Drivers for food risk management and corporate social responsibility; a case of Chinese food companies

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production Vol. 66; pp. 520 - 527
• Main Authors: Zhang, Dongyong, Jiang, Qijun, Ma, Xinming, Li, Bingjun
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: Animal, plant and microbial ecology; Applied ecology; Applied sciences; Biological and medical sciences; China; Conservation, protection and management of environment and wildlife; Corporate social responsibility; Driver; Environment and sustainable development; Exact sciences and technology; Food industries; Food risk management; Food safety; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; General aspects; Hygiene and safety; Pollution; Asia; China; China, People's Rep; Driver; Corporate social responsibility; Food safety; Food risk management; China; Pollution prevention; Risk management; Sustainable development; Social responsibility; Environmental protection
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2013.11.075

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) provides principles and guidelines for food risk management (FRM). This study aims to find the driving factors for both CSR and FRM. This is considered from the views of 183 food company managers in 14 regions across China. Both questionnaire survey and face-to-face in-depth interviews are employed. It is found that the current situation of FRM and CSR in Chinese food companies is still poor, and people do not have a clear understanding of the concept of CSR, FRM, and other related terms. The following nine drivers for FRM and CSR are identified: implementation of international standards, corporate value, trainings received, status of early warning systems, the cost, financial performance of the company, management support, CSR recognition (whether or not CSR being part of the company strategy), and management attitude to CSR. External affecting factors of FRM and CSR adoption are also explored. Finally, suggestions for policy-making and future research are made. •Drivers for food risk management (FRM) and CSR are identified.•Current situation of FRM and CSR in Chinese food companies is poor.•Un-clear understanding of the concepts of CSR, FRM, and related terms.•183 food companies in 14 regions across China were surveyed.•Both questionnaire survey and face-to-face interview are employed.