Corporate Social Responsibility at Skandia Sweden with passion and commitment?

Abstract

There is always a story waiting to be told. This is the story about the long and committed work with Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) at Skandia Sweden. CSR work at Skandia has touched many hearts within the company as well as outside, in other companies, in the Swedish society and in many individuals. Can such a story be forgotten? What were the arguments of yesterday that convinced stakeholders of the necessity to work with CSR and what are the arguments today? The aim of this research is to further the understanding of the mechanisms involved when an organization decides to direct its focus on CSR issues. CSR efforts are carried out on a longterm basis, often in a turbulent business environment. Through interviews and theoretical analysis I have studied events in Skandia’s history of social commitment since 1987. My own background as a former employee, together with the many dedicated employees of today as well as yesterday, comprises the backbone of this work. Since Skandia’s pioneering work in the area of CSR is unique in Sweden, I have chosen to write in English in order to share my findings with a wider readership.