ABSTRACT
Governmental policies had greatly stimulated corporate community relations and philanthropic activities, yet private initiative had established both long before public sanction was secured. Some critics saw the concept of corporate social responsibility as a mere propaganda device of business to conceal selfish motives and objectives. The dimensions of private trusteeship and governmental regulation had been further explored in the 1920s and 1930s before a new trial balance emerged at the end of the Second World War. Despite the increased role of governmental initiative and supervision, this was a balance which left large areas of social and economic activity essentially free for private decision making. True partnership, through joint participation in determining social needs and responsibilities, might offer a sounder approach. Rather than a futile search for absolute standards of business social responsibility, it might provide the basis for continuing explorations of mutual needs and resources.
