Is social purpose now eclipsing CSR?

This article explores the idea that corporate social responsibility (CSR) is being replaced by the new concept of social purpose.

Is social purpose now eclipsing CSR?

Melanie HowardThe Future Foundation

Social purpose is a genuine attempt by business to fill unmet social need.

How come social contribution is becoming a talking point in brand marketing again today? Twenty years ago, corporate social responsibility (CSR) was riding a wave of new thinking about the role of business in society. New Labour was spearheading the Third Way – a marriage of capitalism with the resolution of social issues created by Anthony Giddens at the London School of Economics. Steve Hilton (later to become David Cameron's policy guru) was writing a book...

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