Corporate Social Responsibility in Europa

Abstract

An increasing emphasis has been placed on companies and institutions' responsibility for the environment and society over the past few years. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) entails how companies and institutions take into consideration the impact on society of their operational activities. The European banking industry has long ago realized the central importance of having a defined CSR policy - banks fully understand the worth of CSR because they are such central actors in any modern economy. This paper reviews that there are clear and tangible gains to be had for European banks which carry out well-devised and successful CSR strategies. They can increase their profile in the community they serve, boost local, national and cross-border economic performance, enable societal development, while simultaneously strengthening their profitability.