Wojciech W. Gasparski, Towards the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Business Ethics in Emerging Economies of Central Europe: the Polish Case

Wojciech W. Gasparski

1. Business stereotypes prevent its societal acceptance in the emerging economies
Regarding ethics and social responsibility, the way business is done in countries of CE leaves a lot to be desired. The dominant stereotype that business is unethical in itself sums up the general criticism towards business in these countries. Numerous anti-business populists thrive on such opinions, unfortunately thwarting constructive criticisms aimed at improving the ways business is done. Inappropriate behaviour of business is not caused by the fact that businessmen are less ethical than other people but by the fact that not enough attention is given to developing ethical and truly responsible business organisations. It is argued that unethical behaviour is often structural in its nature. Ethical people can go astray by working in irresponsible businesses whereas in good businesses even people of questionable reputations could become better or at least are kept under control . To achieve the purpose CSR and BE should go hand in hand.
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