The Master model on multi-actor and multilevel social responsibilities

Abstract

This working paper contributes to a collective discussion in a workshop occurring in January 2011 at the International Institute of Social Studies, bringing scholars from Europe and Brazil and aiming inter-university research collaboration on linking policies on social responsibility to development and equity. The paper serves as an introductory discussion for reframing the concept of corporate social responsibility into a broader umbrella concept of multi-actor and multilevel social responsibility in a territorial scope – the Master model, connecting different stakeholders´ social responsibilities to the purpose of development and equity goals at territorial levels. The proposed Master model can be unfolded into parts of: specific layers of territorial scopes; engagement of social actors in the governance arena; delegation of complementary roles; choices of levels of ethical challenges; themes of social responsibility; and development of governance phases. It presents a synthesis and reflection on the current state of the art of the concept and tools of corporate social responsibility and multilevel governance and brings the contribution of a selection of globally referenced frameworks for policies on corporate social responsibility and development and equity goals. The Master model aims to serve as a mapping tool for research and policies purposes on linking social responsibility, governance, development and equity. Comments and contributions from readers are much welcome for future revisions on the paper