What Is The CSR Pyramid? The CSR Pyramid In A Nutshell

The CSR pyramid is a framework guiding how and why an organization should meet its social responsibilities. Developed by University of Georgia Professor Archie B. Carroll who adapted earlier work from the 1950s. The CSR pyramid is based on four levels: economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic.

Component	Description
Definition	The CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) Pyramid is a framework that represents the levels of responsibility and ethical behavior that a corporation can adopt. It helps organizations understand their social and environmental obligations to various stakeholders.
Key Elements	– Economic Responsibility: The foundational level involves a corporation’s primary duty to generate profits, provide returns to shareholders, and ensure financial viability. – Legal Responsibility: Corporations must comply with laws and regulations governing their operations, ensuring ethical and legal conduct. – Ethical Responsibility: Beyond legal requirements, organizations should engage in ethical behavior and practices, which often involve voluntary efforts to benefit society. – Philanthropic Responsibility: The highest level involves voluntary contributions to society, including charitable donations, community involvement, and sustainability initiatives.
How It Works	– Economic Responsibility: Ensure financial stability and profitability through sound business practices. – Legal Responsibility: Adhere to all laws and regulations relevant to the industry and geographic locations of operation. – Ethical Responsibility: Make ethical decisions, uphold moral values, and act in ways that benefit stakeholders and society. – Philanthropic Responsibility: Engage in philanthropic activities, supporting communities and addressing societal needs beyond financial obligations.
Economic Benefits	– Sustainable profitability and long-term financial success. – Attracting investors and shareholders who value responsible business practices. – Enhanced reputation and brand image, which can lead to increased customer loyalty.
Ethical Benefits	– Fostering a culture of integrity and ethical decision-making within the organization. – Building trust among stakeholders, including customers, employees, and communities. – Contributing positively to society and addressing societal issues.
Challenges	– Balancing economic and ethical responsibilities can be challenging. – Meeting legal requirements in diverse regions and industries can be complex. – Determining ethical standards and making decisions may vary among individuals and cultures. – Allocating resources for philanthropic initiatives may strain budgets.
Applications	– CSR Strategies: Organizations use the CSR Pyramid as a framework for developing comprehensive CSR strategies. – Reporting: It guides the reporting of corporate social responsibility initiatives in annual reports and sustainability reports. – Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with stakeholders, such as employees, customers, investors, and communities, to address their concerns and needs.
Examples	– Economic Responsibility: Ensuring fair wages, job creation, and economic growth through business operations. – Legal Responsibility: Complying with labor laws, environmental regulations, and product safety standards. – Ethical Responsibility: Implementing ethical sourcing practices, promoting diversity and inclusion, and adopting sustainable manufacturing processes. – Philanthropic Responsibility: Donating to charitable organizations, supporting education and healthcare initiatives, and engaging in environmental conservation efforts.

Understanding the CSR pyramid

Corporate social responsibility first surfaced as a concept in Howard Bowen’s 1953 book Social Responsibilities of the Businessman.

Bowen described the concept simply as any policy desirable to the objectives and values of society.

Some years later, University of Georgia Professor Archie B. Carroll organized various social responsibilities into a four-level model. For this reason, the framework is sometimes called Carroll’s CSR pyramid.

Carroll’s model remains relevant today because consumers expect companies to be good corporate citizens.

The model is also a powerful way for a company to simplify the rather nuanced field of corporate social responsibility.

What’s more, empirical research has found that socially responsible companies experience higher profit margins, increased valuation, and lower risk. In some cases, CSR has the power to boost product differentiation and deliver a more stable return on investment during an economic downturn.

The four levels of the CSR pyramid

Carroll suggests corporate social responsibility has to be fulfilled on four different levels:

Economic

The lowest level of the pyramid since it is the responsibility that must be satisfied first.

Without the ability to make a profit, the company cannot fund the other levels.

In some instances, economic responsibilities will facilitate others.

For example, a company transitioning to cheaper, eco-friendly packaging potentially satisfies an economic, legal, and ethical obligation at the same time.

Legal

While the economic level forms a solid foundation, the legal obligations of a company are perhaps the most important.

How does a company conduct its business in the marketplace?

Does it comply with employment, tax, environmental, health, and safety, or anti-competitive laws?

Failing to abide by the law can result in severe financial and reputational damage.

Ethical

This layer of the pyramid can best be described as doing the right thing through fairness and harm avoidance.

Unlike the first two levels, ethical practices are not something the company is obligated to incorporate.

Nevertheless, demonstrated evidence of moral and ethical decisions strongly influence consumer brand perception.

Philanthropic

As we noted in a previous section, consumers expect the companies they do business with to give back to society.

These efforts are vital for companies who leave a large carbon footprint, consume natural resources, or contribute to wage, cultural, or gender inequality.

At the most basic level, philanthropy may constitute a company paying the correct amount of corporate tax.

But it also extends to philanthropy as most people know it, with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation arguably the best example.

Limitations of the CSR pyramid

Despite its simplicity and effectiveness in distilling a rather nuanced topic, there do exist some limitations to Carroll’s pyramid.

These include:

No cultural component

Critics argue that culture plays an important role in decision-making around corporate social responsibility.

To some degree, this limits the effectiveness of the framework because a company may preach social responsibility without actively embodying it.

Fast-fashion chain H&M was exposed for greenwashing in 2019 – or the act of giving a false impression of environmentally friendly products.

This disconnect between environmentally friendly marketing and non-environmentally friendly production is a great example of poor and misaligned culture.

Establishment cost

Some businesses will find the implementation of CSR principles prohibitively expensive.

Procedures and protocols need to be adjusted and employees need to be retrained.

Social development initiatives must also be developed, funded, and implemented and not impact the bottom line.

Misuse

For many companies, CSR is seen as a quick way to change public perceptions and not a way to create sustainable and measurable positive impacts.

When airline Virgin Australia announced a plan to publicly acknowledge war veterans on their flights, the company failed to consult with them first.

The move was also considered insensitive because the company attempted to benefit from a national day of mourning for those killed in combat.

CSR versus ESG

Whereas CSR is a practical framework for a company to achieve socially responsible goals.

The ESG criteria is a way to measure whether those objectives are met. Thus, ESG is more of an accounting method for measuring sustainability.

Whereas the CSR framework is a practical framework to achieve these goals.

Case Studies

Case Study 1: Patagonia – Environmental Stewardship

Economic Responsibilities: Patagonia, an outdoor clothing company, fulfills its economic responsibilities by manufacturing and selling high-quality outdoor gear to consumers worldwide. The company focuses on profitability and financial sustainability while adhering to ethical business practices.

Legal Responsibilities: Patagonia complies with all relevant laws and regulations governing environmental protection, labor rights, and product safety. The company ensures that its manufacturing processes and supply chain operations meet legal standards and requirements in every region where it operates.

Ethical Responsibilities: Patagonia goes beyond legal compliance to uphold ethical responsibilities, particularly in environmental stewardship. The company promotes sustainable sourcing, fair labor practices, and transparency in its operations. Patagonia’s commitment to environmental activism and advocacy aligns with its ethical values and mission to “use business to inspire and implement solutions to the environmental crisis.”

Philanthropic Responsibilities: Patagonia engages in philanthropic activities and community initiatives to address social and environmental issues. Through its “1% for the Planet” program, Patagonia donates 1% of its annual sales to grassroots environmental organizations. The company also supports environmental education, conservation efforts, and sustainable development projects globally.

Case Study 2: TOMS – Social Impact through One-for-One Model

Economic Responsibilities: TOMS, a footwear and lifestyle brand, fulfills its economic responsibilities by manufacturing and selling shoes, eyewear, and accessories to consumers. The company operates as a for-profit business, focusing on revenue generation and financial sustainability to support its social impact initiatives.

Legal Responsibilities: TOMS complies with all relevant laws and regulations governing product safety, labor rights, and business operations. The company ensures that its manufacturing facilities and supply chain partners adhere to legal standards and ethical practices in every market where TOMS products are sold.

Ethical Responsibilities: TOMS demonstrates ethical responsibility through its One-for-One business model, where for every product purchased, the company donates a pair of shoes, eyeglasses, or other essentials to a person in need. This approach aligns with TOMS’ mission to create positive social impact and improve lives through business.

Philanthropic Responsibilities: TOMS engages in philanthropic initiatives to address global issues such as poverty, health, and education. Through its Giving Partnerships, TOMS supports organizations and programs that provide shoes, sight-saving surgeries, clean water, and other essential resources to underserved communities around the world. By integrating philanthropy into its business model, TOMS amplifies its social impact and fosters a culture of giving back.

Case Study 3: Unilever – Sustainable Business Practices

Economic Responsibilities: Unilever, a global consumer goods company, fulfills its economic responsibilities by operating profitably and generating value for shareholders. The company’s diverse portfolio of brands, including Dove, Lipton, and Ben & Jerry’s, caters to consumers’ needs and preferences, driving revenue growth and financial sustainability.

Legal Responsibilities: Unilever complies with all relevant laws and regulations governing product safety, environmental protection, and labor rights across its global operations. The company maintains high standards of corporate governance, transparency, and accountability to ensure legal compliance and ethical conduct in all aspects of its business.

Ethical Responsibilities: Unilever demonstrates ethical responsibility through its Sustainable Living Plan, a comprehensive strategy to drive sustainable growth while reducing environmental impact and improving social outcomes. The plan encompasses initiatives such as sustainable sourcing, waste reduction, and community development, aligning with Unilever’s core values and commitment to responsible business practices.

Philanthropic Responsibilities: Unilever engages in philanthropic activities and partnerships to address social and environmental challenges and support community development. Through initiatives such as the Unilever Foundation and partnerships with organizations like the World Food Programme and UNICEF, Unilever contributes to initiatives focused on nutrition, hygiene, and sustainable agriculture, making a positive impact on the lives of millions globally.

Case Study 4: Coca-Cola – Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives

Economic Responsibilities: Coca-Cola, a leading beverage company, fulfills its economic responsibilities by delivering value to consumers and shareholders through its portfolio of beverages, including Coca-Cola, Sprite, and Dasani. The company’s focus on innovation, marketing, and distribution drives revenue growth and profitability.

Legal Responsibilities: Coca-Cola complies with all relevant laws and regulations governing food safety, environmental protection, and labor standards in its operations worldwide. The company maintains robust compliance programs and quality assurance processes to ensure adherence to legal requirements and industry standards.

Ethical Responsibilities: Coca-Cola demonstrates ethical responsibility through its commitments to sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and community engagement. The company focuses on reducing water usage, minimizing environmental impact, and promoting responsible sourcing throughout its value chain. Coca-Cola also invests in initiatives to empower women, support minority-owned businesses, and address social issues such as access to clean water and education.

Philanthropic Responsibilities: Coca-Cola engages in philanthropic initiatives through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs and partnerships with nonprofit organizations and community groups. The company supports initiatives focused on education, youth empowerment, environmental conservation, and disaster relief efforts globally. By leveraging its resources, expertise, and global reach, Coca-Cola makes a positive impact on communities and society at large.

Key takeaways

The CSR pyramid is a framework detailing how and why an organization should meet its social responsibilities. It was developed by University of Georgia Professor Archie B. Carroll who adapted earlier work from the 1950s.
The CSR pyramid is based on four levels: economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic.
The CSR pyramid is an effective way of simplifying nuanced corporate social responsibility. However, it does not guide company culture and may encourage short-term, opportunistic, or deceitful practices.

Key Highlights

CSR Pyramid Overview: The CSR pyramid is a framework guiding how and why organizations should fulfill their social responsibilities. It was developed by Professor Archie B. Carroll based on earlier work from the 1950s. The pyramid categorizes responsibilities into four levels: economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic.
Origin of CSR: The concept of corporate social responsibility emerged in Howard Bowen’s 1953 book. It emphasizes policies aligning with societal objectives and values.
Archie B. Carroll’s Model: Professor Archie B. Carroll organized social responsibilities into a four-level model, known as the CSR pyramid. This model helps companies simplify and address corporate social responsibility in a structured manner.
Relevance of CSR Pyramid: The CSR pyramid remains relevant as consumers expect companies to be good corporate citizens. It simplifies the complex field of corporate social responsibility and has been linked to higher profits, valuation, and risk reduction.
Four Levels of the CSR Pyramid:
1. Economic Level: The foundational level, focusing on profit generation, which enables other responsibilities.
2. Legal Level: Adherence to laws related to business operations, such as employment, tax, and environmental laws.
3. Ethical Level: Doing what is morally right through fairness and harm avoidance, influencing consumer perception.
4. Philanthropic Level: Giving back to society, addressing issues like carbon footprint, resource consumption, and inequality.
Limitations of the CSR Pyramid:
- No Cultural Component: The framework lacks cultural considerations, leading to incongruences between messaging and actions.
- Establishment Cost: Implementing CSR can be costly due to retraining, initiatives, and potential impact on profits.
- Misuse: Some companies use CSR opportunistically for short-term image change without creating sustainable positive impacts.
CSR vs. ESG:
- CSR: A practical framework for companies to achieve socially responsible goals.
- ESG: Environmental, Social, and Governance criteria used to measure whether companies meet these goals; an accounting method for sustainability assessment.

Comparison’s Table	CSR Pyramid	Carroll’s CSR Pyramid	Stakeholder Theory
Type	Hierarchical model categorizing CSR into different levels of responsibility.	Hierarchical model outlining four levels of CSR: economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic.	Theory emphasizing the importance of considering and balancing the interests of various stakeholders in decision-making.
Purpose	To categorize and prioritize CSR activities based on their impact and importance.	To provide a comprehensive framework for understanding corporate social responsibility.	To guide organizations in identifying and managing relationships with stakeholders effectively.
Key Components	– Economic Responsibilities: Focus on profitability and financial sustainability. – Legal Responsibilities: Compliance with laws and regulations. – Ethical Responsibilities: Conducting business ethically and responsibly. – Philanthropic Responsibilities: Giving back to society through charitable activities.	– Economic Responsibilities: Ensuring profitability and financial stability. – Legal Responsibilities: Compliance with laws and regulations. – Ethical Responsibilities: Conducting business ethically and responsibly. – Philanthropic Responsibilities: Voluntary contributions to society.	– Identification of Stakeholders: Recognizing and prioritizing stakeholders based on their influence and interests. – Stakeholder Engagement: Involving stakeholders in decision-making processes and addressing their concerns. – Stakeholder Management: Balancing the interests of various stakeholders to create value for all.
Application	Used by organizations to prioritize and focus their CSR efforts based on different levels of responsibility.	Applied to understand the different dimensions of CSR and guide organizations in fulfilling their responsibilities.	Utilized to identify stakeholders, assess their interests and concerns, and manage relationships effectively.
Focus	Focuses on categorizing CSR activities into distinct levels of responsibility.	Focuses on defining the various dimensions of CSR and their importance to organizations.	Focuses on understanding and managing relationships with stakeholders to create shared value.
Benefits	– Provides a structured framework for organizing and prioritizing CSR activities. – Helps organizations understand their responsibilities and obligations to society. – Guides decision-making related to CSR initiatives.	– Offers a comprehensive view of CSR encompassing economic, legal, ethical, and philanthropic aspects. – Helps organizations fulfill their responsibilities to various stakeholders. – Encourages ethical conduct and social responsibility.	– Enhances organizational reputation and trust among stakeholders. – Promotes transparency and accountability in decision-making processes. – Facilitates the identification of opportunities for collaboration and value creation.