Corporate social responsibility in supply chain management: A new model approach

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) remains a widely acknowledged business philosophy. However, there are situations when socially responsible activities are incorporated without due attention to the consequences for business operations. It is important to pursue alternatives, such as outsourcing, in the process of deciding how to manage CSR and assessing the impact on supply chain management (SCM). We studied the implications of incorporating non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in SCM to achieve CSR goals. A market survey was conducted in Poland among 100 medium-sized and large local and international enterprises. The model developed to test the research questions was specified and estimated using structural equation modelling (SEM). Our research suggests that a CSR framework should be integrated into the company's core business operations as a full member of its SC. NGOs operating within SCs, owing to their experience and knowledge of market 'games', could help identify opportunities for business development.