Social Responsibility of Agribusiness: The Challenges of Diversity

Abstract

This paper refers to the discussion on how to implement socially responsible measures in agribusiness, a complex and often heterogeneous system. It indicates the similarities between Corporate Social Responsibility and Agribusiness Social Responsibility as well as the unique characteristics that distinguish agribusiness. The focus was on the analysis of the processes taking place in the supply chain of the pig market operating in Poland, due to the author’s detailed knowledge of the phenomena taking place there. As part of these considerations, the following three key questions were asked: (1) What are the differences between the definitions of CSR and ASR, and is there any reason to define the two concepts separately? (2) Which links in the food supply chain require particular attention when implementing social responsibility? (3) To what extent should social responsibility principles be adhered to on a voluntary basis? The analyses were based on a critical review of the literature on the subject, inspired by Denyer and Tranfield’s literature review structure. The following two repositories were used: Google Scholar, which is publicly available, and Web of Science, which is a licensed network. The study found that, despite significant similarities between ASR and CSR, fundamental differences exist. Understanding the specific nature of agribusiness social responsibility requires not only accepting its differences but, above all, taking a holistic view of the processes accompanying food production, processing, and distribution. Furthermore, it requires considering the economic, organizational, and social diversity of entities comprising the food supply chain.