Abstract

The Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) field presents not only a landscape of
theories but also a proliferation of approaches, which are controversial, complex and
unclear. This article tries to clarify the situation, mapping the territory by
classifying the main CSR theories and related approaches in four groups: (1)
instrumental theories, in which the corporation is seen as only an instrument for
wealth creation, and its social activities are only a means to achieve economic results;
(2) political theories, which concern themselves with the power of corporations in
society and a responsible use of this power in the political arena; (3) integrative
theories, in which the corporation is focused on the satisfaction of social demands;
and (4) ethical theories, based on ethical responsibilities of corporations to society. In
practice, each CSR theory presents four dimensions related to profits, political
performance, social demands and ethical values. The findings suggest the necessity to
develop a new theory on the business and society relationship, which should integrate
these four dimensions.

What is the Social Responsibility Theory?

Written by the Hutchins Commission on Freedom of

the Press
May 18, 2009 Suzanne Pitner

Eagle Statue - Clara Natoli

The Social Responsibility Theory, first developed in the 1940s by Robert Maynard
Hutchins, is still a guiding principle for the media today.
The First Amendment guarantees freedom of speech so that the press can remain fully
free, and the public can be fully informed. This freedom may sometimes be hindered
by corporate pressures and government control. In countries without freedom of the
press, messages are filtered through the government, allowing only what is considered
acceptable information to be released to the public.

Social Responsibility Theory

To combat the pressures that threatened freedom of the press, this theory was first
introduced in 1947 and was recommended by the Hutchins Commission on Freedom
of the Press. It stated that the media should serve the public, and in order to do so,
should remain free of government interference. It defined guidelines that the media
should follow in order to fulfill its obligation of serving the public.

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Ethics and the Media

The Social Responsibility Theory claimed that the media could be self-regulating by
adhering to the following precepts:

• Media has obligations to fulfill to a democratic society in order to

preserve freedom.
• Media should be self-regulated.
• Media should have high standards for professionalism and objectivity,
as well as truth and accuracy.
• Media should reflect the diversity of the cultures they represent.
• The public has a right to expect professional performance. (The
proponents of this theory had strong faith in the public’s ability to determine
right and wrong, and take action to preserve the public good when necessary.)

The social responsibility does not only fall upon the reporters and producers of media.
The responsibility also falls to the consumers to become media literate and maintain
high, yet reasonable expectations of the media. In theory, if these things happen, there
will be no need for government intervention.

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The Social Responsibility Theory was set forth as the ideal way for the media to
conduct business. Over the years since its introduction, this theory has met with much
criticism as well as support. It has become the standard for United States media
practices. It has also set the standards for much of the currently accepted media ethics.
Since the Hutchins Commission produced its famous theory, the United States has
developed better educated journalists, seen a reduction in news sensationalism and
enjoyed more accuracy in reporting. Many journalists are now also advocates for the
public and for social issues and reform, getting their messages out through the media.

Social Responsibility Theory

Social Responsibility Theory
To combat the pressures that threatened freedom of the press, this theory was first
introduced in 1947 and was recommended by the Hutchins Commission on Freedom
of the Press. It stated that the media should serve the public, and in order to do so,
should remain free of government interference. It defined guidelines that the media
.should follow in order to fulfill its obligation of serving the public

Ethics and the Media

The Social Responsibility Theory claimed that the media could be self-regulating by
:adhering to the following precepts
Media has obligations to fulfill to a democratic society in order to preserve •
.freedom
.Media should be self-regulated •
Media should have high standards for professionalism and objectivity, as well as •
.truth and accuracy
.Media should reflect the diversity of the cultures they represent •
The public has a right to expect professional •