Call for Collaboration

Corporate Social Responsibility in an Aging Society

The aim of this research project is to explore, identify, and present the social responsibilities of corporations in face of humanity’s aging population.

עברית

Introduction

The human population is aging and growing daily. As health services improve and communities develop their economic and social infrastructures, infant mortality rates are declining, the population is becoming healthier, and life expectancy is increasing dramatically. According to the WHO, the number of people aged 60 years or older will increase from 900 million in 2015 to two billion in 2050 (rising from 12% to 22% of the total global population).[1]

Corporate social responsibility (hereinafter “CSR”) is the term commonly used to describe the overall social, environmental, and governance efforts undertaken by business entities. It entails various activities such as the engagement of stakeholders, public relations, political lobbying, risk mitigation, community involvement, financial contributions, and so on. One of the features of CSR is the requirement for transparency of non-financial information (usually termed “environmental, social, and corporate governance” [ESG] disclosure). Disclosure of these aspects of businesses has been neglected in traditional financial reporting methods, but is needed in order to make businesses accountable for their social and environmental impacts.

This research aims to study the complex interrelationships between these two major societal issues: the aging of society and CSR. The former is a developing social and demographic situation with major ramifications on communities and economies, while the latter links the business sector to its environmental, social, and governance challenges, responsibilities, and expectations.

More specifically, this research will focus on research questions such as what is (if any) corporations' responsibility to the social issue of aging population, how this issue is being addressed by CSR methodologies, how the topic is reported in non-financial reports etc.

These cross-interpretations of the two realms will advance our understanding of the social construct of each of them separately and both of them synergistically, and contribute to the theoretical understanding and conceptualization of the meaning of CSR within an aging society.

Want to collaborate with us?

CSR 65.0 is an 'applied' research project. e.g., our vision and goal is not only to conduct well-structured research and publish the results, conclusions and insights in peer-reviewed publications, but also to influence decision making processes and public discourse. As we see this project as having an important and unique social contribution, we will dedicate our efforts to the dissemination of its conclusions.  

In order to achieve all of the above, we are seeking research institutions, corporations and other foundations who are willing to support us and contribute to deepening the understanding of this increasing social concern and its relation to the social responsibilities of corporations. Academics already engaged this field are welcomed. 

Head of Project and Chief Researcher - Mr. Liad Ortar

Ortar is a PhD Candidate at the Department of Gerontology, University of Haifa and head of CSRI. 

For the past 15 years, in which Ortar also completed his M.A. (Geography- Tel Aviv Uni.), he has been extensively engaged in advocating and teaching Sustainability and CSR in the business sector in Israel and beyond.

Over the past three years, Ortar has also been engaged in academic activities, teaching undergraduate courses at Ben-Gurion University, giving lectures in many Israeli academic institutions and conducting research at the Corporate Social Responsibility Institute of the College of Law & Business in Israel. Today he heads this influential Israeli CSR institute and leading all of its activities.   

More about Ortar - LinkedIn , curriculum_vitae_liadortar_oct2016