The first «Handbook on Corporate Foundations» offers a better understanding of this global phenomenon
The number of corporate foundations has been increasing globally in recent years. However, our understanding of this type of foundation is still limited. With the publication of a new «Handbook on Corporate Foundations», this phenomenon becomes the new centre of attention in philanthropic literature. Located between the business company and civil society, corporate foundations play a special part in providing voluntary action. On one hand, corporate foundations can serve to support the CSR activities which have already become an expected duty for companies. On the other hand, corporate foundations can extend their focus away from sheer business-oriented activities to more distinct philanthropic actions.
This book includes different perspectives and country-specific distinctions to ensure a thorough understanding. Its focus lies on the internal structures, strategies and activities rather than on the business side. Therefore, the «Handbook on Corporate Foundations», published by CEPS and scientists of the Rotterdam School am Management, complements existing literature and provides a new ground for discussion.
On the occasion of the publication, we have addressed some questions to one of the authors, Prof. Dr. Georg von Schnurbein:
What is the background and the purpose of this first handbook on Corporate Foundations ever?
The rise of corporate foundations is a global phenomenon. It was our primary interest to better understand the specific role of corporate foundations located between a business company and the civil society.
How has the role of corporate foundations changed in recent years? Do you expect an upswing in the future due to an increase in CSR and CP?
Corporate foundations have received increased attention by both, companies and the general public. The chapters in the book show that corporate foundations can serve to support the CSR activities of a company, especially in relation to corporate volunteering or corporate citizenship. However, the more CSR becomes an expected duty for companies, the more corporate foundations can serve to clearly distinct voluntary action from the more business-oriented activities.
You deliberately combine different perspectives in the publication. How compatible were these perspectives, or did one consciously want to draw attention to differences?
Our aim was to capture the understanding of corporate foundations from the perspectives of different constituents. The perception can be very different, if you look at the corporate foundation from the a business or a civil society perspective, or from a more economic, a more social or a more political perspective. What is most important, is that we analyze corporate foundation as single entity. So far, most literature on corporate foundations has taken the perspective of the business – what the corporate foundation can do for the company. But our primary focus is the corporate foundation itself, the internal structures, the strategies, and activities.
To what extent does the book also reflect a Swiss perspective? Or are corporate foundations in most cases of an international character anyway?
The book is the result of an international collaboration, including authors from many different countries. Most corporate foundations are created by multi-national corporations and, by this, of international interest. However, in the chapter on Europe we show that there are country-specific differences, depending on the legal regulations and the tradition of business interaction with civil society.
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