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

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.