Analyzing CSR Conceptions of Business Students: Some Preliminary Evidences in Spain

Abstract

This paper analyzes the dimensions and motives attributed by a sample of Spanish business undergraduates to firms’ socially responsible practices. Findings support the coexistence of alternative components in the students’ conceptualization of CSR, while the predominant vision is one in which enterprises are profit motivated and engage themselves in socially responsible practices because of egoistic and strategic motives which lead them to pay attention to their remote external environment. At the same time, business students seem to be aware of the altruistic value reported by CSR to the society, thus remarking the importance of business practices to satisfy social concerns and, particularly, the expectations of consumers as main stakeholders.