The purpose of this paper is to focus on the influence of socio-economic and cultural factors and their influence on corporate social performance (CSP) (Clarkson, 1995) within developing and mature economies. It aims at identifying the characteristics of socially responsible actions within two contexts: France and Brazil.
Based on a case study methodology and a press database, this paper analyzes two oil companies, the French group Total SA, and the Brazilian company Petrobras.
By focusing on corporate social responsibility (CSR) actions in different socio-economic and cultural contexts, it was possible to identify a predominant CSP “proactivity” in both companies; observe a difference in CSR discourse and practice; note a heterogenic and composite CSR; and notice that companies do not choose their CSP posture, but are subjected to external classifications.
The analysis of only one company per socio-economic and cultural context belonging to the same field could be considered as a limitation, although it allows a deeper analysis of events within both organizations.
Apprehending CSP within different contexts may help decision makers to better understand companies’ socially responsible postures and to observe the socio-economic and cultural factors that can influence them.
This paper highlights CSR practices and their CSP under different socio-economic and cultural perspectives for a more comprehensive understanding of factors that motivate and direct the actions of big corporate organizations.
