An analysis of corporate social responsibility in Brazil: growth, firm size, sector and internal stakeholders involved in policy definition

Abstract

This study aims to analyze Corporate Social Responsibility in Brazil,trying to capture signals that Brazilian firms are integrating CSR into theirstrategy. We have used a unique database comprising CSR of Brazilianfirms, IBASE, which contains CSR data for about ten years. Results showthat a growing number of Brazilian companies have adopted CSR and manyfirms already have internal stakeholders formally involved with CSR policydefinition. Such groups have influenced CSR policy. This formal inclusionof stakeholders and the growing number of firms adopting CSR could be anindication that that the Brazilian firms may be integrating CSR into theirstrategy. Besides, sector, and firm size also seem to interfere on CSR policy.A relevant growth in external and environmental social actions has beendocumented.