Volkswagen company presents an excellent subject for research in the sphere of corporate social responsibility due to the infamous scandal with emissions. The company lied to its stakeholders about the pollution levels of its new product, which led to huge financial and reputational consequences (Leggett, 2018). The case study design in this research is chosen because it allows for flexibility in research methods, breadth of possible theoretical implications and development of ideas. In addition, case study design allows the application of theoretical concepts and capture their reflection and functioning in real-life conditions, which links academic research and practice.
The most relevant theory, in this case, is corporate social responsibility which embodies the care for stakeholders and reveals the complexity of interrelations between society and a corporation (Zu, Li, Zhao, & Li, 2014). In addition, stakeholder theory is also employed due to its emphasis on ethical conduct, social contract, and business values, which are pertinent to the Volkswagen case.
In conclusion, the case study observed poor adherence to CSR practices due to an overemphasis on profit-making. The key recommendation for the company is to establish strict protocols for CSR reporting and internal management of ethical issues. In addition, the study revealed the deliberate concealment of facts because of the negligence of executives.
References
Leggett, T. (2018). How VW tried to cover up the emissions scandal.BBC. Web.
Zu, B., Li, Z., Zhao, Y., & Li, C. (2014). A dynamic model for corporate social responsibility: A case study of Chinese major coal producers. Journal of Applied Sciences, 14(18), 2109-2118.