The Role of Corporate Social Responsibility in Ecuadorian Companies: Epistemic Contributions, Critique of its Discourse, and Challenges in Organizations

This project addresses the growing incorporation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) into the strategic plans of large and medium-sized organizations, driven by the need to respond to social and environmental issues generated by business dynamics. CSR is viewed both as a tool to humanize corporate image and repair social damage, and as a strategic mechanism to mask negative business externalities. Given the extensive existing literature, it is essential to analyze this tool from both orthodox and critical perspectives to uncover the true intentions behind corporate application and evaluate the ethics and actual benefit of its social implementation. The methodology will be mixed, combining qualitative research (in-depth interviews with managers and experts) with quantitative research (descriptive and correlational statistical methods) to measure the penetration of CSR strategies and their level of impact in the target cities.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To determine the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in large and medium-sized Ecuadorian companies located in Quito, Guayaquil, and Cuenca, by analyzing their corporate discourses, strategic practices, and social impact.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Social responsibility, redistribution of wealth and quality of life