Meanings and Manifestations of Corporate Social (Ir-)Responsibility in the Context of Middle Eastern Authoritarianism

Project Description:

This cumulative doctoral thesis project aims at examining energy corporations as political actors in the context of Middle Eastern authoritarianism, using the theoretical body of Political CSR as both a background of analysis as well as a starting point of refining and expanding core concepts of CSR- and business ethics research. The goal is to uncover both the limits and the potential of the perspective of Political CSR by contributing to the thus far limited body of empirical research. Until now, there are hardly any in-depth case studies on concepts and practices of CSR and their normative foundations in the Middle East. Central research questions addressed in this project are, therefore: What is the purpose of the Middle Eastern energy corporation? What do governments expect of “their” corporations, and what kind of responsibility is thus created? How does authoritarianism affect both the CSR-related activities and business ethics of domestic corporations and MNCs? And, against this background, how can we further expand and refine the theoretical body and core concepts of Political CSR? This research endeavour relies on qualitative interview research with high-ranking Arab decision makers (both corporate and governmental).

Key References:

Erdmann, G., & Engel, U. 2007. Neopatrimonialism Reconsidered: Critical Review and Elaboration of an Elusive Concept. Commonwealth & Comparative Politics, 45(1): 95–119.

Jamali, D., & Sidani, Y. 2012. CSR in the Middle East: Fresh perspectives. Basingstoke, New York: Palgrave Macmillan.

Jebnoun, N., Kia, M., & Kirk, M. Modern Middle East Authoritarianism: Roots, Ramifications, and Crisis.

Matten, D., & Crane, A. 2005. Corporate citizenship: towards an extended theoretical conceptualization. Academy of Management Review, 30(1): 166–179.

Scherer, A. G., & Palazzo, G. 2011. The New Political Role of Business in a Globalized World: A Review of a New Perspective on CSR and its Implications for the Firm, Governance, and Democracy. Journal of Management Studies, 48(4): 899–931.

Tripp, C. 2006. Islam and the moral economy: The challenge of capitalism. Cambridge, New York: Cambridge University Press.