Zdrojový dokument:Scientific papers of the University of Pardubice. Series D, Faculty of Economics and Administration. 42/2018
ISSN:ISSN 1211-555X (Print)
Abstrakt:
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is an important factor of the positive
image of corporations and their competitiveness. However, in some cases, serious
misconduct occurs in this area. The article summarizes the results of qualitative
research into the failure of the Volkswagen Group’s corporate social responsibility
system. The purpose of this research, conducted in the form of a case study, was to
elucidate the causes and consequences of fraudulent behavior of falsifying the results of
exhaust emission tests for diesel-powered cars. It was found that the main cause was the
Group’s organizational culture characterized by very strong elements of competition
where the strategic goal had to be met at any cost. If necessary, it would include ways
that are contrary to the ethical code. The whole sophisticated CSR system of the
Volkswagen Group fatally failed in this case. The consequences became evident mainly
in a significant reduction in the market value of the Group and a decrease in investors’
confidence. It is clear that the experience of this case goes significantly beyond the limits
of the Volkswagen Group. It can be assumed that it will significantly affect the behavior
of companies not only in the automotive industry, but also in other sectors. Further to
this case, the critique of the current CSR concept is also becoming more intense and the
first impulses to redesign this concept have started to occur.