Responsibility and Philanthropy in Nineteenth-Century Business

Heald examines how businesses in the 19th century employed philanthropic giving as part of corporate responsibility. He traces motivations—moral obligation, paternalism, reputation—and the emergence of early corporate philanthropy. The chapter connects these practices to modern corporate social responsibility, highlighting historical roots in moral economy, and demonstrating how historical philanthropic endeavors laid the groundwork for contemporary CSR initiatives. It analyzes the evolving motivations behind corporate giving, from altruistic impulses to strategic business considerations, providing a historical context for understanding the role of businesses in societal well-being.