Integration of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into Corporate Governance: New model, Structure and Practice: A Case Study of Saudi Company

Abstract

This paper seeks to explore the integration of corporate social responsibility (CSR) into corporate governance (CG) structure and system. To obtain this objective, this paper firstly reviews the extensive literature of CG and CSR. Second, it investigates the conception and understanding of interrelationship between CG and CSR within case study context of petrochemical company operates in Saudi Arabia. A qualitative case study was adopted by conducting in-depth interviews with participants at various levels of board and management in petrochemical company operates in Saudi Arabia. The findings suggested that the majority of participants consider CG as an essential foundation for sustainable CSR activities. The significance of the findings can be found in the fact that the previous trend of focusing solely on CG in developing countries has been reverted and more attention is dedicated to CSR. The current study contributes to existing body of CSR and CG literature by presenting the new CSR governance model. Two important implications can be found in this study. At organizational level, board members and managers can improve the corporate policy and practice in context of engaging with stakeholders. At the national level, the policy makers within developing countries can build on the conclusion drawn in this paper and enhance capacities of their regulatory and judicial systems to protect stakeholder's interest.