The use of crowdfunding platforms for the implementation of corporate social responsibility activities

Abstract

The aim of the study is to identify the forms and scope of using crowdfunding platforms to implement the CSR strategy. Two research questions were posed. Can crowdfunding platforms be used to implement activities related to corporate social responsibility? Are crowdfunding platforms used in the CSR activities of enterprises? A qualitative research method was used in the study to examine the forms and scope of using the crowdfunding platforms in the implementation of CSR activities. The choice of the method was dictated by the complexity and initial stage of identifying the problem area. Based on the analysis of crowdfunding campaigns and the content posted by the creators of the Wspieram.to and Pomagamy.im websites, it was found that crowdfunding platforms can be and are used to implement activities within the framework of corporate social responsibility. Undertaken initiatives concern local communities and employees, and are based mainly on creating campaigns and cooperation with the portal, to a lesser extent relying on the patronage of a project initiated by the community or foundation. These actions may be beneficial to the company in terms of image, as well as affect the area of human resources management. The preliminary research carried out is the basis for deepening the topic concerning the use of crowdfunding portals in activities related to CSR. The issue of the effectiveness and efficiency of undertaking such initiatives in implementing communication and the strategy of corporate social responsibility itself becomes particularly important. An interesting complement to the research would be to conduct in-depth interviews with the enterprises that undertook these activities on the studied platforms.