ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book argues that the relative priorities of corporate citizenship (CSR) in Africa are different from the classic, American ordering suggested by Carroll's widely accepted four-part CSR pyramid, where economic, legal, ethical and philanthropic responsibilities are assigned decreasing importance, respectively. It looks for leadership in a more institutional sense, using the notion of a polestar as the central guiding principle that informs different kinds of governance structure. The book also argues that tax compliance by companies in Africa should be central to any discussion and practice of corporate social responsibility and presents a way in which to conceptualise and justify this relationship. It also looks at the HIV/Aids challenge from the perspective of a company and industry that has to actively manage its impacts on business.
