The key features of Carroll's CSR Pyramid are that:

• CSR is built on the foundation of profit – profit must come first
• Then comes the need for a business to ensure it complies with all laws & regulations
• Before a business considers its philanthropic options, it also needs to meet its ethical duties

The four responsibilities displayed on the pyramid are:

ECONOMIC

• This is the responsibility of business to be profitable
• Only way to survive and benefit society in long-term

LEGAL

• This is the responsibility to obey laws and other regulations
• E.g. Employment, Competition, Health & Safety

ETHICAL

• This is the responsibility to act morally and ethically
• With this responsibility, businesses should go beyond narrow requirements of the law
• E.g. Treatment of suppliers & employees

PHILANTHROPIC

• This is the responsibility to give back to society
• The responsibility is discretionary, but still important
• E.g. charitable donations, staff time on projects

Evaluating Carroll's CSR Pyramid

Strengths

• The model is easy to understand
• Simple message – CSR has more than one element
• Emphasises importance of profit

Weaknesses

• Perhaps too simplistic?
• Should ethics be at the top?
• Businesses don’t always do what they claim when it comes to CSR