Regulation of CSR from International, European, and Spanish Viewpoints

Abstract

This work reviews the development of regulations on corporate social responsibility (CSR) with particular emphasis on the European Union (EU) viewpoint as a reference point for understanding how international regulations on CSR are converging. We analyse four contexts (governmental, social, international and political) that influence the development of regulations and then discuss regulatory frameworks in the form of directives and laws from international, European and Spanish viewpoints. We look at the regulations derived from the need for organisations to set out their commitment to society, and use our examination as a basis for outlining the trend towards standardisation of non-financial information, including social, environmental and human issues. These systems of measurement are not an end in themselves but a means of providing information. Their efficient implementation helps to shape social commitments that go beyond financial issues and work towards sustainable development goals.