When do firms implement corporate social responsibility? A study of the Spanish construction and real-estate sector

The purpose of this paper is to analyse when firms implement CSR and the efficacy of such activities in specific contexts and industries. This paper analyses the specific context of the Spanish construction and real estate industry between its convulsing period of 2007-2009. By using a longitudinal multi-case approach, the study suggests links between market orientation and CSR. The research also identifies two profiles of firms. The first group, which is proactive (e.g., market oriented), demonstrate altruistic concerns about consumers and CSR; for the second, which is more reactive, their concerns about CSR are more opportunistic and aimed at attracting additional customers or responding to competitive pressures.