Corporate Social Responsibility of Global Corporations. An Analysis of Success Factors Exemplified by BMW AG

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Problem and objective of the thesis
• Approach and structure
• Definition and definitional delimitation
• Three pillars of corporate responsibility
• Corporate Social Responsibility
• Corporate Governance
• Corporate Citizenship
• Summary of definition and definitional delimitation
• Corporate Social Responsibility in Corporate Leadership
• Sustainability
• Economic sustainability
• Ecological sustainability
• Social sustainability
• Responsibility
• Transparency
• Success factors of Corporate Social Responsibility
• Core success factors
• Effects of success
• Porsche Consulting Sustainability Concept
• BMW AG - the most sustainable premium car manufacturer
• Sustainability
• Social sustainability
• Economic sustainability
• Ecological sustainability
• Responsibility
• Transparency
• Success factors of Corporate Social Responsibility of BMW AG
• Analysis based on the Porsche Consulting Sustainability Concept
• Core success factors of BMW's Corporate Social Responsibility
• Core effects of success for BMW AG

Objectives and Key Themes

This Bachelor thesis aims to scientifically analyze Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its success factors within globally operating companies, using BMW AG as a case study. The objective is to identify key success factors for successful CSR implementation and to explore the resulting competitive advantages impacting core business. The study will investigate whether a quantifiable correlation between CSR and company success can be established.

• Definition and scope of Corporate Social Responsibility
• Key success factors for implementing CSR
• Competitive advantages stemming from successful CSR implementation
• Analysis of BMW AG's CSR initiatives
• Correlation between CSR and company success

Chapter Summaries

Introduction: This chapter introduces the thesis, outlining the research problem and objective: to determine the success factors for a successful implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at BMW AG and analyze the resulting competitive advantages. It details the chosen approach and structure of the thesis, providing a roadmap for the subsequent analysis. The chapter sets the stage by framing the importance of CSR within a global context and highlighting the significance of BMW AG as a case study for understanding the relationship between CSR and corporate success.

Definition and definitional delimitation: This chapter provides a precise definition of Corporate Social Responsibility, differentiating it from related concepts such as Corporate Governance and Corporate Citizenship. It carefully establishes the boundaries of the study, clarifying the specific aspects of CSR that will be examined and those that fall outside the scope of this research. This meticulous definition serves as the foundation for all subsequent analyses, ensuring consistency and clarity of terminology throughout the thesis.

Corporate Social Responsibility in Corporate Leadership: This chapter delves into the core tenets of CSR within corporate leadership. It explores the three interconnected pillars of sustainability—economic, ecological, and social—and discusses the crucial roles of responsibility and transparency. By analyzing these interconnected elements, the chapter emphasizes the holistic and integrated approach necessary for successful CSR implementation and sustainable business practices. The chapter lays the theoretical groundwork for evaluating the practical application of CSR in the subsequent chapters.

Success factors of Corporate Social Responsibility: This chapter identifies the core success factors for effective CSR implementation. It explores the effects of successful CSR initiatives, examining both tangible and intangible outcomes. The chapter also includes a detailed review of the Porsche Consulting Sustainability Concept, providing a framework for analyzing the case study of BMW AG. This section acts as a crucial bridge between theory and practice, providing the analytical tools for the chapters that follow.

BMW AG - the most sustainable premium car manufacturer: This chapter presents an in-depth analysis of BMW AG's approach to sustainability, responsibility, and transparency. The chapter breaks down BMW's efforts across economic, ecological, and social sustainability, offering specific examples and detailing the company's strategies to meet its CSR objectives. This serves as the foundation for the following chapter which analyzes BMW AG's success factors in light of the previously established theoretical framework.

Success factors of Corporate Social Responsibility of BMW AG: This chapter analyzes BMW AG's CSR performance using the Porsche Consulting Sustainability Concept as a framework. It identifies the core success factors driving BMW's CSR initiatives and evaluates their impact on the company's overall success. The chapter explores the interplay between these factors, investigating how they interact to create competitive advantages. The analysis in this section is expected to answer the main research question posed in the introduction.

Keywords

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), sustainability, economic sustainability, ecological sustainability, social sustainability, responsibility, transparency, competitive advantage, BMW AG, Porsche Consulting Sustainability Concept, success factors, brand image.

Frequently Asked Questions: Analysis of Corporate Social Responsibility at BMW AG

What is the main topic of this thesis?

This Bachelor thesis scientifically analyzes Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and its success factors within globally operating companies, using BMW AG as a case study. The objective is to identify key success factors for successful CSR implementation and to explore the resulting competitive advantages impacting core business. The study investigates whether a quantifiable correlation exists between CSR and company success.

What are the key themes explored in the thesis?

Key themes include the definition and scope of Corporate Social Responsibility, key success factors for implementing CSR, competitive advantages stemming from successful CSR implementation, analysis of BMW AG's CSR initiatives, and the correlation between CSR and company success.

How is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) defined in this thesis?

The thesis provides a precise definition of CSR, differentiating it from related concepts such as Corporate Governance and Corporate Citizenship. It establishes the boundaries of the study, clarifying the specific aspects of CSR examined.

What are the three pillars of Corporate Social Responsibility discussed?

The three interconnected pillars of sustainability are explored: economic, ecological, and social sustainability. The crucial roles of responsibility and transparency are also discussed.

What are the key success factors for implementing CSR, according to this thesis?

The thesis identifies core success factors for effective CSR implementation and explores the effects of successful CSR initiatives, examining both tangible and intangible outcomes. The Porsche Consulting Sustainability Concept is used as a framework for analysis.

How does the thesis analyze BMW AG's CSR performance?

The thesis presents an in-depth analysis of BMW AG's approach to sustainability, responsibility, and transparency, breaking down its efforts across economic, ecological, and social sustainability. BMW's CSR performance is then analyzed using the Porsche Consulting Sustainability Concept as a framework.

What are the core success factors of BMW AG's Corporate Social Responsibility according to this thesis?

The thesis identifies the core success factors driving BMW's CSR initiatives and evaluates their impact on the company's overall success. It explores how these factors interact to create competitive advantages.

What is the overall conclusion of the thesis regarding the relationship between CSR and company success?

The thesis aims to determine if a quantifiable correlation can be established between CSR and company success at BMW AG. The final chapter's analysis is expected to answer this research question.

What are the key words associated with this thesis?

Key words include: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), sustainability (economic, ecological, and social), responsibility, transparency, competitive advantage, BMW AG, Porsche Consulting Sustainability Concept, success factors, and brand image.

What is the structure of the thesis?

The thesis includes an introduction, a chapter defining and delimiting CSR, a chapter on CSR in corporate leadership, a chapter on CSR success factors, a chapter analyzing BMW AG's CSR practices, and a concluding chapter analyzing BMW AG's CSR success factors using the Porsche Consulting Sustainability Concept. A table of contents and chapter summaries are also provided.