Brown-Bag research seminar on work-in-progress by Jacobo Ramirez

Brown-Bag research seminar on work-in-progress by Jacobo Ramirez, Assistant Professor, Department of Intercultural Communication and Management (ICM), CBS

The seminar takes place Tuesday, April 15, 2014 from 12:00-13:0 in room PH18b-S.023

Karin Buhmann, Associate Professor, ICM, will be the discussant.

Abstract
It is widely recognised that indigenous populations have become important political actors in Latin American countries. However, their importance has moved beyond from political dynamics into Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on megaprojects.

This chapter employs the framework of institutional logic to discuss what is meant by inclusive growth or inclusive capitalism and how can companies channel some of their innovative ingenuity to worthwhile development needs and projects in the developing world? & Where can CSR research in developing countries feed back into CSR research and practices in developed countries? To illustrate the conflicting logics between CSR from the political and economic elites’ perspectives, on the one hand, and indigenous populations, on the other, this study examines an ecological and environmentally friendly megawind energy project that has led two MNCs, Vestas and Mareña Renovables, into an international controversy in terms of CSR in Mexico.

The discussion will be framed on the struggles of indigenous communities who are challenged by questionable institutional arrangements from political and economic elites. This Oaxaca saga provides fertile ground for further developing new elements in studying CSR,institutional context and social movements that combat the power of political and economic elites in Latin America and beyond. Further research on CSR in emerging economies might help us better understand and reconcile institutional logics and design strategies that reflect the interaction between formal and informal institutions.

The abstract is from a book chapter. The chapter aims at discussing the theoretical backgrounds of institutional logics, CSR and sustainable development. Jacobo is interested in receiving feedback on whether it makes sense to discuss these perspectives together in one chapter or should he focus only on CSR.

If you would like a copy of the paper to be presented, please e-mail Jacobo (jra.ikl@cbs.dk).