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The role and relevance of corporate social responsibility in sport: A view from the top

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 February 2015

Kathy Babiak
Kathy Babiak*
Affiliation:
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Abstract

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) represents behaviors that have increasingly strategic importance to many companies. CSR has been defined as a company's commitment to minimizing or eliminating any harmful effects on society and maximizing its long-term beneficial impact (Mohr, Webb, & Harris, 2001). The purpose of this paper is (a) to improve our understanding of how North American professional sport league executives view CSR and (b) to consider how CSR activities contribute to these leagues. Interviews with four senior league executives provide perspective as to the role and relevance of social responsibility in North American professional sport. The paper discusses the impact of leadership on CSR and relates the topics covered from institutional, strategic, and stakeholder perspectives.

Keywords

corporate social responsibilityprofessional sport leagueexecutive interview
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Management & Organization , Volume 16 , Issue 4 , September 2010 , pp. 528 - 549
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press and Australian and New Zealand Academy of Management 2010

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