CSR Analysis: A Reflection from Businesses and the Public in Thailand

Abstract

This research attempts to investigate Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the Thai context and attempts to, firstly, examine CSR from the business point of view. Second, it investigates the public's perceptions and expectations for "socially responsible" businesses, and their decision to exercise their purchasing power over the companies with and without CSR initiatives. Third, it investigates how businesses and the public communicate and connect with each other regarding CSR initiatives. The research conducted semi-structured interviews with the management of PTT Group and Shell (Thailand) and conducted surveys on consumers' side. Evidently, this research found that the public has higher expectations for firms to be socially responsible. They are willing to exercise their power to support companies that are socially responsible and are able to use their sanction to boycott companies that do not act in a socially responsible manner. It was found that CSR public communications do have a critical impact on business perception.