CSR Leadership Study : Leading Corporate Responsibility in Multinational Corporation - A Study in Germany's Biggest Firms - Final Report

The new study by Erik G. Hansen and Ralf Reichwald from Technische Universität München, Germany sheds light on leadership for corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainability. The results root in a qualitative-empirical investigation and benchmarking analysis in seven of the largest (public-listed) multinational corporations based in Germany (including BMW, Deutsche Telekom, Henkel, Linde, Merck, and Siemens). It presents best practice governance mechanisms aiming at CSR-oriented organisational change. The study has been guided by the “Responsible Leadership Systems Framework” covering six fields of formal mechanisms, instruments and tools including (1) corporate strategies, (2) organisational structures, (3) values definition and goal setting, (4) integrated performance measurement, (5) incentive and compensation mechanisms, and (6) selection of leaders and leadership development. The analysis is presented on the level of each of these elements as well as on the level of the overarching (responsible leadership) system. The publication addresses managers and researchers alike, but emphasizes a practitioner oriented design focusing on outcomes. Managerial implications are given. Additionally, a more detailed book publication targeting the research community is in preparation