concept of social responsibility automatically has a role in Islam. This is a critical point that must be firstly understood as the role of moral ethics has been underpinned in Islam for over 1400 years whilst the concept of CSR remains relatively new for businesses today.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been associated with related terms like business ethics, corporate performance, corporate accountability, corporate responsibility and stake holder involvement. In recent years CSR, has grown into a well-known collective expression. The growth of CSR has been a result of organizations realizing their responsibility toward their stake holders in the context of business scandals (e.g. Enron) and a growing concern for environmental changes (e.g. global warming).

The European Union defines CSR as "a concept whereby companies integrate social and environmental concerns in their business operations and in their interactions with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis" (European Commission, 2002). According to Vernon and Mackenzie (2007), the question of whether companies should seek to do good by exercising CSR, rather than concentrate solely on wealth creation, is no longer interesting and in fact the focus today is on how well companies do good. Increasingly stake holders expect companies to take on public responsibility. Companies engage in CSR through diverse activities such as donating to charitable organizations (e.g. Ben and Jerry's), 'green' activities (e.g. moves by major retailers to eliminate plastic bags and promote 'green' bags) and by implementing environment friendly purchase and supply policies. A survey conducted by Research International, however, found that while CSR practices are commendable, they need to be viewed with caution as these activities are not sufficient in and of themselves (Social Funds, 2000).