The Role of Governments in Fostering CSR

The purpose of this paper2 is to analyse differences in the approaches of European government policies in the light of their ideals, and four different models of government action are put forward. Our proposal’s theoretical coherence stems from the fact that CSR is not a new and isolated item for inclusion on the political agenda. On the contrary, it forms part of the current debate on the role of companies in society, clearly shaping the current challenges to the welfare state and its governance, and the socio-economic development of each country. This initial hypothesis has been given a relational reading that emphasises the strategy of dialogue and collaboration between company, government and the organs of civil society.