Social responsibility in business in theory and practice

Currently it is possible to observe regular and coherent evolution of thinking about the meaning of natural and social environment for the contemporary human, as well as about multilateral understanding of health, well-being and quality of life of an individual. This evolution has naturally developed the discourse concerning the issue of place and role of business in society and the contemporary sources of competitive advantage, as well as economic circumstances. The necessity to stop treating environmental and social aspects as obstacles for development is becoming apparent. Instead, there is a trend towards regarding them as an instrument supporting efficient functioning of the economy. Moreover, the importance of non-material factors contributing to the value of a company is growing. Social awareness is growing as well. There are three sources of pressure on commercial entities aimed at boosting their social involvement: 1. The value of a company will to a large extent depend on the social context In which it is created. 2. The society will demand greater involvement in solving social issues and will put pressure on the civic attitude of companies. 3. Growing social and environmental problems will require solutions from efficient commercial entities. In a community business activity creates the feeling of common goals and the conviction based on the assumption that each person's success depends on the success of others. Both practice and theoretical deliberations show that efficient social responsibility policy of a company is based on common creation of social and economic value. It focuses on searching for economic results of social involvement, as well as partners allowing for operational application of social activities for the achievement of planned targets. This has aroused interest in partnership between sectors as a form of efficient implementation of the companys’ social responsibility policy. The goal of this article is to present the evolution of the concept of social responsibility together with its integration with the processes of management of a contemporary company, as well as presentation of intersectoral partnership as a basis for companies’ involvement in the environmental and social sphere in practice.