The Theoretical Structure of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as a Soft Law in the Context of Labour Law

Abstract

Today, the whole world has been influenced by globalization. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has now been the focus of international organisations, debates and scientific discussions with a greater or lesser degree of intensity towards labour law. Ethically, CSR today, manages many multinational companies in relation to modern labour law. This research article will discuss if CSR should be viewed as a soft law method, or as a creative strength and potential that gives hopes towards the creation of various new sources of labour law. The article will also stress on how the Open Method of Co-ordination (OMC) as a new method of governance will focus towards the need for interpreting and repositioning or positioning CSR in the labour law system at the international, national and European level. This paper will also emphasize on the International Legal Regimes which governs CSR, and in the present era, how CSR is helpful for the effective implementation towards labour law. Many companies have adopted the CSR mission statements and programs and are also sharing their efforts through the sustainability reports. This article also examines how in today’s global economy, developments, outsourcing and the establishment of various networks of enterprises have had reaching impacts or effects for the enforcement of labour law. CSR activities can help in forging a stronger bond between the corporation and the employees. Generally, CSR involves “soft law” with very limited effects on the workers’ rights and working conditions. This is generally based on the fact that there is no such legal commitment on behalf of the enterprise. On the other hand, in view of today’s globalized economies, CSR is more appropriate than the traditional legal instruments. This Research article will basically discuss the role of CSR as a soft law method in Labour law.