Social Responsibility and Businesses at the Base of the Pyramid in Brazilian Multinational Companies: Intersection in a Meso-level Perspective

Abstract

This study aimed to verify the intersection between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and businesses at the base of the pyramid (BOP) in Brazilian Multinational Companies (MNCs) in a Meso-level analysis. After analyzing fifty Brazilian MNCs, we identified six MNCs that were engaged in business activities in BOP-markets (Banco Bradesco S.A., Banco do Brasil S.A., Artecola Quimica, Vale S.A., Natura &Co Holding S.A., and Klabin S.A.). Data were collected by desk research by analyzing companies’ public documents and reports. Subsequently, we conducted qualitative content analysis to synthesize the main findings. Through analysis of the MNCs’ business activities in BOP markets, and comparing them with CSR theory, it was found that it is hard to find the exact point where these companies’ activities stop being specific organizational actions and policies aimed to match the expectations of stakeholders (CSR) to become businesses in the BOP markets, which is the possibility of reducing poverty through profitable activities.

Keywords:
Business model; Sustainability; Low-income communities; Poverty