When Word and World Collide: Conflicts in Corporate Social Responsibility

Vincent F. Maher¹, George V. Priovolos²
(1. Department of Management/Health Care Management, Hagan School of Business, Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801, USA;
2. Department of Marketing, Hagan School of Business, Iona College, 715 North Avenue, New Rochelle, NY 10801, USA)

Abstract: This paper analyzes the cases of a well-known global corporation (Toyota), a highly-ranked institution of higher education (Emory University) and a celebrity athlete (Lance Armstrong), all of which have systematically promoted an outward appearance of “clean hands” wrapped in socially responsible jargon but have, nevertheless, been criticized for engaging in questionable and/or unethical practices. More specifically, the authors examine the disconnection between what these business entities say they stand for and what they actually do and its implications for teaching business ethics and principles of corporate social responsibility in business school.

Key words: education; corporate social responsibility

JEL codes: A13, 22, I25, M14