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 their

strategy. We have used a unique database comprising CSR of Brazilian

firms, IBASE, which contains CSR data for about ten years. Results show

that a growing number of Brazilian companies have adopted CSR and many

firms already have internal stakeholders formally involved with CSR policy

definition. Such groups have influenced CSR policy. This formal inclusion

of stakeholders and the growing number of firms adopting CSR could be an

indication that that the Brazilian firms may be integrating CSR into their

strategy. Besides, sector, and firm size also seem to interfere on CSR policy.

A relevant growth in external and environmental social actions has been

documented.