Building a Business and Society Typology: Philanthropy, Social Responsibility, Corporate Citizenship, and Mutual Gain

This paper proposes a typology for understanding the relationships between business and society, distinguishing between philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, corporate citizenship, and mutual gain. Often used interchangeably, these terms, upon closer analysis, reveal important distinctions. The article explains these differences and discusses their implications, framing business and society relationships as collaborations involving business, government, and civil society organizations. It aims to clarify these concepts for a more precise discourse on corporate engagement in societal issues.