Corporate Social Responsibility: Some Critical Questions for Australia

This article questions whether governmental support and enthusiasm for CSR is appropriate, given the neo-classical view of corporations as entities devoted to the maximisation of shareholder wealth. It examines legislation that already imposes obligations on companies to behave in a socially responsible manner, and looks at some of the recent CSR initiatives in Australia. The motivations for CSR are examined, highlighting the issue of protection of corporate reputation and the government's motives for its encouragement of CSR. Finally, the proper role of CSR in Australia will be analysed.