example, organizations were mandated to
provide an accounting of their equal opportunity and affirmative action efforts. This
has led to an ongoing expectation forcing
organizations to become more aware of how
their business processes, as well as, the decisions and actions of both their managers
and technical professionals impact society
as a whole. Given today’s tumultuous economic climate, the emphasis on ethical
business actions continues to escalate. 1, 2
CSR has been comprehensively studied
for decades; however, it is still a complicated and misunderstood concept. 2, 5 CSR
is often described as a perpetual duty by
organizations to operate ethically. In order
to be considered a good CSR steward, an
organization must also contribute to the
financial growth and augment the quality
of life of employees, their families, and the
community. 2, 6 More simply stated, CSR is
the process which organizations use in
order to meet their economic, legal, ethical, and discretionary responsibilities to
society. 2, 3, 7, 8
CSR Viewpoints
CSR has two viewpoints known as the
Classical and the Socioeconomic. The
Classical viewpoint of CSR indicates that
the only organizational obligation employees of an organization have is to the stockholders of the organization. 2, 3, 8 The primary role of employees in this viewpoint
is to maximize profits. 3, 9
The other CSR viewpoint, known as the
Socioeconomic, is based on CSR efforts
being altruistic thoughts and actions. CSR is
thought of merely as the right thing to do. 2, 3, 8
This viewpoint focuses on more than merely
the impact on organizational stockholders. 10
It considers how other individuals such as
patients, employees, and members of the
community can also be impacted by the
decisions and actions of others. 11
Furthermore, this viewpoint demonstrates that the
responsibility of an employee within the
healthcare industry goes beyond profit maximization. It also includes protecting the welfare of the community, the environment,
and the larger society as a whole. 2, 3, 8
CSR Orientations
From the seminal studies of CSR viewpoints emerged the CSR orientations
which included four domains of ethical
propensity. These domains are thought to
explain an individual’s natural orientation
toward CSR and are known as the CSR
orientations. Figure 1 demonstrates and
defines each CSR orientation. These orientations demonstrate the responsibilities
that individuals within the healthcare sector have to their patients, employees, and
community members. The figure also
demonstrates how the CSR viewpoints
correlate with the CSR orientations. 12
CSR in Radiology
The healthcare industry as a whole has a
variety of challenges that are problematic.
Reduced governmental reimbursement,
stringent regulatory compliance, and
intense labor shortages in nursing and
other allied health professions provide
almost insurmountable managerial dilemmas. 13, 14 Radiology managers, and their
CSR Viewpoints
CSR Orientations with Definition
Economic
Economic
The obligation to be both profitable and productive in order to meet the
needs of society in terms of consumption
Ethical
The need to follow unwritten codes and social norms which are commonly held in
society and believed to be vital to business success
Legal
Socioeconomic
The obligation to act within the limits of the law.
Discretionary
The expectation for volunteerism and participation in both humanitarian
and philanthropic activities 2, 3, 8, 12
