Comparative Study Of CSR Between China And U.S From Cultural Perspective

Corporate should pay more attention to its fulfillment of Social Responsibility, which has been loudly applauded by the academic and public. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) campaign boosts the legislation on CSR in which some international standard born, such as SA8000 and Multinational Corporations' Product Principles. It becomes critical for corporations to deepen the understanding about CSR and take actions to enhance performance in this field. America, started up early on CSR research, has established comparatively mature regulations and laws to adjust corporations' behavior as social members, while for china, the conception of CSR was gradually familiarized by public since 1990s. The differences on CSR between America and China could be explained from cultural perspective other than economic reasons though it plays a big role indeed. The premise of this thesis is that people have different understanding on CSR under the influence of different culture, therefore America and China shows difference on CSR practice. On the basis of summary of CSR theories and conceptions related, a comparison from culture perspective is made between America and China on their CSR practices, and furthermore, four hypotheses set as follow: First, comparing with China, American corporations emphasize more on economic responsibility. Second, for the understanding of CSR, American corporations and public are more likely to consider it from legal perspective, while Chinese take it more from ethical perspective. Third, Chinese government plays a leading role in CSR construction, whereas American government plays a minor and supportive role. Forth, American corporations and public are more active in intendance of CSR practices, while Chinese are more passive in it. To verify the hypotheses, a survey was conducted in China and America respectively. According to the questionnaire data analysis, most hypotheses were supported, which means the differences of CSR practices between China and America can be explained by culture. At the end of the thesis, suggestions are given to CSR construction in China. First, Chinese corporations and public should deepen the understanding of CSR in more comprehensive perspective. Second, strengthen the leading role of government in CSR activities. Third, encourage corporations to take social responsibilities more actively. Forth, intensify the public supervision on corporations' social performance. Fifth, corporations should take the ecological review as a guideline for CSR construction, and develop harmonious public relationship with the whole society.