Corporate Social Responsibility to the Community: A Process-oriented Model for Contractual Relations

Corporate social responsibility for the community is a developing phenomenon, which has expanded considerably throughout the world in recent years. Collaboration between corporate and social organizations generates new opportunities but at the same time, it involves unique difficulties and challenges. In this paper, we present a seven-stage process-oriented model for collaboration between businesses and social organizations. The model shows how relationships between businesses and the community can be developed in a practical way, with emphasis on partnership. The model includes a variety of strategies and techniques, which can be used to enhance collaboration and bridge gaps in the organizational language and cultures of business and social involvement. The model was developed out of a five-year professional intervention conducted by a community social worker at the Businesses for Children at Risk organization. Based on the model, practitioners can develop relationships between businesses and the community, and plan systematic interventions. Implications for research and practice are discussed.