Title: Exploring perceptions on the importance of corporate social responsibility in industrial areas

Authors: Marina Proikaki; Nikoleta Jones; Chrisovaladis Malesios; Konstantinos Evangelinos

Addresses: Centre for Environmental Policy and Strategic Environmental Management, University of the Aegean, University Hill, Lesvos Island 81100, Greece ' Global Sustainability Institute, Anglia Ruskin University, East Rd., Cambridge, CB1 1PT, UK ' Department of Agricultural Development, Democritus University of Thrace, Orestiada, Greece ' Centre for Environmental Policy and Strategic Environmental Management, University of the Aegean, University Hill, Lesvos Island 81100, Greece

Abstract: A major challenge in areas where local communities coexist with industries is to overcome potential conflicts occurring in the context of these complex socio-economic systems. Several studies highlight the importance of corporate social responsibility actions as a useful way for industries to benefit local communities where they are established thus minimising conflicts. The present paper contributes to this discussion by investigating perceptions of local communities for CSR activities and most importantly exploring social factors influencing these perceptions. The results of an empirical study are presented which was conducted in central Greece in the area of the Asopos river.

Keywords: local communities; environmental degradation; social trust; institutional trust; social networks; quality of life; social capital.

DOI: 10.1504/PIE.2017.086158

Progress in Industrial Ecology, An International Journal, 2017 Vol.11 No.1, pp.3 - 15

Received: 22 Feb 2017
Accepted: 05 May 2017
Published online: 27 Aug 2017 *

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