Integration of Faith and Learning
RQ1: What is Corporate Social Responsibility?
Theory
There are a few theories that address corporate social responsibility (CSR) from the
theory of business citizenship, stakeholder theory, and rights theory. Many scholars are still
uncertain as to the correct definition so there has been no definitive agreement on the main
theory (Frynas & Yamahaki, 2016). Empirical research is searching for a connection, but
theoretical research has been ambiguous (Qureshi et6al. 2021). Corporate social responsibility
continues to expand and there is still uncertainty about the approach moving forward (Carroll,
1979).
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) mirrors a firm’s responsibilities in the business
world and how they deal with customers and clients from a legal and ethical viewpoint (Liang et
al., 2021). Stakeholder theory connects with CSR in that individuals can be influenced based on
a firm’s objectives Fu, & Kong, 2024). Corporate social responsibility was developed with
stakeholder theory in mind to address the rationale that a firm should uphold when doing
business (Freeman, 2010; Jensen, 2009).
Research
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) involves ethics in that individuals should look at
ways to help the many instead of implementing personal goals (Wilson, 2003). The history dates
back to ancient Greek times when there were rules put in place for those in the business world on
how they should conduct themselves (Carroll, 2009). A plethora of scholars have taken on the
role to define CSR and the premise behind the writings involved the ethical responsibility
managers had and what considerations should be instituted.
Integration of Faith and Learning
The World Business Council has characterized CSR as “the continuing commitment by
business to behave ethically and contribute to economic development whilst6improving the
quality of life of the workforce and their families [and] the local community and society at large”
(Kassem et al., 2023). Consequently, the World Bank defines CSR as businesses making a
concerted effort to improve the growth of society by contributing to the development of the
community (Starks, 2009, p. 465). A broader definition of CSR stems from understanding the
responsibilities businesses must fulfill their legal and ethical duty and they should be good
citizens and obey the policies set out for firms that include profit making (Carroll, 1991).
Analysis
Corporate social responsibility has remained elusive in that scholars have tried to define
what it means while many still come up with a different understanding. The use of empirical
research and theoretical research still works to define CSR. In essence, corporate social
responsibility when viewed at its core is the responsibility of a business to maintain ethical
standards from an economical and legal viewpoint. There will continue to be an expansion to
understand CSR and one of the theories that best define it is stakeholder theory because a firm's
influence and rationale are formed by those who have input and what course of action a company
takes.
CSR Takes on the role of having a balanced work-in-life schedule while holding
managers and stakeholders responsible for creating an ethical and methodical plan. There have
been mixed reviews about CSR because the challenge of CSR is it is hard to measure the impact
to determine the return on investment by its implementation. What has been studied is those
companies that implement CSR have improved finances, they are active in their brand awareness
and they have increased the company’s risk management program and all this saves money.
Integration of Faith and Learning
RQ2: How could an active CSR agenda improve the internal efficiency and effectiveness of
a Real Estate Operations firm?
Theory
A theory that can show how a CSR agenda can improve the internal efficiency and
effectiveness of a real estate operations firm is the stakeholder theory in that it helps to
strengthen relationships so the firm will have a stronger foothold on its competition (Wilson,
2003). To implement stakeholder theory effectively companies, need to challenge each other and
agree on the criteria to define who a stakeholder is for the company (Wilson, 2003). Stakeholder
theory also aligns with an active CSR agenda in that the theory can institute greater civil
achievement and that can help to reduce a firm's risk (Godfrey et6al. 2009).
To improve internal efficiency stakeholder theory holds a firm responsible for engaging
individuals to adhere to the policies set forth by the corporation (Erol et al., 2023). Improving the
internal efficiency and effectiveness of real estate operations is impacted by stakeholders due to
the responses they have which can aid of project and maximize the benefits of the firm (Wang,
2020). Moreover, shareholders can generate stability in the market which can help lower
company costs and decrease a company’s overall risk in the market (Erol et al., 2023).
Research
Corporate social responsibility is an important tool for company liability and for a firm to
increase brand awareness (Baudot et al., 2020). For instance, certified public accountants can
implement CSR actions to evaluate investments and monitor groups (Tschopp & Nastanski
2014). Consequently, the best practices for firms that implement CSR have shown that rewards
such as retaining customers far outweigh companies that do not implement CSR (Baudot et al,
2020).
Integration of Faith and Learning
Furthermore, implementing an active CSR agenda improves a firm’s reputation
(Brammer & Pavelin, 2006), and it allows for risk management (Godfrey, 2005), to be placed in
the forefront while engaging employees (Wood, 2010). Improving organizational strategies is
what CSR strives to do in both business and academia (Fatima & Elbanna, 2023). With the
complexities that go along with CSR implementing active CSR agendas can improve a firm by
dealing with stakeholders and to this degree can create a management system both on an external
and internal level (Kliene & Hauf, 2009).
Analysis
Internal efficiency and effectiveness for a real estate firm is paramount when a company is
pursuing longevity and wants the relationships that the CSR can help to provide. Stakeholder
theory was introduced to businesses to bring about greater achievement and to maximize a firm's
reputation. Stakeholders can help or hinder a firm in that they could negatively affect the bottom
line and could decrease a firm's foothold in the community. By following the planned CSR
agenda stakeholders Can affect real estate operations that will have a positive response on
employees, clients, and external partners. A company that doesn't understand who their
stakeholders are will have challenges engaging the firm and understanding who is setting policy.
Integration of Faith and Learning
RQ3: Please provide a sample CSR agenda suitable for a RE Operations firm that would
glorify our Lord and Savior Jesus as He has commanded us to do.
Table 1
CSR AGENDA--
Attendees: 66
I.- INTRO- We must spread His love and impact all those who we encounter
to serve others while pushing our CSR agenda and providing
quality real estate products across the land.6
II.- PRAYER- We open this prayer up to ask that you continue to help us to
move towards being good stewards and that we use the tools you
have given us to impart impartiality and fairness in all that we do.
We rejoice in your name and in everything we do we ask that you
see us through. In your name, we pray, Amen.6
III.- VISION
STATEMENT--
To embrace innovation and promote ethical business practices
while continuing to honor our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We
will hold our values, goals, and community engagement at a high
standard.
IV.- MISSION
STATEMENT--
Integrate our faith with our business practices and discuss ways to
better understand CSR to improve upon our agenda and real estate
business.
V.- BUSINESS
PRACTICES-
a. We hold everyone to a high standard and are transparent with
our partners.
b. We emphasize integrity and promote ethics within a safe
working environment.
VI.- ENGAGEMENT--IN
THE COMMUNITY
a. We offer Nonprofit support to help the community.
b. We offer the church support by helping with its programs
c. Employees will be asked to volunteer in the community
VII.- ENVIRONMENT- We will offer renewable energy by using solar and cannabis to
help the earth with less use of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.6
VIII.-EMPLOYEES-- a. Maintain a professional development program where employees
can foster growth
b. Maintain a Work-Life Balance program where employees feel
heard and their mental health is a priority
IX.- ADVOCACY-- c. We will raise awareness of environmental issues and encourage
other companies to follow suit.
X.- CHARITY a. Promote scholarships to students who live in underrepresented
Integration of Faith and Learning
areas
b. Donate to disaster relief programs
XI.- CONCLUSION We aim to rise above the rest in the real estate industry being
good stewards as we serve and glorify God on the journey. We
will incorporate love into our daily work as we honor God.
XII.- PRAYER- We close this prayer asking that you continue to help us to move
towards being good stewards and that we use the tools you have
given us to impart impartiality and fairness in all that we do. We
rejoice in your name and in everything we do we ask that you see
us through. In your name, we pray, Amen.6
A CSR agenda for real estate suitable for RE operations
RQ4: Why did you choose the CSR agenda in RQ3? Provide a Bible verse or verses that
guide your choice?
I chose the CSR agenda because it aligns with the real estate principles that we use daily
in our business. The premise behind everything we do is to love one another and help the
community. We place God in everything we do because we know that without Him none of this
would be possible.
We believe that we are all given a plate of food off which to eat off of and when you
finish your plate God will then provide you more. If you are not willing to help others and if all
you do is for yourself, then why does He need to provide you with more? That is one of the
questions that rings true in what we do.
In Proverbs 22:7 (King James Version, 2021), the Bible says, “The rich rules over the
poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” This passage tells us that just because you are
the lender does not mean that you should treat people differently or unfairly in their dealings
with people that may be less fortunate. Those that are the lender must remember that the Lord
giveth and the Lord taketh away so as easy as you received it it can all be gone in the blink of an
eye.
Integration of Faith and Learning
In Isaiah 58:10 (King James Version, 2021) states, “and if you spend yourselves in behalf
of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light6will rise in the darkness, and
your night will become like the noonday.” This passage directly relates to how real estate guided
the choice in how we approached the CSR agenda due to helping those in need. Following God’s
commands tells us that we should love our brother just as Christ so loved the world that he gave
his only begotten son.
Integration of Faith and Learning
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