The emergence of corporate social responsibility consumer cooperatives in Sweden

Abstract

This study analyses how Cooperative Enterprises (CEs) approach corporate social responsibility (CSR) to meet demands from members, stakeholders and society. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect qualitative data for a case study of four regional consumer CEs in Sweden. Findings showed that CEs adopt solutions in response to member demands, collaborate proactively in local and global partnerships to facilitate new undertakings, and put pressure on stakeholders to take social responsibility. The research contributes to the literature by showing that CEs’ approach to CSR leads to the spread of responsibility and the emergence of CSR in society.